The first two games of a six-game road trip for the Wildcats of Fort Valley State University (FVSU) started with a loss in Albany, Georgia and a win in Orangeburg, South Carolina.  Both games were conference contests and for the young Wildcats, while a win of both was the best scenario, the split was a welcomed shot of confidence for FVSU.
 
Albany State University 78, Fort Valley State University 71
 
The first meeting of the season (Saturday, January 7^th) between conference foes FVSU and Albany State University (ASU) held true to the tradition of a “heated rivalry” whenever these teams meet.  In a close contest from start to finish, the Wildcats claimed the first half lead with a 37-30 edge at halftime. For the game, FVSU shot 40% from the floor (24 of 60).  The Wildcats also shot 35% from three-point range by converting six of 17 three point shots.
 
In most cases, the offensive performance by the Wildcats would probably have been enough to win.  Tonight, however, it was not! While the Golden Rams shot just a bit better from the floor with a 45% field goal effort (27 of 60), it was their performance from three point range that made the difference.  The Golden Rams converted nine of 17 three point shots.  When compared to the six made by the Wildcats, the nine point advantage on three points alone was enough to secure the Ram win.
 
Brandon Davey led the Wildcats in scoring with 13 points and 13 rebounds.  Point guard Desmond Lofland finished with 11 points, four rebounds, and six assists.  Justin Wilcox had 17 points for ASU.
 
Fort Valley State University 64, Claflin University 58
 
In Monday's (January 9^th) match up with the Panthers of Claflin University, the Wildcats of FVSU came into the game in need of a real confidence builder.  With a 3-4 conference mark, another conference loss would make the remainder of a six-game road trip even more intense for the Wildcats.
 
From the outset, it looked as though the rest of the road trip was going to be rugged for the Wildcats.  With 5:58 left in the first half, FVSU trailed Claflin by 14 points.  However, by halftime the deficit had been cut to eight points, 29-21. 
 
Now within striking distance, the Wildcats turned in a stellar second half performance.  Shooting 64% from the floor in the game's final 20 minutes, FVSU made 16 of 25 shots. That, combined with tenacious defense, enabled the Wildcats to overtake the Panthers. 
 
In a game that featured four lead changes and three ties, reservist Julian McDonald led the Wildcats in scoring with 14 points and four rebounds.  Brandon Davey finished with 13 points and eight rebounds.
 
As the road trip continues for FVSU, the Wildcats travel to August on Thursday, January 12^th to tangle with the Lions of Paine College. Now at 4-6 overall and 4-4 in conference play, the Wildcats will tip it off against the Lions at 7:30 p.m.
 
The game can be heard live on the Wildcats Sports Network by tuning into WFVS LP-104.3 FM in Fort Valley, Georgia or on the worldwide web by visiting www.fvsu.edu and clicking on the radio icon.