FORT VALLEY, Ga. – Fort Valley State University (12-9, 11-9 SIAC) edged Central State University (11-12, 9-11 SIAC), 70-68, in a thrilling Senior Day home matchup.
The Wildcats jumped out early behind Meka Nnaji, who converted a putback layup to give FVSU an initial lead. Sincere Whitehead followed with consecutive baskets, helping the Wildcats build a 4–0 advantage before Central State responded with a scoring run to briefly take control.
FVSU stayed within striking distance as Tim James, Demetrius Paul Jr., and Danny Delgardo III combined to keep the Wildcats competitive. Delgardo III drained a pair of three-pointers midway through the half, sparking a run that trimmed the deficit and brought FVSU back into contention.
With just over seven minutes remaining in the first half, Derek Delgardo Jr. knocked down a three-pointer to give FVSU its first lead since the opening minutes. The teams traded baskets down the stretch, and the Wildcats closed the half strong on a fastbreak layup from Delgardo Jr., cutting the deficit to 39–35 at intermission.
CSU opened the second half with a scoring spurt, but the Wildcats responded with a decisive run. Nnaji made two free throws before Prince Davies scored in the paint to pull FVSU within five. Moments later, Delgardo Jr. hit a fastbreak three-pointer to ignite another surge.
The game remained tight, with neither team leading by more than three points over several minutes. The Wildcats tied the game at 48–48 when Paul Jr. scored in the paint, and baskets from Whitehead and Davies, along with a key jumper from Jahlen Jack, gave the Wildcats a late edge.
In the final minute, with the score tied, Delgardo Jr. split two free throws to put FVSU ahead. After CSU evened the score, Danny Delgardo III delivered in the clutch, converting two free throws with five seconds remaining to seal the 70–68 home victory. FVSU held strong defensively on the final possession to close out a game marked by 10 ties and multiple lead changes in front of the home crowd.
The Wildcats had four players reach double figures. Delgardo Jr. led the charge with 19 points on 7-for-9 shooting from the field, including 2-for-3 from three-point range and 3-for-4 from the free throw line. Delgardo III added 14 points with two three-pointers and a perfect 6-for-6 from the charity stripe. Nnaji contributed 11 points on three field goals and 5-for-6 from the line, while Delgardo III and Nnaji each grabbed six rebounds to lead the effort.
Fort Valley State returns to action on Wednesday, February 11, at 8 p.m., traveling to Clark Atlanta University.
