ATLANTA, Ga. – Fort Valley State University Women's Basketball (4–18, 4–16 SIAC) fell in a high-scoring first-half contest at Clark Atlanta University (16-9, 16-5 SIAC) Wednesday evening, 87-67.

Fort Valley State opened the contest with energy on both ends of the floor, as Julia Baker scored the Wildcats' first basket on a rebounded layup in the paint to give FVSU a 2–0 lead. Clark Atlanta answered with a three-pointer, giving them a 3-2 lead. The Wildcats get outscored 6-2, but a three-pointer by Grace East brings the Wildcats back making the score 9-7. The Wildcats and the Panthers battle back and forth, closing the quarter 16-14 with the Wildcats chasing by two.

The Wildcats came out aggressively in the second with Makayla Arnold sinking a layup and tying the score 16-16. Clark Atlanta regained the lead 21-16, but Aaniyah Allen drained a jumper keeping the Panthers within reach at 21-18. Despite several defensive stops, Clark Atlanta ended the half on a scoring run, and the Wildcats went into the locker room trailing 31-20.

Clark Atlanta extended its lead early in the third quarter, building their double-digit advantage. Allen stopped the run with a three-pointer assisted by Madisyn Ogburn make it 37-23. Ogburn goes on to make a three-pointer assisted by Akirya Robinson, but Clark Atlanta continued to capitalize in transition. India McIntosh ended the eleven-point scoring streak from the Panthers with teammates Julia Baker and Marley Bell adding seven points to the board, bringing the score to 50-35. The Panthers held the Wildcats to an added eight points as they close the quarter 61-43.

Fort Valley State continued to battle in the fourth quarter, opening the period with strong defensive pressure. Allen drove inside making the quick layup while gaining a foul. Allen hits the free bringing the Wildcats back to a 63-46 range and a blocked shot by East, a defensive rebound and assist by Baker gave East a chance to sink a fastbreak three-pointer bringing the score to 63-49. Akirya Robinson, Marley Bell, and Kimora Wade banded together to add a respective 18 points to the board, however the Panthers held the Wildcats defensively end the game with a 87-67 victory. 

Four Wildcats scored in double figures with Wade leading the way with 14 points on 3-for-10 shooting from the field and 8-for-10 at the free-throw line. Bell added 13 points on 4-for-11 shooting, while Allen totaled 12 points on four field goals and a 3-for-3 performance from the stripe. Bell nabbed seven rebounds while teammates Wade and Allen each pulled down six.

The Wildcats return to action on the road to Lane College Thursday, February 19 at 5:30 p.m. CT.