Wildcats Win Tussle with Maroon Tigers
By: FVSU Office of Sports Information
Last night’s 77-70 win for the Wildcats of Fort Valley State University (FVSU) over the Maroon Tigers of Morehouse College was a welcome relief for Head Coach John Douglas and the Wildcats. With only eight games remaining on the regular season schedule, Coach Douglas and the Wildcats are well aware that every win is instrumental in helping their seeding for this year’s Southern Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (SIAC) Basketball Tournament. The better the record, the better the seeding! Along with that comes a higher probability for success in the conference tournament.
The key to the Wildcat win last night hinged on their ability to string together two solid halves of basketball. In the game’s first 20 minutes, the Wildcats connected on 16 of 33 shots. The 48.5% first half field goal percentage was even more impressive when the five three-point baskets of that half are included in the shooting effort. Sophomore Kenneth Simmons provided the first half spark from behind the arch with three three-point baskets. Leading by as many as 13 points mid-way through the half, the Wildcats took a 41-32 lead into the intermission.
In the second half, the field goal shooting percentage for the Wildcats was raised even higher. The 52% (13 of 25) second half shooting effort by the Wildcats enabled FVSU to stave off multiple charges by the Maroon Tigers in the game’s final 20minutes. Just like the first half, the Wildcats continued their hot streak of three point baskets. FVSU was 4 of 7 in three point baskets in the second half. Along with Simmons, guards Randy Graham, Jeremy Sledge and William Hawes played significant roles in the long distance shooting.
In a game which the score was tied four times and there were five lead changes, the difference was the 24 points that FVSU got off of Maroon Tiger turnovers and the 28 points that reserve players contributed to the FVSU total. And while his point production was only four points, senior Corderrel Humphrey’s energetic play propelled the Wildcats during a critical phase of the second half. In addition to four points, he finished with four rebounds, two critical blocked shots and a steal.
Simmons, Hawes and Detrius McCall led the Wildcats in scoring. The trio finished with 12 points each. Graham capped his night with 11 points and Steven Gill added 10 points. Sledge and senior Darrell Aiken contributed 8 points each.
The win elevates the Wildcats overall record to 7-12 and they are now 5-11 in SIAC play. FVSU returns to action on Thursday night, when brother meets brother as Head Coach John Douglas and the Wildcats will host the Golden Tigers of Tuskegee who are coached by Leon Douglas; John’s brother. Tip off for the men’s game is at 8 p.m. That game will be preceded by the Lady Wildcats and the Tigerettes of Tuskegee who tip at 6p.m.
Ticket prices for Wildcats Basketball are $7 general admission; $5 for military personnel with identification; free for children under the age of 10 years; and free for FVSU students with identification.
To view the box score for this game and for more information about Wildcats Basketball, please visit www.fvsusports.com.
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