FORT VALLEY, Ga. – Fort Valley State University Men's Basketball (8-8, 7-8 SIAC) fought hard but fell 81-76 Friday evening in a back-and-forth matchup.

Miles jumped out to an early lead, scoring the first three points of the game and forcing the Wildcats to play catch-up. Fort Valley State responded midway through the first half with Aidan Lambert converting a layup and Meka Nnaji hitting consecutive free throws, narrowing the margin. The Wildcats closed the first half on a 7-3 run, capped by Nnaji's late free throws, and trailed just 35-34 at halftime.

The second half saw multiple lead changes. Danny Delgardo III hit a three-pointer to tie the game at 28 early in the half, and Fort Valley took a brief 36-35 lead on a layup from Sincere Whitehead. Miles responded with a 9-0 run to regain control, forcing Fort Valley into several timeouts. Fort Valley battled back, with key baskets from Lambert, Tyler Pendergrass, and Delgardo Jr. trimming the deficit to three points at 78-75 in the final minute. Despite a late three-pointer from Pendergrass, the Wildcats could not overcome the late surge, falling 81-76.

Fort Valley State was led by Lambert, who finished with 18 points and 10 rebounds, and Delgardo III, who added 17 points, including three three-pointers. Delgardo Jr. and Nnaji each scored 12 points, while CJ Williams contributed 11 points. Defensively, Nnaji added four blocks, anchoring the Wildcats' interior presence.

Fort Valley State returns to action Tuesday, January 27, hosting Albany State University at 7:30 p.m.