TUSKEGEE, Ala. — Tuskegee women's basketball picked up its first SIAC victory of the 2025-26 season on Thursday evening, defeating Fort Valley State 62-59 inside the James Center Arena.
 
The Golden Tigers (1-1, 1-0 SIAC) controlled the game for more than 28 minutes and used a decisive fourth-quarter surge to pull away from the Wildcats (0-2, 0-1 SIAC) in a tightly contested matchup.
 
Tuskegee opened the game with an 11-10 advantage after the first quarter, with both teams trading early baskets. The Golden Tigers' offense settled in during the second quarter, shooting 47 percent from the field (8-for-17) and building a 31-28 halftime lead behind strong interior play and improved ball movement.
 
Veteran guard Jayden Bullard provided an early spark off the bench, scoring 5 first-half points while adding a rebound, assist, and steal. Forward Shemaiah Mackin also anchored the inside, posting 14 points by halftime, including several key finishes through contact.
 
Both teams scored 18 points in the third quarter, with neither able to create separation. Tuskegee's defense forced Fort Valley State into multiple empty possessions, while A'Iyonna Kimble delivered efficient minutes, going 3-for-3 from the field for 6 points.
 
Fort Valley State briefly took the lead at the 9:14 mark of the quarter after a three-pointer, but Tuskegee quickly responded with a mid-range jumper by Kae'la Mitchell, regaining a 34-33 edge. The quarter featured six lead changes, but Tuskegee held a narrow 49-46 lead heading to the final frame.
 
Tuskegee opened the fourth quarter with a dominant stretch. After two free throws by Bullard and a steal by Mackin, Aaliyah Duranham found Bullard for a transition layup to push the lead to 53-46.
 
Moments later, Mackin converted a hook shot, and Kimble scored in the paint off another turnover to give Tuskegee its largest lead of the night at 57-46 with 7:35 remaining.
 
Fort Valley State responded with an 8-0 run late in the period, but Tuskegee's defensive rebounding and free-throw shooting allowed the Golden Tigers to maintain control in the closing minute.

Up Next
Tuskegee will return to Chappie James Center on Saturday, as they host Clark Atlanta at 1 p.m. for another conference showdown.

How to Follow the Golden Tigers
For complete information on Tuskegee Golden Tigers Women's Basketball, visit GoldenTigerSports.com and follow the team's social media channels on Twitter, Instagram and  Facebook.
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