ATLANTA, GA (February 5, 2015) – The Fort Valley State University Wildcats (2-18; 2-11) fell short this afternoon by a score of 88-84 in conference play to Clark Atlanta University at Epps Gymnasium.
 
Senior forward Tyrone Brinson (Savannah, GA) racked up a game-high double-double in scoring and rebounding with 27-points and 11 rebounds, while hitting 11-of-15 shots from the field, making 3-of-5 three's and going 2-for-2 at the foul line. Senior point guard Derrick Spear (Atlanta, GA) added 23 points, after making 7-of-9 free throws and freshman point guard J. R. Bryant (Macon, GA) hitting 10 points. Bryant went 3-for-3 from the floor, 2-for-2 in 3-pointers and 2-of-2 at the line. Senior point guard Desmond Lofland (Augusta, GA) dished out a team-high 5 assists.
 
Najee Whitehead scored 22 points for CAU and Devante Harvey grabbed 9 boards. Damien Enoch and Derek Harper added 13 and 11 points apiece.
 
For the game, the Wildcats hit 50.9 percent of their shots (28-55), made 57.9 percent in 3-pointers (11-19) and 68 percent from the free throw line (17-25).
 
CAU made 31-of-62 baskets (50 percent), making 19-of-34 shots at the line (55.9 percent) and going 7-of-22 from behind the arc (31.8 percent).
 
FVSU led at the half 50-41, but fell short in the second half 34-47, but out rebounded the Panthers 39-32.
 
Spear's made 3-pointer at the 6:24 mark gave the Wildcats a 44-27 lead in the first half, but Whitehead for CAU cut the lead to 41-50 with .13 seconds left.
 
In the second half, CAU's Enoch jumper closed the gap to 67-66, and then tied the game at 68-68 with 9:17 left. The Wildcats regained the lead at 77-73 with 6:50 to go, but Whitehead once again tied the game at 79-79 with 3:59 remaining. CAU's first lead came at the 1:42 mark (85-84) and they never looked back.
 
Next game: The Wildcats will host the Lions of Paine College on Saturday, February 7 at 3 p.m.