A blistering-fast start set the pace for a 97-69 blowout win over conference foe Valdosta State University.

The Lions jumped to a 20-5 lead in the first five minutes of action.

“The only other game we played this well against was Florida Southern,” said head coach Bobby Champagne.

Junior forward Calvin Dade got off to a hot start connecting on four of his six first half attempts.

“He was really good,” Champagne said. “Tonight Calvin was a presence.”

UNA carried a 50-36 advantage into the half, led by Dade with 10 points and Rashaun Claiborne adding 12.

There was no letting off the gas pedal as the Lions quickly extended their lead in the second half.

“We learned a valuable lesson at Shorter,” Champagne said. “We’ve got to compete all game.”

Dade continued to wreak havoc in the second half, scoring 24 points and grabbing 14 boards.

“I was just hungry tonight,” Dade said. “I was going after everything.”

Three other players finished in double figures for the Lions.

Claiborne added 18, while Wes Long scored 14 and Bruce Adams chipped in with 12.

“This game right here may go a long way in building their confidence,” Champagne said.

The Lions will now turn their attention to the University of West Florida.

The game is scheduled to tip off at 3 p.m. in Flowers Hall.

“West Florida has played the toughest schedule (in the Gulf South Conference),” Champagne said. “I hope our players don’t look at their record, because this will be a tough game.”