With the start of the New Year, the Wildcats of Fort Valley State University (FVSU) entered tonight's (January 3^rd) basketball game against the Thorobreds of Kentucky State University (KSU) with the hope that with a new year comes a new streak. After dropping their last two games in 2011, the 2-4 Wildcats resolved to start the 2012 portion of the season with a win.  The only thing standing in their way of making their resolution a reality was the 2-3 Thorobreds.
 
If the first half was any indication, the unfortunate streak from last year appeared to be headed into the New Year.  The Thorobreds took the early first half lead and did not look back. They shot 46.7% from the floor (14 of 30) and made 50% of their three point shots.
 
For the Wildcats, the rim was not as kind in the first half.  On 34 shots, FVSU made only nine (26.5%).  Trailing by 15 at halftime, the deficit spelled only one thing for the Wildcats: they would have to have a better second half!
 
In the early stages of the second half, FVSU started to find some offensive rhythm. With 16 minutes left, the KSU lead was shaved to 10 points, 44-34. At the 14:25 mark, a slicing lay up by FVSU's Desmond Lofland made it an eight point deficit.   However, after series of missed scoring opportunities, the Wildcat comeback faltered momentarily.  At the 10:50 mark, the KSU lead was back up to 15 points, 55-40.
 
Down, but not out, the Wildcats tried to mount another surge.  With 8:20 left they trailed 56-44.  A Lofland lay up with 7:30 left made it 58-46.  That was followed by a KSU turnover.  Rashad Thomas tipped in a Cecil Bent missed shot inside the paint to cut the margin back down to 10 points, 58-48.  That forced a KSU time out. 
 
After the time out, a defensive stand gave the ball back to the Wildcats.  On offense, Kyle Cooper scored inside. That was followed by another defensive stop and Lofland raced the floor with a lay up to cut the KSU lead to 58-52 with 4:29 left.
 
The Thorobreds tried to maintain course, however, as they pushed their lead back up to 10 points.  As Coach Jackson took a time out with 3:03 remaining, he and the Wildcats found themselves down by 13 points.
 
Despite the Wildcat effort, they were plagued by an inability to hit free throws and a resilient group from KSU. In the end, the Wildcats were not able to track down the Thorobreds.  KSU managed to hang on for a 67-58 win.
 
The win drops the Wildcats to 2-5 overall and they are now 2-3 in SIAC play.  The Thorobreds increase their season mark to 3-3 overall and the conference win gives them a 3-3 mark in the SIAC.
 
 
Lofland led the Wildcats in scoring with 15 points and Kyle Cooper finished with 14 points.
 
The Wildcats are back in action on Thursday night (January 5^th) in the HPE Arena as part of a doubleheader.  FVSU will host Lane College in a conference match up with the men playing at 8 p.m. preceded by women's action at 6 p.m.  Admission to both games is free of charge.