Shake-ups in the Gulf South Conference...and more...

Here are we...the first full weekend of February, and things are already getting tense and tight on the basketball court...

That's especially the case in the Gulf South Conference, and the East Division in particular. That's where things tightened up after the action of Thursday night.

We start in Florence, Ala., where North Alabama swept Valdosta State in critical GSC twinbill. The Lions crushed the Blazers 91-68, while the UNA women handed the Lady Blazers their second straight setback in a 74-73 thriller in the opener.

The loss to North Alabama proved especially costly for the VSU women, as West Georgia (16-5, 6-1) moved into sole possession of first place in the GSC East with a 70-61 home victory over West Florida. On the men's side, the Lions (15-7, 5-2) moved into a tie for first place after Alabama-Huntsville (14-7, 5-2) fell on the wrong end of a 79-76 upset loss at home to Montevallo.

The surprises in the GSC weren't limited to the East. The West Division also saw its share of shake-ups Thursday night, as No. 25 (WBCA) Delta State (17-6, 7-1) was knocked off by Ouachita Baptist 64-58. On the other hand, the Arkansas-Monticello Cotton Blossoms (15-4, 7-1) might find themselves in the national rankings after they outlasted Christian Brothers 81-72. It was the sixth straight win for the UAM women.

Finally, No. 10 (NABC) Christian Brothers (18-3, 7-1) established itself as the team to beat in the GSC West men's race, as the Buccaneers won their fourth straight game with a 51-43 win over No. 22 Arkansas-Monticello. But be on the lookout for Delta State (16-5, 6-2) going down the stretch. The Statesmen moved into sole possession of second place in that division with a 77-70 win over Ouachita Baptist.

The big games on Saturday...

NOTE: All times local to home team

WOMEN

Valdosta State (15-6, 5-2) at West Georgia (16-5, 6-1)--5:30 p.m. EST

The Wolves look to win their sixth straight game, while the Lady Blazers hope to avoid their first three-game skid of the season.

Honorable mention: Columbus State (12-10, 5-7) at Lander (12-7, 7-5), UNC Pembroke (10-10, 6-7) at Armstrong Atlantic State (12-8, 7-6), Albany State (8-11, 8-6) at Tuskegee (8-10, 8-5).

MEN

West Florida (11-9, 3-4) at North Alabama--3 p.m. CST

Lions look to keep momentum going against the Argonauts.

Honorable mention: Clayton State (12-8, 5-8) at Augusta State (16-4, 10-3), West Alabama (10-11, 3-4) at Alabama-Huntsville (14-7, 5-2).