By: FVSU Office of Sports Information
As the Lady Wildcats of Fort Valley State University (FVSU) prepared to host the Lady Blazers of Valdosta State University (VSU) in basketball action last night in the HPE Arena, there was a noticeable tinge of revenge circulating in the air. The Lady Blazers ended last year's season for the Lady Wildcats with a win in the first round of the NCAA regional playoffs. In their first rematch since then, the Lady Wildcats were eager to settle an old score.
Before a crowd of just over 1,000, the Lady Wildcats got their revenge and their first win of the 2010-11 season by a 62-56 margin. Trailing 41-32 at halftime, the Lady Wildcats used an intense and relentless full court press to overcome the deficit and claim the win.
The Lady Blazers took the halftime lead primarily through their ability to control the tempo of the game. The slower, half-court approach by VSU enabled them to be more selective in the shots they took. They were 15 of 29 (51.7%) shooting in the first 20 minutes. Seven of their 15 baskets were three point shots.
Although trailing at the break, the shooting performance of the Lady Wildcats in the game's opening half wasn't too far behind VSU. FVSU made 12 of 25 baskets (48%) while converting on four of eight three point shots. However, the nine point halftime deficit was a clear indication to the Lady Wildcats that they would need a better second half in order to win the game.
The defensive effort by FVSU in the game's final 20 minutes proved critical to the Lady Wildcat win. Widely regarded as one of the nation's foremost authorities on the philosophy and implementation of full court pressure, FVSU Head Coach Lonnie Bartley committed his players to an encompassing defensive assault on the Lady Blazers. The all or nothing approach worked to perfection.
In the second half, the Lady Wildcats held the Lady Blazers scoreless from the 18 minute mark to 11:38 remaining. The nearly seven minute scoring drought by VSU was precipitated by an FVSU defense which forced 18 second half turnovers by the Lady Blazers. The back and front court pressure by the Lady Wildcats was absolutely stifling.
In contrast to the first half, the FVSU defense completely changed the tempo of the game and forced VSU into an uncomfortable offensive rhythm. As a result, the Lady Blazers made only four baskets out of 18 attempts in the second half (22.2%) and were held to just 15 points.
The solid defensive effort made it easier for the Lady Wildcats to capture the lead. FVSU outscored VSU 30-15 in final 20 minutes to claim the win by six points.
Junior forward Kendra Evans led the Lady Wildcats in scoring with 16 points along with four rebounds. Center Jasmine Birdsong added 13 points and she led FVSU in rebounding with seven. Guards Yasheeka Jones and Brani Haynes had 11 points each.
Now 1-2 on the season, the 20th ranked Lady Wildcats will return to action on Saturday, Nov. 27 when they host Columbus State University in the HPE Arena at 2 p.m.
-Wildcats Athletics-
