By: FVSU Office of Sports Information
The trail leading to a third consecutive win for the Wildcats of Fort Valley State University (FVSU) crossed some rugged terrain on Tuesday night (Dec. 13th) when FVSU traveled to Fairfield, Alabama for a conference bout with the Bears of Miles College. And like all difficult journeys, tonight's battle with the Bears was “no walk in the park.” In fact, when the trip was over, the Wildcats had their two-game win streak snapped by the Bears after suffering a 83-53 loss.
The first challenge of the night for FVSU was to contend with a Bear team that came out on fire in the first half. Miles shot an electric 51.7% from the floor, connecting on 15 of 29 shot attempts. They were just as good from three point range in the first half converting five of 10 three point baskets.
While FVSU couldn't match the Bears basket for basket, the Wildcats managed to stay close. Under ordinary circumstances, a 43% field goal percentage (13 made baskets on 30 attempts) would be good enough to secure a halftime lead. Tonight, however, it was only enough to keep the deficit to ten points, 44-34.
As the second half started the expectation in the Wildcats camp was that the Bears would not be able to duplicate their first half shooting performance. While the Wildcats were right on that point, what they hadn't counted on was a dip in their shooting performance as well. The Bears made eight of 25 shots in the second half (32%) while the Wildcats made nine of 27. For the game, Miles made 23 shots on 54 attempts (42.6%) and FVSU converted 22 of 57 (38.6%).
Three Wildcats scored in double figures in the loss. Guard Desmond Lofland finished with 17 points, four rebounds, and four assists. Corey Hunter and Brandon Davey added 12 points each. The Bears were led by Charles Gordon who finished with 22 points. Eric Lipkin added 18 points.
The loss drops the Wildcats overall record to 2-3 and they are now 2-2 in conference play. The Bears increased their season mark to 3-2 overall and remain undefeated in conference action with a 3-0 mark.
The Wildcats are back in action on December 31st in the HPE Arena when they host the Blazers of Valdosta State University. Tip-off is 4 p.m. and admission to the game is free of charge.
-Wildcats Athletics-
