MEMPHIS, Tn- Fort Valley State University showed resilience and fight until the final buzzer on February 21, 2026, but came up just short in a hard-fought 62–57 conference loss to LeMoyne-Owen College.
After facing an early deficit, the Wildcats refused to back down, delivering a determined second-half surge that nearly erased a double-digit halftime gap. Despite early shooting struggles, Fort Valley State found its rhythm late and put itself in position to challenge for the win.
Derek Delgardo Jr. led all scorers with an outstanding 22-point performance, showcasing his shooting ability and leadership. He connected on five three-pointers and played nearly the entire game, logging 39 minutes while keeping the Wildcats within striking distance. His late three-pointer in the closing seconds highlighted Fort Valley State's relentless push until the very end.
Jahlen Jack provided a strong all-around effort, contributing 10 points while leading the team with three assists and making a major defensive impact with three steals. His energy helped fuel the Wildcats' second-half comeback attempt.
On the boards,
CJ Williams anchored the interior, pulling down a team-high seven rebounds and battling to give Fort Valley State second-chance opportunities.
Tim James delivered an important spark off the bench, scoring seven points and aggressively attacking the rim, converting five of his seven free-throw attempts.
The Wildcats' defense played a pivotal role in keeping the game competitive. Fort Valley State forced 22 turnovers and recorded 10 steals, turning defensive pressure into scoring opportunities and momentum shifts. After trailing 32–22 at halftime, the Wildcats responded with renewed intensity, outscoring the Magicians 35–30 in the second half behind improved ball movement and timely shooting.
While the early deficit ultimately proved too much to overcome, Fort Valley State's second-half effort reflected the team's toughness, defensive intensity, and refusal to quit. The Wildcats' late surge and standout individual performances demonstrated their competitive spirit and determination as they continue conference play.
The Wildcats play their final home game against the Maroon Tigers of Morehouse College, February 24, at 7:30 p.m. ET.
