FORT VALLEY, Ga. – Fort Valley State University Women's Basketball (4-18, 4-16 SIAC) came up short in a down-to-the-wire battle, falling 61–60 to Kentucky State University (6-16, 6-13 SIAC) Thursday evening as the game was decided in the final seconds.

FVSU set the tone early, answering Kentucky State's opening basket with strong interior play from India McIntosh, for the Wildcats' first points of the night. Efficient ball movement fueled the early offense, as Grace East knocked down three long range buckets in the opening quarter to start a perfect 3-for-3 from beyond the arc and an 18-11 lead. Madisyn Ogburn orchestrated the offense, assisting on multiple three-pointers as the Wildcats surged ahead. Aaniyah Allen added momentum with a fastbreak layup, while Kimora Wade and Julia Baker controlled the paint to help the Wildcats close the opening period ahead 20–14.

The Wildcats extended their advantage early in the second quarter behind Baker, who scored five straight points to give FVSU its largest lead of the half at 25–14. KSU responded, but timely baskets and free throws from Marley Bell kept the Wildcats in front. Bell's presence inside proved key late in the half, as Fort Valley State carried a 35–28 lead into halftime.

The Thorobreds opened the third quarter on a run, trimming the deficit and eventually tying the game at 42–42. Fort Valley State responded with baskets from Baker and McIntosh, but the quarter featured multiple lead changes and defensive stops. Bell added a late bucket to tie the game at 44–44 heading into the fourth.

The final quarter remained tightly contested throughout. Wade scored four early points, including a fastbreak layup, before Allen delivered one of the game's defining moments with a three-pointer at the 5:16 mark to give the Wildcats a 51–49 lead. Neither team led by more than three the rest of the way. Allen continued to attack late, scoring twice in the paint to keep FVSU within one. With under 30 seconds remaining, Baker finished through contact to cut the deficit to one, then Allen followed with another layup to make it 60–59 with six seconds left. The Wildcats had one final look, but the attempt at the buzzer fell short.

Two Wildcats recorded double-doubles, led by Baker with 15 points and 10 rebounds. Allen added 12 points and 11 boards, while East finished with 10 points. Bell posted eight points, five rebounds, and five blocks.

Fort Valley State returns to action Saturday, February 7, hosting Central State University for Senior Day at 2 p.m.