By: FVSU Office of Sports Information
In Saturday's match up in the HPE Arena, the Lady Wildcats of Fort Valley State University (FVSU) were looking for a win that would take them over the 50% margin for the first time this season. With a 2-2 record, the Lady Wildcats hosted the Lady Cougars of Columbus State University (CSU) who were undefeated with a 2-0 mark.
After 40 minutes of intense basketball, unfortunately the Lady Wildcats were unable to hand the Lady Cougars their first loss of the year and FVSU fell to under 50% with a 59-57 loss to CSU.
In the first half, the Lady Cougars shot 40% from the floor with 10 baskets on 25 attempts. The Lady Wildcats converted 9 baskets on 26 attempts (34.6%). And while CSU converted two three point baskets (compared to none by the Lady Wildcats), that was offset by FVSU's 7 of 15 effort from the free throw line. At halftime, the teams were tied at 25 points.
In the final 20 minutes, the outcome of the game was based largely on one category. With both teams shooting better than 40% on field goal attempts and 55% or better in free throws, it was three-point shooting that proved to be the difference. While FVSU's Brandi Haynes had two clutch three-point basket in the 2nd half, the three three-point baskets by CSU's Marina Defoor made the difference. CSU outscored FVSU by two points in the 2nd half (34-32) to secure the win.
“It was one of those games where either team could have won,” said FVSU Head Coach Lonnie Bartley. “It's not that we didn't play well enough to win, they just executed a bit better in a couple key situations that gave them the edge.”
The Lady Wildcats were led in scoring by Kendra Evans who had 14 points and four rebounds. Yasheeka Jones added 13 points, three rebounds, and four assists.
CSU's Defoor was the game's leading scorer with 17 points. 15 of her 17 points came from three point baskets. Nakita Holt and Dominique Gilbert added 12 and 10 points, respectively.
Now 2-3 on the season, the Lady Wildcats are back in action on Monday night (Nov. 29) when they host the Lady Bears of Miles College at 6 p.m. in the HPE Arena. Women's action will be followed by the men's game at 8 p.m.
General admission for FVSU basketball is $8.00. FVSU faculty and staff, non-FVSU students, military personnel, and senior citizens with proper identification are admitted for $5.00. Children under 5 years of age are admitted free of charge.
-Wildcats Athletics-
