FORT VALLEY, Ga. – Fort Valley State University Women's Basketball (5–18, 5–16 SIAC) showed some Senior Day magic, erupting for a 22-point fourth quarter to overtake Central State University (5–19, 4–17 SIAC), 48–45.

The opening quarter featured a defensive tone from both teams, with neither side able to create early separation. Kimora Wade opened the scoring for the Wildcats with a layup in the paint, and FVSU stayed within striking distance behind strong rebounding efforts from Wade and Madisyn Ogburn. A late three-pointer from Aaniyah Allen helped the Wildcats close the quarter trailing just 12–9.

CSU extended its advantage early in the second quarter, but FVSU responded with timely baskets in the paint from Julia Baker and Allen. Marley Bell added a free throw to tie the game at 12, and Allen continued to attack offensively as the Wildcats cut the deficit to one midway through the period. Despite several defensive stops and forced turnovers by Baker and Akirya Robinson, Fort Valley State went into halftime down 19–16.

The Wildcats came out aggressive in the third quarter, as Jalexia Hargrove scored inside to trim the deficit and Bell converted a fastbreak opportunity to pull FVSU within one. Baker sparked a brief run with a fastbreak jumper, while Bell and Allen continued to apply pressure offensively. CSU answered with a late surge, sending the Wildcats into the final quarter trailing 32–26.

FVSU opened the fourth quarter on a 5–0 run, highlighted by a layup from Wade and a fastbreak three from Grace East to cut the deficit to one. East later knocked down another three to tie the game at 34, and Wade followed with a layup to even the score moments later. Baker gave the Wildcats their first lead of the quarter on a fastbreak finish, and Allen calmly converted free throws to keep FVSU in front late.

Bell delivered the decisive stretch for the Wildcats, draining a three-pointer, converting at the line, and finishing inside to push Fort Valley State's lead to five with under two minutes remaining. The Wildcats made key defensive stops down the stretch to secure the 48–45 victory.

FVSU had three players score in double figures. Bell led the offense with 12 points, going 4-for-7 from the floor, including a three-pointer, and 3-for-4 at the free throw line. Allen and Baker each added 10 points. Wade led the Wildcats on the glass with nine rebounds and added two blocks.

The Wildcats return to action on Wednesday, February 12, on the road at Clark Atlanta University, with tipoff set for 6 p.m.