AMERICUS, Ga. – The Wildcats came up just short after leading for most of the night. Fort Valley State saw its double-digit lead early in the second half fade and fell in a close 70-61 men's basketball decision at Georgia Southwestern on Wednesday evening.

After holding a 4-point halftime edge, FVSU's Hassane Diallo scored two the team's first six points of the half and turned the lead to 10 points, 40-30. The Hurricanes rebounded and went on a 16-4 run to slip ahead 46-44. Sayerr Senghore tied the contest again, 46-46, before Georgia Southwestern downed back-to-back treys and never gave up the lead over the final 9:20.

The Wildcats (1-10) pulled back to within two points twice, 54-52 and 56-54. FVSU was within four points, 64-60, with 2:08 only to see the home team make three free throws for a three-possession difference. The Wildcats misfired on their final three shot attempts and committed a pair of turnovers.

FVSU received points by seven different players with four in double figures led by Jahlen Jack's 15-point night. Jack made 6 of 11 attempts with a 3-pointer and two rebounds. Senghore connected on 5 of 9 shots for 13 points and pulled down 11 rebounds, 10 on the defensive side, for a double-double, and stole two passes.

Diallo added 10 points to go with three boards, two blocks and a steal. Jaylen Jackson made 4 of his 8 shots, two treys, for 10 points with eight coming in the first half. Khirus Doucet chipped in seven points, five assists and two steals, while Antonio Pelham contributed four points and four rebounds. Marcus Scott had two points and two assists.

For Georgia Southwestern, Lars Nilsen led all scorers with 24 points.

Trailing 19-15 midway through the first half, Jackson drained two 3-pointers and added two jumpers for his own 8-points run and new FVSU lead, 25-19. Jack made a 3-pointer with 40 seconds in the first half for the 4-point, 34-30, intermission lead.

FVSU will now have its NCAA DII Christmas break week off before it plays an exhibition contest at Jacksonville State on Monday, December 30. Tip will be 7 pm. CST/8 p.m. EST.

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