FORT VALLEY, GA – Tyler Edwards led the Fort Valley State University Wildcats (5-4; 3-1) with a game-high 20-points in the 65-53 conference loss to Claflin University 8-1; 4-0) Saturday evening at the HPE Complex on Fort Valley State's campus.
 
Edwards made only 4-of-13 shots from the field, but went 12-of-14 at the free throw line, three rebounds and three blocks. James Barnes led the team with seven rebounds and Walter Foster added nine points, five rebounds, 3-of-4 at the charity line and two blocks.
 
Claflin out rebounded FVSU 47-31. The Wildcats made just 29.1 percent of their shots, 15 percent from three point land and 78.3 percent in free throws. The Wildcats managed 18-points in the paint, 12-points off turnovers and 14-points from bench players.
 
Claflin shot 44.2 percent from the field, 46.2 percent in three's and 56.5 percent from the foul line.
 
The Wildcats largest lead of 4, 6-2 came at the 17:58 mark in the first half. The Panthers claimed the lead for as many as 18, 49-31 in the second half with 14.32 remaining.
 
After five ties and several one point advantages in the first half, Claflin went to halftime up by 5, 34-29.
 
In the second half, seven points would be the closest the Wildcats would get 36-29 with 19:00 left.
 
FVSU will host Valdosta State University on Tuesday, December 12 at the HPE Complex. Tipoff is set for 7 pm.