FORT VALLEY, GA. (November 18, 2016) – Senior forward Shekiyah Tarpkins (Social Circle, GA) led the Fort Valley State University Lady Wildcats (0-1) basketball team with a game-high 21-points in game one of the Peach Belt/SIAC Women's Basketball Challenge with a loss to Georgia Southwestern State University (1-1) 53-69 tonight at the HPE Complex.
 
FVSU made 21-of-61 baskets from the floor while shooting 34.4 percent and hitting 10-of-12 free throws for 83.3 percent, while grabbing 35 rebound, 11 assist, 12 steals and 25 turnovers.
 
GSW was 24-of-59 for 40.7 percent in shooting from the field, 5-of-16 in three's for 31.3 percent, 16-of-34 at the foul line for 47.1 percent, with 48 boards under their belt, nine assist, 22 turnovers, three blocked shots and 13 steals.
 
GSW won the war in the paint by scoring 26 points to FVSU's 22, 27 points to FVSU's 12 off turnovers, second chance shots 22 points to FVSU's 10 and received 40 points to 22 points off the bench.
 
Tarpkins points came on 7-for-14 shooting from the field, making 7-of-8 free throws, grabbing seven rebounds, two assist and one steal. Senior center Briunca Caldwell (Atlanta, GA) had a team-high eight rebounds and six points, while freshman forward Alexia Green (Fort Valley, GA) added eight points' four boards and junior forward Jazmin Williams (Atlanta, GA) with seven points and one block.
 
Kya Cochran and Aleaha  Holden led GSW with 10 points apiece and Holden grabbing a game-high 11 boards.
 
Next game: FVSU will close out the Peach Belt/SIAC Women's Basketball Challenge on Saturday, November 19 with Columbus State at 2 p.m., while GSW will host Albany Sate at 4 p.m. at the HPE Complex.
 
You may watch all games on FVSU's live streaming (www.fvsusports.com/watch) and live stats at www.fvsusports.com.