ATLANTA, Ga. – Fort Valley State University Men's Basketball (7-6, 6-6 SIAC) could not overcome a first-half deficit, falling 68-58 on the road to Morehouse College (9-7, 9-3 SIAC) Wednesday evening.

Danny Delgardo III opened the scoring for the Wildcats with a free throw to give Fort Valley State a 1-0 lead. Morehouse responded with a field goal and a free throw to take a 3-1 advantage. Sincere Whitehead evened the contest at three with a layup.

After Fort Valley State pulled within one at 10-9, the Maroon Tigers used an 11-point run to take control at 18-9. The Wildcats clawed back within two points at 25-23, but Morehouse answered with a nine-point surge to extend its lead to 34-23. Demetrius Paul Jr. closed the half with a layup as Fort Valley State went into the break trailing 37-29.

Derek Delgardo Jr. opened the second half with a pair of free throws to cut the deficit to 37-30. Morehouse answered with a layup to maintain its cushion at 39-31. With just under four minutes remaining, Derek Delgardo Jr. knocked down a three-pointer to bring the Wildcats within four points at 59-55. However, Fort Valley State was outscored 9-3 down the stretch, sealing the 68-58 decision.

Danny Delgardo III and C.J. Williams paced the Wildcats offensively, each scoring 14 points. Derek Delgardo Jr. followed with 11 points, including a three-pointer and a pair of free throws.

Demetrius Paul Jr. led Fort Valley State on the glass with nine rebounds, while C.J. Williams and Derek Delgardo Jr. each pulled down eight boards.

The Wildcats return to action on Monday, January 19, when they host Clark Atlanta University at 7:30 p.m.