By: FVSU Office of Sports Information
Head Coach Sammy Jackson took his Wildcats of Fort Valley State University back on the road last night (December 5th) to Tuscaloosa, Alabama for a conference match-up with the Tigers of Stillman College. In search of their first win of the campaign, Jackson's Wildcats tangled with a Tiger team that had lost its last two games. With both teams desperate for a win, the scene was set for a consummate show down. And this one went down to the wire!
In the game's early stages, it appeared Stillman would have an easy win. Mid-way through the first half, they held a 14 point lead. However, by halftime the Wildcats had cut the lead to 44-39.
After three ties and three lead changes in the first 20 minutes, the second half was even more of a treat for the fans in Birthright Gymnasium. FVSU's Kenneth Simmons tied the game at 79-79 on a follow up tip in with 14 seconds left. After a time out, Stillman's Jeffrey Wherry hit a three point jump shot with six seconds left to put the Tigers ahead, 82-79. Not to be outdone, FVSU's Britain Kelly answered at the buzzer with a three point basket to send the game into overtime.
Tied at 87 in overtime, FVSU's Desmond Lofland was fouled with three-tenths of a second left. He sank the first of two free throws to give the Wildcats their first win of the season and the first win for Head Coach Sammy Jackson.
“I couldn't be more proud of the guys in the game tonight, said Jackson. They fought hard throughout the game and showed the kind of heart reserved for champions. Tonight was a big challenge for us against a good Stillman team.”
“I really didn't feel much pressure on the shot, said Kelly. I was pretty sure they wouldn't foul me so I took my time after I got the ball across half court. I was able to create some space off the dribble and got off a good shot. I'm just glad I found the range.”
After they fouled me, I knew we had the game, said Lofland. Even though it was an intense moment, I was didn't feel nervous at the free throw line. Since we were tied, I knew I had two chances for the one point we needed. It was good to hit the first one.”
Britain led the Wildcats in scoring with 18 points. Cecil Bent finished with 16 points. Corey Hunter had 14 points and seven rebounds and Brandon Davey added 12 points.
Now 1-2 on the season, the Wildcats are back in action on Sunday, December 11th when they host the Panthers of Claflin University in the HPE Arena at 4 p.m. Admission to the game is free of charge.
-Wildcats Athletics-
