FORT VALLEY, Ga. – The Wildcats young nucleus keep growing. Freshman Marley Bell powered in a season-high 22 points, including 10 key points of the team's 18 fourth-quarter points, and propelled Fort Valley State over Edward Waters, 61-57, in women's basketball Saturday afternoon.

Trailing 45-43 heading into the final 10 minutes, Bell and the Wildcats enjoyed the fifth and final lead change of the frame. Behind 55-54 with three minutes remaining, Arieonna Booker dropped a jump shot for the FVSU lead, before Bell went 5 for 6 from the foul line in the last 2:20 for the victory.

FVSU improved to 6-8 on the season and 3-5 in the SIAC East. It was the Wildcats three win in a row and third win in as many tries over the Tigers (9-4/5-3 SIAC East).

In the game-deciding fourth period, FVSU made 11 of its 12 free throws. The home team also won the battle on the glass, 43-34, for the day over Edward Waters.

Bell bested her previous top point amount of 18 points from back Dec. 2 at Miles College. The first-year Wildcat made 6 of 13 shot attempts and 9 of 10 free throws for 22 points. She posted her first double-double with 15 rebounds, 10 on the offensive end, to go with two blocked shots and a steal.

Aaniyah Allen came off the bench as the lone other double figure scorer with 12 points along with five boards and three assists. Makayla Arnold chipped in nine points on 4 of 8 shots with four rebounds and a blocked shot.

Booker totaled six points and had an all-around effort with four caroms, three assists, four steals and a block. Kimora Wade chipped in six points and five rebounds, while Taylor Addison had a pair of free throws and a trey for five points.

Ja'Nya Ferguson had three points, three rebounds and a blocked shot. Camryn Oneill rounded out the home effort with five rebounds and two assists.

Simona Henshaw led Edward Waters with 13 points.

FVSU stays at home where it will entertain Savannah State on Monday evening, Jan. 13, in a 5:30 p.m. tip-off.

-Wildcats-