Wildcats Clawed By Golden Bears
By: FVSU Office of Sports Information
The importance of last night’s game for the Wildcats of Fort Valley State University (FVSU) could not have been overstated. Facing the Bears of Miles College who were ranked last in the Southern Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (SIAC), the Wildcats had their collective sights set on a win that would boost their confidence as they launched an eight game home stand and a more positive view of the seeding for the pending SIAC Tournament in early March. But after a disappointing 66-52 loss to the Bears, Wildcat confidence was shaken and the view of favorable tournament rankings diminished.
In a first half in which there were four ties and three lead changes, the Wildcats trailed at the halftime 37-22. While outscoring the Bears in the second half 30-29, the 15 point deficit would prove too difficult for the Wildcats to overcome.
Part of the problem was that the Bears were extremely consistent from the floor in both halves of the game. The 50% field goal percentage for the Bears in the first half was eclipsed by their 68.8% shooting percentage in the game’s final 20 minutes. With four players finishing in double figure scoring, the multi-pronged offensive attack by the Bears was simply too lethal for the Wildcats.
The loss dropped FVSU’s overall record to 6-10 but probably more important, their conference record is now 4-9. The Wildcats were led by forward Steven Gill who tallied 20 points, four rebounds, and one steal. Fellow forward Darrell Aiken finished with 13 points and seven rebounds.
There are nine games remaining on the regular season schedule. All nine remaining contests are conference games with seven of those to be played in the HPE Arena. And while the Wildcats are well aware of the importance of winning each, the outcome will depend on whether they can translate this sense of urgency into a winning, on-court formula.
The home stand for the Wildcats continues on Thursday night (January 28th) at 8 p.m. when the Wildcats meet the Magicians of Lemoyne-Owen College on the FVSU campus.
To view the box score for this game and for more information about Wildcats Basketball, please visit www.fvsusports.com.
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