With just one basketball game remaining in the regular season, the conference match-up on Saturday, February 18^th between Fort Valley State University (FVSU) and Clark Atlanta University (CAU) held extreme significance for the both Wildcat teams. For the Lady Wildcats, a win would keep them on track for another regular season Southern Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (SIAC) title and on pace for an unprecedented 21 seasons with 20 or more wins under coaching legend Lonnie Bartley. For the men, a win over the second ranked Panthers would push the fifth ranked Wildcats higher in the rankings and result in a better pairing in the first round of the conference tournament scheduled for February 28^th through March 3^rd in Atlanta, Georgia.
 
Lady Wildcats 73, Lady Panthers 53
 
After a rugged first half in which they shot only 27% from the floor, the Lady Wildcats overcame a 33-27 halftime deficit to defeat the Lady Panthers. Highlighted by a merciless second half press, FVSU took control of the game by forcing a total of 35 CAU turnovers.  Couples the Lady Panthers turnovers with a better second half of shooting by the Lady Wildcats (40.5%), and result was a 20-point win for FVSU.  
 
Senior forward Tamara Andrews turned in her best performance of the season in the Lady Wildcat win with a game-high 15 points. The Union Point, GA native also had a game-high 11 rebounds. Point guard Yasheeka Jones finished with 13 points, nine assists, and eight steals.  Freshman Antionna Jefferson made three of five three-point shots and finished with 11 points.
 
The win takes the Lady Wildcats overall record to 19-6 and they are now 17-4 in conference play. The only thing that stands in their way from the regular season title and a 20-win season is a date with the Tigerettes of Tuskegee University on Thursday, February 23^rd in Tuskegee, AL. A win against the Tigerettes would give the Lady Wildcats a first round bye in the conference tournament.
 
Panthers 85, Wildcats 69
 
After losing to the Panthers by just four points in their first meeting of the season, the Wildcats entered the game on February 18^th brimming with excitement. The pre-game euphoria was based on the impact a win over CAU would have for FVSU. With revenge as a side-bar, a win would not only enhance the Wildcats chances in post-season play; it would also keep FVSU on track for its best regular season finish since now assistant coach Emory Lightfoot led the Wildcats to a 13-16 mark in the 2008-09 season.   
 
Unfortunately, the Panthers posted one of their best shooting performances of the season to derail the Wildcats. CAU shot 51.7% in the first half (15 of 29) and 50% in the second (12 of 24).
 
While the rims in the Epps Gymnasium were favorable for the home team, the Wildcats struggled from the floor. FVSU made just 11 of 29 shots in the first half and 12 of 41 shots in the second half. The overall 32.9% shooting effort by the Wildcats was simply not enough to keep pace with the Panthers.
 
Sophomore Corey Hunter led the Wildcats in scoring with 16 points and eight rebounds. Senior Cecil Bent added 15 points and sophomore Desmond Lofland finished with 12.
 
Now 12-13 overall and 12-11 in conference action, FVSU will play its final game of the regular season on Thursday, February 23^rd on the road against the Tigers of Tuskegee University. Tip-off is at 7:30 p.m. (CST). 
 
Live radio and internet broadcast coverage of Wildcats Basketball can be heard on WFVS LP-104.3FM in Fort Valley, GA and on the worldwide web at www.fvsu.edu and clicking on the radio icon. Broadcast coverage begins at 5:30 p.m. (CST).
   
To support Wildcats Athletics, go to www.fvsusports.com and click on the donate icon on the left.