FVSU Athletics

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (Nov. 5, 2026) – The Fort Valley State University men's basketball team opened its 2026-27 season with a statement victory Thursday evening, defeating Florida A&M University, 75-70, inside the Alfred Lawson Center. The Wildcats showcased determination, resilience and a strong second-half performance to secure a major road win against the Rattlers.

Under the leadership of head coach Brandon Britt, Fort Valley State entered the matchup looking to establish its identity early in the season. Facing a Division I program on its home court presented a significant challenge, but the Wildcats rose to the occasion, demonstrating that they were ready to compete regardless of the opponent.

Florida A&M held a 34-28 advantage heading into halftime after a competitive opening 20 minutes. However, the Wildcats responded with an impressive offensive turnaround in the second half, outscoring the Rattlers 47-36 to erase the deficit and secure the five-point victory.

Inslee Carroll led the Wildcats offensively with a team-high 19 points, shooting 6-of-11 from the field while adding three steals and two assists. Katayvon Jefferies provided a major spark from beyond the arc, finishing with 15 points on five made three-pointers. His perimeter shooting helped Fort Valley State establish offensive momentum and apply pressure to the Rattlers' defense.

Josiah Lawson delivered a well-rounded performance with 11 points, three assists and three steals, while Amari Floyd contributed nine points, a team-high six rebounds and three steals. Ronald Durham and Cordarius White each added eight points, providing valuable contributions throughout the contest.

Defensively, Fort Valley State made its presence felt by forcing 20 Florida A&M turnovers and recording 13 steals. The Wildcats capitalized on those opportunities, generating 18 points off turnovers and 19 fast-break points. Their depth also played a major role, with the bench contributing 34 points.

The Wildcats finished the contest shooting 42.2 percent from the field while collecting 36 rebounds and scoring 36 points in the paint. Their ability to create defensive pressure, attack the basket and receive contributions throughout the lineup proved essential in overcoming the halftime deficit.

For Fort Valley State, this victory represents more than just a successful season opener. Defeating an opponent on the road provides an early confidence boost for a program looking to build momentum and establish itself as a contender in the Southern Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (SIAC).

The Wildcats will look to build upon this performance as the season progresses, carrying the same energy, discipline and competitive mindset into their upcoming matchups.

One game into the season, Fort Valley State has already made a statement: The Wildcats are ready to compete.