WILBERFORCE, OH. – Fort Valley State University Men's Basketball (1-1, 0-1 SIAC) dropped a tough 90-74 decision to Central State University (2-1, 1-0 SIAC) Monday evening to open Southern Intercollegiate Athletic Conference play.

CSU struck first with a three-pointer before Meka Nnaji answered with a triple of his own to even the score. The lead traded hands early, but the Marauders gained separation with three straight baskets to go up 16-8. Central State continued to build momentum and carried a 16-point advantage into the break, 42-26.

FVSU started to claw back in the second half, knocking down five straight baskets to pull within 61-47. The Wildcats continued to battle, but CSU maintained a cushion of at least 14 points the rest of the way.

Aidan Lambert paced the Wildcats with 15 points on six field goals and a 3-for-4 performance at the free throw line. Danny Delgardo III and C.J. Williams followed with 12 points each, both finishing with three field goals and a 5-for-6 mark at the stripe. Jaylen Jackson and Khirus Doucet rounded out the top scorers with 10 points apiece.

Williams also led the rebounding effort with seven defensive boards. Derek Delgardo Jr. added five rebounds and fueled the defense with a team-high four steals.

The Wildcats return to the road on Thursday, Nov. 20, traveling to Tuskegee University for a 7:30 p.m. CT tipoff.