FORT VALLEY, Ga. – Fort Valley State University Women's Basketball (1-11, 1-9 SIAC) dropped an 87-41 decision to visiting Benedict College (6-5, 6-5 SIAC) Monday evening at HPE.

Benedict opened the contest with 14 unanswered points before Marley Bell put the Wildcats on the board with a two-point jumper, cutting the deficit to 14-2. Grace East followed with FVSU's first three-pointer of the night just under four minutes remaining in the first quarter to make it 16-5. The Wildcats continued to chip away at the lead, closing the quarter with a Madisyn Ogburn fast-break layup to trail 21-11.

The Tigers scored first in the second quarter, but Kimora Wade answered with a layup to keep the Wildcats within striking distance at 23-13. FVSU showed resilience midway through the period as Wade sparked a stretch in which she outscored Benedict 6-2, narrowing the gap to 34-23. The teams traded baskets late in the half, with Benedict carrying a 44-28 advantage into the break.

Benedict opened the third quarter with a free throw and used a dominant run to extend its lead, entering the final period ahead 65-31.

The Wildcats continued to battle in the fourth quarter, with India McIntosh scoring FVSU's final points on a pair of free throws. Benedict secured the 87-41 road victory.

Wade led the Wildcats offensively with 14 points, shooting 6-for-8 from the field and adding two free throws. Bell followed with nine points, while East and McIntosh each contributed eight points.

Makaya Arnold led FVSU on the boards with eight rebounds. McIntosh added six rebounds and recorded all three of the Wildcats' blocked shots.

Fort Valley State returns to action on Thursday, Jan. 8, traveling to Savannah State University for a 5:30 p.m. tipoff.