Lady Wildcats 65, Lady Rams 56
In their continuing battle to gain the number one ranking in the Southern Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (SIAC), the Lady Wildcats maintained their second place standing with the win over the Lady Rams. With just four games left in the regular season, the win keeps the Lady Wildcats within striking distance of the conference leading Lady Tigers of Stillman College.
Before a capacity crowd of 4,726 fans, the Lady Wildcats were finally able wrestle away control of a game that was a close contest from start to finish. Leading 31-27 at halftime, FVSU had to fend off several second half rallies by the Lady Rams. In fact, ASU forced three second half ties.
The difference in the game proved to be the staunch defense of the Lady Wildcats. By forcing 19 Lady Ram turnovers, FVSU actually fed it’s offense off the ASU miscues. Couple the turnovers with nine FVSU steals and the typical pattern for Lady Wildcat victories was firmly in place. Like so many other games, transition baskets paved the way for the Lady Wildcat win over the Lady Rams.
Senior guard Yasheeka Jones led the Lady Wildcats in scoring with 13 points. She finished with three assists and one steal. Center Jasmine Birdsong registered a double, double in the win with 10 points and 11 rebounds. Carmenonique Dawson also tallied 10 points along with five rebounds.
Now 16-6 overall and 14-4 in conference play, the Lady Wildcats need to win all four remaining games to ensure 20 wins during the regular season. The four-game stretch begins on February 14th at 6 p.m. when the Lady Wildcats host the Lady Lions of Paine College.
Wildcats 66, Rams 59
After losing their last three games, nothing pleased FVSU Head Coach Sammy Jackson more than to break the skip with a win over the Golden Rams. Ranked 10th in the conference standings at the start of the game, the win was a push upward for FVSU and it avenged the loss the Wildcats suffered at the hands of the Golden Rams earlier in the season.
Sophomore forward Brandon Davey led the Wildcats in scoring with 16 points. He also finished with seven rebounds; one block; and three steals. Desmond Lofland added 13 points, five rebounds and three steals. Joshuah Davis finished with 11 points and Corey Hunter had 10 points and six rebounds.
With four games remaining in the regular season, the Wildcats need a strong finish to enhance their playing position in the upcoming SIAC Basketball Tournament. The higher they are able to finish in the rankings, the better their initial pairing in the tournament. Currently, the Wildcats are 10-10 in conference play and 10-12 overall.
FVSU returns to action on February 14th in the HPE Complex when they host the Lions of Paine College at 8 p.m. Admission to the game is free of charge.
Courtesy of FVSU Sports
