LEXINGTON, Ky. – The Wildcats put together their best performance of the early season on Saturday. Fort Valley State rallied in the second half, but were edged, 92-90, in double overtime by host Kentucky State in men's basketball.
A Sayerr Senghore layup pushed FVSU ahead, 88-85, with 2:29 left in the second extra period. Kentucky State put up the next six points in one minute of game time for a 91-88 advantage. Khirus Doucet downed a pair of free throws with five seconds, before the home team made the first and missed the second one three seconds later to make it 92-90. But, the Wildcats after pulling down the defensive rebound and calling a timeout were unable to get up a tying or winning shot attempt.
After trailing by 10 points at half, FVSU raced back early in the second 20 minutes and had to repeat it behind eight points again in the final five minutes. Doucet made a pair of free throws with two seconds left and sent the game to first overtime, 75-75.
Following a Hassane Diallo layup 27 seconds into overtime, Jahlen Jack added a layup and two free throws for an 81-75 visitor lead at 2:02 on the clock. The Thorobreds, though, scored the next six points in the final pair of minutes, while the Wildcats missed three shots and had a turnover to extend the contest for a second five minutes, 81-81.
FVSU (0-4/0-2 SIAC East) saw three starters and Senghore all reach double figures. Diallo led the way with 17 points on 6 of 10 shooting and 14 rebounds for the double-double.
Doucet contributed 15 tallies to go with four rebounds and two steals, while Senghore nearly made it two double-double players with 15 points on 6 of 12 shooting and nine boards. Davorian Rudolph added 12 points, eight boards and three assists.
Jack put up seven points to go with two rebounds and two steals. Marcus Scott hit for seven points with a pair of 3-pointers and seven caroms. Tyler Pendergrass added seven points and a blocked shot. Mike Robinson completed the scoring with five points and two assists.
The Thorobreds saw Lavar Miller Jr. lead all scorers with 33 points.
Pendergrass gave FVSU its first lead of the night, 7-6, with 15:19 of the first half on a dunk. Following a Scott triple, Kentucky State ran off the ensuing seven points and eventually held a 39-29 halftime lead.
FVSU will have next week off before its home opener next Saturday afternoon, Nov. 23, when Toccoa Falls College goes to The Valley. Tip will be at 3 p.m.
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