COLUMBIA, S.C. – The Wildcats could not get their pulse for success Monday afternoon. Allen University scored the opening six points of the game and held off Fort Valley State for a 71-62 women's basketball win.

After falling behind by the first six points, FVSU (6-11/3-8 SIAC East) pulled to within four points twice in the early part of the second quarter, 19-15 and 21-17, but could get no closer in the opening half. The Wildcats netted the first two second-half buckets by Arieonna Booker and Marley Bell for a five-point difference, 38-33. The Yellow Jackets (10-5/6-3 SIAC East), though, would let their visitors get no closer the rest of the way.

Leading the FVSU effort, Aaniyah Allen made 5 of 10 shots, including a 3-pointer, for 18 points and swiped two passes. Bell registered a double-double of 11 points and 10 rebounds to go with two blocks and a steal. Booker made 5 of 10 of her field goals with three steals and two boards.

Both Kimora Wade and Ja'Nya Ferguson chipped in five points with six and four rebounds. Camryn Oneill added four points and two rebounds and Taylor Addison had three tallies and two caroms. Cori Barnes, Ace Stevenson and Delissa Kier contributed two points apiece.

Taliah Wesley led Allen with 16 points and six rebounds.

After the first two third-quarter buckets went to the Wildcats, the home team ran off the next five points and led by 13 points by the end of the 10-minute period.

FVSU cut the deficit down to seven points, but it came with only 33 seconds left on an Oneill free throw.

FVSU will have the next week off before it travels to Atlanta for a Monday evening, Jan. 27, battle at Clark Atlanta. Tip is set for 5:30 p.m.

-Wildcats-