FORT VALLEY, Ga. – Fort Valley State University men's basketball (8-7, 7-7 SIAC) earned a statement win Thursday evening, knocking off SIAC West Division leader Tuskegee University (14-3, 13-2) 70–67 at home.

The Wildcats set the tone early as Aidan Lambert opened the scoring with a layup in the paint. CJ Williams followed with a jumper before drilling back-to-back three-pointers to give Fort Valley State a quick double-digit advantage.

Fort Valley State was locked in defensively from the opening tip. Danny Delgardo III ignited the transition game with a steal, while Sincere Whitehead controlled the paint with multiple blocks and rebounds. The Wildcats capitalized on those stops, stretching the lead to as many as 16 midways through the first half.

Lambert continued to attack the rim with multiple finishes, including a fastbreak dunk, while Delgardo III added timely perimeter shooting. Fort Valley State also received quality minutes from Meka Nnaji, Demetrius Paul Jr., and Tyler Pendergrass, helping maintain control on the glass.

Tuskegee trimmed the deficit late in the half, but Fort Valley State answered as Jahlen Jack connected on a three-pointer in the final minute to send the Wildcats into the locker room with a 47–35 halftime lead.

The Tigers opened the second half with increased pressure, cutting the lead to single digits, but Fort Valley State leaned on its defense to stay in front. Whitehead continued to protect the rim, while Williams added another block to halt a Tuskegee run. Lambert steadied the offense with a jumper and a strong finish inside.

As the game tightened, Delgardo III knocked down a fastbreak three-pointer off a steal to stop the momentum. Fort Valley State showed poise late, with Nnaji converting key free throws and finishing a powerful dunk during a critical stretch.

In the closing minute, Derek Delgardo Jr. sealed the win at the line, knocking down two free throws as the Wildcats forced a contested final possession to secure the 70–67 victory.

Fort Valley State placed three players in double figures, led by Lambert with 19 points on 9-of-12 shooting. Delgardo III followed with 18 points, shooting 60 percent from the field and 67 percent from three-point range. Williams added 13 points, hitting three triples and going a perfect 2-for-2 at the free-throw line, while leading the team with five rebounds. Whitehead and Nnaji chipped in four rebounds each.

The Wildcats recorded 10 blocked shots, led by Whitehead with four. Williams and Nnaji added three apiece.

Fort Valley State returns to action on Friday, January 23, hosting Miles College at 4 p.m.