JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — Fort Valley State University Men's Basketball (7-5, 6-5 SIAC) took a narrow 83-82 last-second loss at Edward Waters University (7-8, 5-6 SIAC) Saturday evening.
Fort Valley State University opened the game red hot with seven unanswered points. Edward Waters University broke up the run with a pair of free throws, but FVSU responded with another seven straight points to extend the lead to 14-2. EWU battled back to pull within two at 29-27 with under five minutes left in the half. The Wildcats regained control with eight unanswered points, sparked by
Jahlen Jack knocking down two free throws, to push the lead back to double digits. The Tigers closed the half with six straight points, but the Wildcats carried a 44-39 lead into halftime.
Edward Waters opened the second half with nine unanswered points to take its first lead of the game at 48-44 with just over 17 minutes remaining.
Sincere Whitehead ended the run with a dunk, and
Derek Delgardo Jr. followed with a jumper to tie the game at 48-48. EWU knocked down four straight free throws to go back in front, 52-48, and later stretched its advantage to 10 points before
Sincere Whitehead halted the run with a basket.
The Wildcats continued to battle back, eventually putting together a seven-point run to take an 82-80 lead with 16 seconds left. However, the Tigers hit a three-pointer as time expired to secure the 83-82 result.
FVSU University had three players score in double figures.
Jahlen Jack led the Wildcats with 23 points, shooting 9-for-11 from the field, 2-for-3 from three-point range, and 3-for-5 at the free throw line.
Jahlen Jack also paced Fort Valley State University with six rebounds.
Danny Delgardo III followed with 17 points, knocking down four three-pointers and connecting on five free throws.
C.J. Williams added 14 points, going 5-for-6 from inside the arc, 2-for-3 from three-point range, and 2-for-2 at the free throw line, while also leading FVSU with four steals.
Derek Delgardo Jr. chipped in nine points and led the Wildcats with five assists.
FVSU returns to action on Wednesday, Jan. 14 on the road at Morehouse College for a 7 p.m. tipoff.
