MONTEVALLO, Ala. - The action was fast and furious in Trustmark Arena as the Falcons held on to defeat Valdosta State 97-93 in GSC action.  

Latrell Carter had a big coming out party and led six Falcons who scored in double figures.   Carter was a force in the paint scoring 18 points on 7 – 12 shooting from the field and adding six rebounds.   Braxton Bertolette was on fire from three going 4-5 and scoring 16 points. 

Travarus "Bob" Carroll also scored 16 points on a 7-9 effort from the field.   Mason Shifflett, who was held scoreless in the first 27 minutes of the game, erupted for 15 points on 4-5 from the field and 6-7 from the foul line.  James McNeill and Xavier Malcom each scored 12 points.  Malcom was 9-12 from the foul line hitting key free throws down the stretch.  

The Falcons improved to 4 -2 in the GSC and Valdosta State fell to 9-4. 
 
"It was a great team effort tonight.  The team really bought in to our game plan and I was proud of their execution.  We will need to get rested and be ready to go tomorrow at 2 pm," said Head Coach Danny Young.
 
Montevallo led 84-75 with 2:39 left in the game when Valdosta began applying pressure.  The lead was cut to one with 26 seconds.   Ivan Smith, who made big free throws down the stretch, knocked down two free throws to extend the lead to 94-91.   Valdosta missed a jump shot and Shifflett came down with the big rebound, was fouled and promptly made both free throws with 8 seconds remaining giving the Falcons a 96-91 lead.  Valdosta cut the lead to 96-93 but Malcolm sealed the victory with a final free throw.
 
Valdosta was led by Cam Hamilton who scored 25 points.  Both teams combined for 50 fouls and 70 free throws.   Montevallo was 29-39 from the charity stripe while Valdosta finished going 25-31.

UP NEXT:  Both teams will meet again Saturday, February 6 with tip-off slated for 2:00 pm at Trustmark Arena.