WILBERFORCE, OH – The Fort Valley State University Wildcats basketball team used a furious, second half rally to outlast Central State University 77-72 Monday night at the Beacom/Lewis Gym on Central State's campus.
 
FVSU was down by 13 (57-70) in the second half at the 9:11 mark. James Barnes' layup started the ball rolling to make the score 59-70.  With 5:07 left, Barnes connected again with a layup to cut the lead to five (67-72). Tyler Edwards closed the gap to 68-72. Jamaal Garror drained a free throw to make it 69-72. Barnes' two free throws would cut the lead to one (71-72) with 2:39 remaining. Then, with 2:09 remaining, Edwards layup gave the Wildcats the lead 73-72. FVSU had not led since the 15:44 mark in the first half. Barnes and J. R. Bryant put the game away with two free throws apiece, lifting the Wildcats to victory.
 
Barnes led the Wildcats with a double-double and game-high 16 rebounds and 17-points. He made 7-of-9 free throws, two assists, two blocks and two steals. Edwards scored a game-high 18-points while going 3-of-4 at the foul line and pulling down seven rebounds. Jamaal Garror and Jaylon McMillan added 13 and 11-points. Walter Foster grabbed 10 boards and Trey Elliott chipped in nine points.
 
Chris Scott led Central State with 12-points and Jeremy Brown added a double-double 11 rebounds and 11-points.
 
The Wildcats hit 35.6 percent (26-73) of their shots from the field, 27.6 percent (8-29) in three's and 60.7 percent (17-of-28) form the free throw line. The team scored 30-points in the paint, 24-points off turnovers, 23-points off second chance shots and 13-points off fast breaks.
 
Next game: The Wildcats will return home and open a five game home stand on Thursday, November 30 with Benedict College at the HPE Complex. Game time is set for 8 pm.