FORT VALLEY, Ga. – Fort Valley State University Women's Basketball (2-14, 2-12 SIAC) dropped a 69–55 midweek matchup to Tuskegee University (11-6, 11-5 SIAC) on Thursday evening.
The Wildcats opened the game with strong defensive energy, as
Reya Johnson recorded a steal and scored Fort Valley State's first basket.
India McIntosh made an early impact in the paint with a block and a layup, while
Marley Bell added a spark off the bench defensively.
Kimora Wade contributed late in the quarter with a layup and a pair of free throws, but FVSU trailed 19–11 after one.
Fort Valley State continued to battle in the second quarter behind increased defensive pressure. Johnson and
Madisyn Ogburn generated transition chances with steals, and Ogburn converted at the free-throw line. Bell completed a three-point play midway through the period, and
Julia Baker added a steal on the defensive end. The Wildcats went into halftime down 28–18.
The Wildcats chipped away in the second half, using strong interior play and defensive activity to cut into the deficit.
Aaniyah Allen scored in traffic and later knocked down free throws, while Ogburn connected from beyond the arc.
Grace East and
Makayla Arnold anchored the defensive effort with blocks, and Bell added a fast-break layup as Fort Valley State trailed 48–33 entering the fourth.
Fort Valley State opened the final quarter with renewed energy, highlighted by baskets from Allen and a three-pointer from Johnson to pull the Wildcats within single digits. Defensive pressure continued with blocks from McIntosh and Bell, while Wade added points at the line. Allen later connected from deep, and Bell closed the game with a fast-break jumper as the Wildcats battled to the final horn.
Allen led Fort Valley State with 15 points, shooting 5-of-10 from the field and a perfect 4-of-4 at the free-throw line. Johnson added 11 points, including two three-pointers, while McIntosh pulled down a team-high six rebounds. Allen, Johnson, and Wade each added four boards. Defensively, the Wildcats tallied 13 steals, led by Johnson's seven, and recorded eight blocks, with Bell and McIntosh posting two apiece.
The Wildcats return to action Friday, January 23, hosting Miles College at 2 p.m.
