By: FVSU Office of Sports Information
In basketball action last night (Nov. 29) from the HPE Arena, the news was all good for Fort Valley State University (FVSU) as the women and men's teams hosted the Golden Bears of Miles College.
In women's play, the Lady Wildcats of FVSU needed an overtime period to defeat the Lady Bears of Miles College, 63-56. Leading 28-27 at halftime, FVSU was outscored in the second half by the Lady Bears, 25-24.
After shooting 37% from the floor in both halves of regulation, the Lady Wildcats created the scoring separation they needed in the five minute overtime period by converting three of five field goals (60%) and making four of eight free throw opportunities. The 11-point spurt in overtime proved enough for the win as the FVSU defense held the Lady Bears to just four points in the extra period.
Jasmine Birdsong was the spark for the Lady Wildcats throughout the game as she collected a career high 18 rebounds for FVSU. She also added 13 points. Kendra Evans led the Lady Wildcats in scoring with a game high 14 points. She also added five rebounds. Tamara Andrews finished with 12 points and six rebounds while point guard Yasheeka Jones tallied 11 points, four assists, four steals, and three rebounds.
The win was the first conference game of the season for FVSU. The Lady Wildcats are now 3-3 overall and 1-0 in Southern Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (SIAC) play.
The news was equally as good for the FVSU men's team. Entering the game in search of their first win of the season, the 75-63 win over the Bears was a welcome relief to FVSU Head Coach John Douglas. According to Douglas, “We needed the win to confirm our belief that our offseason effort to re-shape FVSU men's basketball is headed in the right direction. With a cadre of new players it always takes a little time for them to start to gel as a unit. I think we saw the start of it tonight with the win over Miles.”
In the Wildcat win, freshman Desmond Lofland was the game's leading scorer with 27 points. Sophomore forward Brandon Davey finished with 19 points and point guard Martavius Orr chipped in 13 points. Michael Ward and Charles Gordon led Miles in scoring with 14 points each.
The win was the first for the Wildcats who are now 1-4 overall and 1-0 in SIAC play.
The FVSU women and men basketball teams are back in action on Saturday (Dec. 4) afternoon in the HPE Arena when they host LeMoyne-Owen College. The Lady Wildcats will tip it off against the Lady Magicians at 2 p.m. with men's action to follow.
Ticket prices for FVSU basketball are: $8.00 for adults; $5.00 for non-FVSU students, seniors, and military personnel. Children under five years of age are admitted free of charge.
-Wildcats Athletics-
