FRANKFORT, Ky. – Fort Valley State University Men's Basketball (1-4, 0-4 SIAC) took a 97-86 road loss at Kentucky State University (2-3, 2-1 SIAC) on Tuesday afternoon.

The Wildcats came out hot in the first half, outscoring the Thorobreds 51-38. Aidan Lambert opened the scoring with a dunk to give FVSU the early lead. The two teams traded baskets through the opening minutes before the Wildcats put together a strong run, pushing ahead by at least eight for the final three minutes of the half. Josiah Lawson knocked down a free throw to extend the lead to 49-38, then followed it up with a steal and fast-break layup to send FVSU into the locker room up 51-38.

Kentucky State opened the second half by trimming the deficit to 11, and continued to surge, tying the game at 56 with 15 minutes remaining. It marked the first time FVSU had not led since KSU held a 24-23 advantage earlier in the half. A Thorobreds layup flipped the lead to 58-56, and although Danny Delgado III responded with a three-pointer to make it 61-59, Kentucky State countered with a run of its own, stretching its lead to 69-59. The Wildcats worked to chip away but were unable to recover from a late 14-point deficit, trailing 97-83 in the final minute before falling 97-86.

Lambert led the Wildcats with a season-high 29 points on 63.6% shooting from the field. Delgado III followed with 14 points, knocking down three three-pointers and going a perfect 5-for-5 at the line. He also led the team with nine rebounds, including seven defensive boards. Jaylen Jackson, Jahlen Jack, and Lambert each added four rebounds. Derek Delgado Jr. delivered a standout defensive performance with five steals and added six points, all from a 6-for-6 effort at the free-throw line.

The Wildcats return to action on Thursday, Dec. 4, on the road at Spring Hill College for a 7:30 p.m. CT tipoff.