After a big win Thursday night, the Lions dropped their first home basketball game of the season Saturday.

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

The Lions jumped out 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.

The Lions looked to Junior Forward Calvin Dade early in the game as he connected 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 score in the second half, finishing the game with 24 points and 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 played the second of a back-to-back home stand Saturday against the last place team in the conference, West Florida.

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

The 11-year veteran has seen this happen too many times and unfortunately for his group he was right.

West Florida got out to a fast start working the ball inside and dominating the glass.

“We can’t get out-rebounded 54-32 and expect to win a ball game,” Champagne said.

The Lions finished the half on a 10-2 run to even the score.

“I thought we were lucky to be tied at the half,” Champagne said.

West Florida started the second half on a 9-2 run and maintained a slight advantage most of the way.