FORT VALLEY, GA (November 26, 2016) – Senior forward Shekiyah Tarpkins (Social Circle, GA) scored a double-double and a game-high 25-points and 10 rebounds for Fort Valley State (0-6) in the 56-69 loss to Benedict College (3-3) in the final game of the Jessie A. Brown Memorial Classic at the HPE Complex.
 
The Lady Tigers went on an 11-0 run in the first quarter with 6:23 left before junior guard Chantelle Rumph's (Sanford, FL) three point shot connected to make it 3-11 at the 4:53 mark. Tarpkins layup then tied the game at 16 with two seconds left, but it would be as close as they would get.
 
In the second quarter, Michala Robinson jumper gave the Lady Tigers their largest lead of 12 points as the teams went to half. In the third and fourth quarters FVSU managed to cut the lead to eight with 2:25 remaining in the game.     
 
This marked Tarpkins first double-double of the season, as she scored on 8-of-21 shots from the floor, made two trays, two assist and three steals. Sophomore guard Raven Mobley (Charlotte, NC) connected with 10-points, while senior center Briunca Caldwell (Atlanta, GA) added eight points and seven boards.
 
Benedict out rebounded FVSU 46 to 43, but turnovers hurt the Lady Wildcats the most as they had 30.
 
Zairra Harris and Raven Baker scored 14 and 10 points apiece to lead the Lady Tigers, while Destiny Betts grabbed eight rebounds.