FORT VALLEY, Ga. – Fort Valley State University Men's Basketball (4-4, 3-4 SIAC) secured a 72-59 victory over LeMoyne-Owen College (3-5, 3-4 SIAC) Friday evening.

The Wildcats jumped out to an early lead with back-to-back field goals from C.J. Williams and Aidan Lambert. FVSU held a steady advantage throughout the first half, building its largest lead of eight points at 19-11 on a three-pointer from Danny Delgardo III. The Magicians continued to chip away, cutting the deficit to two heading into halftime, 29-27.

LeMoyne-Owen took its first lead of the contest to open the second half with a three-point basket, going up 30-29. Sincere Whitehead quickly answered with a layup to reclaim the lead for Fort Valley State, 31-30. The two teams traded baskets over the next several possessions, with LOC knotting the game at 39 before Lambert put the Wildcats back in front with another layup.

From there, FVSU seized control and never relinquished the lead. The Wildcats stretched their advantage to a game-high 18 points with just over five minutes remaining, taking a 62-44 lead. Fort Valley State maintained a double-digit cushion the rest of the way to close out the 13-point win.

Lambert led all scorers with 25 points, shooting an efficient 9-for-13 from the field and 5-for-7 from three-point range. Derek Delgardo Jr. followed with 15 points on 5-for-10 shooting, including 2-for-3 from beyond the arc. Danny Delgardo III rounded out the double-figure scorers with 11 points, knocking down three field goals and going a perfect 4-for-4 from the free throw line, while also leading the team with five assists.

Whitehead paced the Wildcats on the glass with 11 rebounds. Williams added eight boards, while Lambert contributed seven.

The Wildcats return to action on Saturday, Jan. 3, 2026, hosting Allen University at 4 p.m.