FORT VALLEY, Ga. — Tuskegee men's basketball saw its eight-game winning streak come to an end Thursday night, falling 70-67 to Fort Valley State in SIAC action at the Health and Physical Education Complex.
The Golden Tigers opened the game with strong energy and shot-making, scoring 35 first-half points and keeping pace with the Wildcats through the opening 20 minutes. Tuskegee knocked down timely perimeter shots and attacked the paint early, but Fort Valley State carried a 47–35 advantage into halftime behind efficient first-half shooting.
Tuskegee responded in the second half with improved defensive pressure, holding Fort Valley State to just 23 points after the break. The Golden Tigers trimmed the deficit with a balanced offensive effort and multiple scoring runs, cutting the lead to single digits midway through the half and pulling within one possession late.
Kusamae Draper led Tuskegee with 17 points and eight rebounds, going 6-of-8 from the field and converting 5-of-8 free throws while anchoring the interior presence.
Anthony Wright added 14 points, attacking the rim consistently and knocking down six free throws, while
RJ Walker contributed 11 points, four assists, and steady leadership on both ends of the floor.
Roy Obsaint provided a spark off the bench with 12 points on 4-of-6 shooting, including four three-pointers, helping Tuskegee stay within striking distance throughout the second half.
Derrek Bolton III added six points and six rebounds, while
Khalil Genwright chipped in five points and solid defensive effort despite limited shooting opportunities.
Tuskegee finished the game shooting 39.6 percent from the field and 33.3 percent from three-point range, converting 18-of-27 free throws. The Golden Tigers also held advantages in second-chance points and bench production, but Fort Valley State's hot first-half shooting and ability to close at the free-throw line proved to be the difference.
Fort Valley State was led by Aidan Lambert's 19 points on 9-of-12 shooting, while Danny Delgado III added 18 points and six made three-pointers. The Wildcats shot 64.3 percent from the field in the first half before Tuskegee tightened defensively after intermission.
Despite the setback, Tuskegee showed resilience and competitiveness throughout the contest, cutting a double-digit deficit down to a one-possession game in the final minutes.
Up Next:
Tuskegee returns to the road on Saturday, Jan. 24, traveling to Clark Atlanta for a 3:00 p.m. SIAC matchup in Atlanta.
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