Joe Williams scored a game-high 25 points, but the Albany State Golden Rams lost to the Valdosta State Blazers 91-89 in overtime. With the loss, ASU drops to 1-3 on the season. VSU improves to 5-0.

Due to early foul trouble with its post players, Albany State fell behind early. At the 10:01 mark of the first half, the Golden Rams trailed 20-12. A quick 7-3 run cut their deficit in half at 23-19 with 8:48 left to play in the first stanza.

The Blazers would go on a key 19-6 run over the next five minutes to take a 42-25 advantage with 2:35 left in the half. The Golden Rams made a run of their own, 8-2, to cut their halftime deficit to 44-33.

Albany State kept fighting in the second half with defensive pressure. The two teams battled back and forth before the Golden Rams finally tied the score at 59 with 9:31 left in regulation. Jamorris Gaines gave ASU its first lead, 61-59, of the game with two free throws at the 8:47 mark.

The classic battle continued down the stretch. Valdosta State led 69-64 with 6:40 remaining. Albany State quickly answered with a 5-0 run of its own to tie the game at 69 with 5:24 left capped by a Rachard Lofton three-pointer.

With the Blazers leading 77-73 with 1:44 remaining in regulation, Williams scored a basket to cut the deficit. Eric Martin's basket with 50 seconds left tied the game at 77.

After causing a shot clock violation by Valdosta State, the Golden Rams had two opportunities to win the game in regulation, but the both fell short.

In the extra session, the Blazers built a six-point edge, 85-79, with 2:01 left in the game. The Golden Rams were able to get cut the lead to 89-87 with seven ticks left, but Valdosta State hit two free throws to seal the game.

Gaines added 22 points and eight rebounds for the Golden Rams. Martin finished with 10 points and six rebounds.

The Golden Rams return to action on Saturday, November 30^th at the ASU HPER Gym when they face Florida International. Game time is slated for 3 p.m.