FRANKFORT, Ky. – Fort Valley State University Women's Basketball (4–17, 4–15 SIAC) fell in a high-scoring first-half contest at Kentucky State University (5–16, 5–13 SIAC) Monday evening, 69-63.

Fort Valley State opened the contest with energy on both ends of the floor, as India McIntosh scored the Wildcats' first basket on a layup off a Kimora Wade assist to give FVSU a 2–0 lead. Kentucky State answered with a three-pointer, but the Wildcats responded behind strong interior play from Wade, who finished multiple layups to keep FVSU in front. Aaniyah Allen added a fastbreak bucket to extend the lead to 8–5, and Wade later pushed the advantage to 10–5 midway through the quarter. Kentucky State closed the period with a late surge from the perimeter, however, and took a 21–16 lead into the second quarter.

The Wildcats came out aggressively in the second, cutting into the deficit early. McIntosh scored in the paint to make it 21–19 before Allen finished a fastbreak layup to knot the game at 21–21. Kentucky State regained the lead with a three, but Fort Valley State continued to respond, as Allen converted a jumper and Wade attacked the rim to keep the score within one possession at 28–26. Despite several defensive stops, Kentucky State ended the half on a scoring run, and the Wildcats went into the locker room trailing 46–35.

Kentucky State extended its lead early in the third quarter, building a double-digit advantage. Wade stopped the run with a layup, and Allen followed with a pair of free throws to make it 53–39. Reya Johnson connected on a jumper to bring the Wildcats within 57–43, but Kentucky State continued to capitalize in transition and at the free-throw line. McIntosh closed the quarter with a putback to trim the margin, but FVSU trailed 63–49 heading into the final period.

Fort Valley State continued to battle in the fourth quarter, opening the period with strong defensive pressure. McIntosh scored inside to make it 70–51, and Akirya Robinson added a tip-in to keep the Wildcats within reach. McIntosh followed with another basket in the paint, while Madisyn Ogburn knocked down a late three-pointer to cut the deficit to 79–61. Julia Baker capped the scoring for FVSU with a fastbreak layup off an assist from Jewell Harwell, but the Wildcats were unable to overcome the deficit.

Three Wildcats scored in double figures, each finishing with 15 points. Wade led the way with 15 points on 6-for-10 shooting from the field and 3-for-4 at the free-throw line. McIntosh added 15 points on 7-for-13 shooting, while Allen totaled 15 points on four field goals and a 7-for-11 performance from the stripe. Wade and McIntosh each pulled down nine rebounds, finishing one board shy of a double-double to lead the team on the glass.

The Wildcats return to action Thursday, February 5, when they host Kentucky State University at 5:30 p.m.