By: FVSU Office of Sports Information
After Tuesday's defeat of both Wildcat basketball teams in Frankfort, Kentucky, Fort Valley State University (FVSU) traveled to Jackson, Tn. on Thursday (Jan. 6th) in search of wins against the Dragons of Lane College. For the Lady Wildcats the final stop on the first road trip of the New Year proved rewarding with a 48-44 win over the Lady Dragons. For the Wildcats, their search for their first win in 2011 would continue after a 75-67 loss to the Dragons.
Lady Wildcats 48, Lady Dragons 44
While the Lady Wildcats struggled on offense with a 27% field goal performance, they benefitted from a Lane team that shot even less from the floor (21.7%). Although lackluster, the win increased the Lady Wildcats' record to 7-5 overall and 5-1 in conference play.
Jasmine Birdsong was the lone FVSU player to score in double figures. The junior finished with 13 points. Birdsong also collected 19 rebounds in the Lady Wildcat win. It was the third time this season that she matched her career, single game rebounding high.
Senior guard Samara Billings was FVSU's next leading scorer with nine points.
The Lady Dragons were led in scoring by Shelice Crater who finished with a game high 14 points. Rakelle Riley added nine points for Lane College.
Dragons 75, Wildcats 67
In basketball, sometimes it doesn't matter how well you are playing. Instead, it comes down to how well your opponent plays. Thursday's conference loss to the Dragons sums up the fate for the Wildcats in Lane's Oman Arena.
Even with the Wildcats shooting an impressive 50% (11 of 22) from the floor in the first half and 43% (12 of 28) in second half, that was not enough to overcome a Lane team that shot better. The Dragons shot 54% (14 of 26) from the floor in game's first 20 minutes and 44% (11 of 25) in second half.
FVSU freshman Desmond Lofland led the Wildcats in scoring with 16 points. He also had six rebounds, two assists, and two steals. Detrius McCall finished with 11 points and eight rebounds. Point guard Martavius Orr added nine points, fours assists, and three steals.
Anthony Collier and Gregory Lott combined for a total of 42 points for the Dragons. Each finished with 21 points as Collier added two rebounds, three assists, and two steals to his game totals. Lott had six rebounds, one assist, and two steals.
The loss drops the Wildcats' record to 2-8 overall and 2-4 in Southern Intercollegiate Athletic Conference play. FVSU (women and men) returns home to the confines of the HPE Arena on Saturday night when the teams host the Golden Rams of Albany State University. Women's action begins at 6 p.m. with the men to follow.
-Wildcats Athletics-
