WILBERFORCE, Ohio — The Albany State University men's basketball team opened the 2025–26 campaign with a gritty showing at the 4th Annual SIAC/GSC Challenge but ultimately came up short in both outings, falling to West Alabama on Friday and Mississippi College on Saturday. Despite the 0–2 start, the Golden Rams displayed flashes of promise.

Game 1: West Alabama 89, Albany State 59
In Friday's opener, the Golden Rams struggled to slow a red-hot West Alabama squad that shot nearly 50 percent from the field. Albany State fought to establish rhythm offensively but was forced to play from behind early as West Alabama built a commanding lead.

ASU's lone consistent spark came from Shakur Poteat, who posted 21 points while shooting an efficient 50 percent from the field and knocking down four three-pointers. Despite Poteat's efforts, the Rams were unable to overcome West Alabama's balanced attack and long-range shooting.

Game 2: Mississippi College 84, Albany State 80
Albany State responded with a far more competitive effort in Saturday's matchup, pushing Mississippi College to the final minutes in an 84–80 battle. The Rams shot a strong 45.9 percent from the field and knocked down 12 threes to remain within striking distance throughout the contest.

Once again, Poteat powered the offense, dropping another 21-point performance and going a perfect 12-of-12 from the free-throw line. Christian Gary and Khimani Hopkinson added 19 and 18 points, respectively, giving the Rams multiple scoring threats in a game that came down to late-game execution.

Defensively, Cameron Evans anchored the glass with 11 rebounds over the two-game stretch, while the Rams outshot their opponents at the free-throw line, going 48-for-64 across both contests.

Up Next, the Golden Rams prepare for their home opener and will kick off conference play against Morehouse College on Thursday, November 20, inside Jones Brothers HPER Complex.

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ABOUT ALBANY STATE ATHLETICS
Albany State University is a National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) Division II-level intercollegiate athletic program. The university currently fields teams in 11 sports: women's volleyball, women's tennis, women's cross country, men's and women's basketball, softball, men's and women's track and field, women's soccer, baseball, and football with all teams compete in the Southern Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (SIAC), except women's soccer, which participates in the Peach Belt Conference.