FORT VALLEY, Ga. – Fort Valley State University Women's Basketball (1-8, 1-7 SIAC) earned a 50-44 home victory over LeMoyne-Owen College (1-7, 1-7 SIAC) Friday evening.
LeMoyne-Owen struck first, jumping out to a 5-1 lead in the opening minutes.
Grace East tied the game at five with a fast-break layup, and
Kimora Wade gave FVSU its first lead at 6-5 with a made free throw. The teams traded baskets to close the quarter, with the Wildcats holding an 8-7 advantage heading into the second period.
Wade opened the second quarter with a pair of free throws to extend the lead to 10-7. Fort Valley State maintained control despite the Magicians cutting the deficit to one at 12-11. The Wildcats pushed their lead to as many as six points and carried a five-point advantage into halftime after East knocked down two free throws to make it 21-16.
LeMoyne-Owen came out strong in the third quarter, scoring seven straight points to reclaim the lead for the first time since early in the opening period.
India McIntosh tied the game at 23 with a jumper, but the Magicians answered to go up 28-25.
Makayla Arnold responded with a jumper of her own to give the Wildcats the lead back, and LeMoyne-Owen later tied the contest at 33 on a three-pointer heading into the final quarter.
Reya Johnson sparked a 7-0 run to open the fourth quarter, putting Fort Valley State in front 40-33. The teams exchanged baskets down the stretch, with the Wildcats building their largest lead of the night at eight, 49-41. LeMoyne-Owen attempted a late rally but could only trim the margin to six as FVSU secured the 50-44 win.
Seven Wildcats contributed to the scoring effort.
Aaniyah Allen led the way with 10 points, eight of which came at the free-throw line on a perfect 8-for-8 performance. Allen also paced the team with six assists and eight steals. Grace Bell and McIntosh followed with eight points apiece. Bell went 3-for-5 from the floor, including a three-pointer, while McIntosh finished 4-for-9. East, Arnold, Johnson, and Wade each added six points.
Wade led Fort Valley State on the glass with 10 rebounds, while Arnold pulled down nine and McIntosh added six.
The Wildcats return to action Wednesday, Dec. 31, on the road at Georgia College & State University for a 1 p.m. tipoff.
