FVSU Tough Down Stretch, Prevail over Rival Albany State

FORT VALLEY, Ga. – For the third-straight time, the Wildcats had their rival's number. Pierre Mitchell's long top-of-the key 3-pointer with 3:04 remaining gave Fort Valley State the momentum for good as it went on for the 67-63 Saturday men's basketball victory over Albany State.

After Mitchell's trey, the Wildcats (3-12/3-5 SIAC East) led by four twice, 63-59 and 65-61, with the last coming at 46 seconds left. The Golden Rams (5-13/3-6 SIAC East) made a driving layup to pull to within two, 65-63, with 15.1 seconds. Mitchell, though, was fouled four seconds later and toed the line where he knocked down both free throws to seal the FVSU victory.

K.J. Doucet and Ty'Reek Johnson were the Wildcats one-two punch most of the afternoon. Doucet netted 10 first-half tallies only to add 13 more in the final 20 minutes, including two free throws with 46 seconds left, for 23 total to go with seven rebounds. After a seven-point first stanza, Johnson added dozen in the second period for 19 points on 5 of 7 from the floor and 7 of 11 at the foul line to go with five boards and three steals.

Mitchell dished out seven assists, while he netted nine points. Quincy Young and Joe Williams paced the inside game with eight points and five rebounds and six points and nine boards.

Malik Parker had top scoring honors for ASU with 18 points.

Trailing by seven points with 3:02 to go in the first half, FVSU made a key run with the final seven tallies, including back-to-back breakaway dunks by Young and Doucet for a 33-33 tie at intermission.

ASU edged ahead by seven points again, 40-33, only 3:06 into the second 20 minutes. FVSU answered by outscoring the visitors, 11-4, in the next five minutes for the sixth tie of the game at 44. The contest would be tied three more times until Mitchell's go ahead triple with 3:04 to go the Wildcats rode to victory.

FVSU has a short turnaround as it returns to action Monday night, Jan. 24, in a 7:30 p.m. tilt versus Morehouse College.

-Wildcats-

Print Friendly Version