ALBANY, Ga. – Fort Valley State University Men's Basketball (10-9, 9-9 SIAC) fell in a tightly contested 80–78 battle at Albany State University (8-13, 7-10 SIAC) on Saturday evening.

Fort Valley State opened the contest with early energy, as Aidan Lambert scored the Wildcats' first basket on a fastbreak layup to give FVSU a 2–0 lead at the 19:31 mark. The opening minutes featured four ties before a C.J. Williams fastbreak three pushed the Wildcats ahead 9–6 at 16:36. Derek Delgardo Jr. and Lambert continued to attack the paint as FVSU built its largest first-half lead at 19–16 following a Danny Delgardo III free throw with 11:58 remaining. Albany State answered with a run to regain the advantage, but the Wildcats responded late behind Lambert, who scored 10 points in the final five minutes. Jahlen Jack capped the half with a layup in the closing seconds to send Fort Valley State into the break leading 39–36.

Albany State quickly evened the score at 39–39 to open the second half, sparking a back-and-forth stretch that featured seven ties and six lead changes after halftime. Jahlen Jack and Sincere Whitehead helped FVSU regain momentum early, while Lambert threw down a fastbreak dunk to give the Wildcats a 51–45 advantage at the 13:16 mark. Albany State chipped away and eventually reclaimed the lead, but Fort Valley State continued to answer. A Danny Delgardo III three at 3:46 put the Wildcats back in front, 72–69, before the game was tied again moments later. With under a minute to play, Demetrius Paul Jr. converted a layup to give FVSU a 78–77 edge with 47 seconds remaining. Albany State closed the contest at the free-throw line, holding off a final Wildcat attempt to secure the 80–78 win.

Lambert led the Wildcats with a double-double, finishing with 13 points on 13-for-24 shooting from the field while pulling down 10 rebounds. Danny Delgardo III and Derek Delgardo Jr. both added 12 points, with Delgardo Jr. also recording eight rebounds to rank second on the team.

The Wildcats return to action on Thursday, February 5, hosting Kentucky State University at 7:30 p.m.