Albany, Ga. - After an action-packed holiday week, Albany State Athletics turns the page to one of the most pivotal stretches of the winter sports season. Women's basketball split their opening week of competition, men's basketball continued to build chemistry with a strong second-half effort against Florida Tech, and Golden Rams Football capped the weekend with a historic playoff victory to advance to the NCAA Division II Quarterfinals for just the fourth time in program history.
This week's slate features a conference basketball doubleheader at Clark Atlanta and culminates with Albany State Football hosting Newberry College in the NCAA DII Quarterfinals on Saturday. Here's a detailed breakdown of each matchup ahead.
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Women's Basketball Preview: Building on Momentum
Albany State (1-1, 1-1 SIAC) at Clark Atlanta (1-5, 1-3 SIAC)
The Lady Golden Rams head into this week with renewed confidence after a strong bounce-back performance in their 68–55 road win over Central State. Albany State showcased balanced scoring, defensive pressure, and improved rebounding—factors that will be critical as they step back into SIAC play.
Clark Atlanta enters the week searching for footing after falling to Edward Waters before the break. Before facing Albany State, the Lady Panthers will host Georgia Southwestern on December 1, giving them one additional tune-up before Thursday's matchup.
Historically, the Lady Golden Rams have held the edge over the Panthers, owning a 16–12 series lead dating back to 2011. However, Clark Atlanta has recently found success; the Lady Golden Rams have not beaten the Lady Panthers since January 2022. Thursday presents an opportunity to change that trend as ASU leans on renewed momentum, improved defensive consistency, and emerging offensive rhythm.
Expect Albany State to rely on its pressure defense, transition offense, and recent bench contributions to challenge a Clark Atlanta team eager to secure its first win of the season.
With both teams seeking traction early in conference play, Thursday night's matchup promises to carry heavy implications for momentum heading into December.
- Thursday, Dec. 4 – at Clark Atlanta, 5:30 PM (Atlanta, Ga. L.S. Epps Gymnasium)
Men's Basketball Preview: Return to Conference Play
Albany State (0-4, 0-1 SIAC) at Clark Atlanta (2-3, 1-2 SIAC)
Albany State returns to conference competition looking to turn the corner after a competitive second half against Florida Tech. Despite the loss, the Golden Rams showed flashes of offensive rhythm, improved shot creation, and stronger paint presence, positive signs as the young season continues.
Clark Atlanta, meanwhile, is riding momentum following a narrow pre-break win over LeMoyne-Owen. With a strong backcourt and athletic interior play, the Panthers will look to feed off their home-court energy and extend their early-season win streak.
The two teams split their 2024–25 series, with each squad winning on the road. Since 2011, Clark Atlanta has held a narrow 14–12 series advantage, underscoring the competitive nature of this matchup. Albany State's focus will be on defensive efficiency, limiting fast-break points, and translating their improved second-half play into a full 40-minute performance.
- Thursday, Dec. 4 – at Clark Atlanta, 7:30 PM (Atlanta, Ga. L.S. Epps Gymnasium)
Football Preview: NCAA Division II Super Region II Quarterfinal
Albany State (12-1) vs. Newberry College (11-1)
Fresh off a gritty 14–12 victory over Benedict in the Super Region II Second Round, the Golden Rams are preparing for one of the biggest games in program history. With the win, Albany State advanced to the NCAA DII Quarterfinals for just the third time ever and earned its 12th win of the season, the most in school history.
This week, ASU remains at home to host Newberry College, a program they have faced only once before. Their lone meeting occurred in the 2006 NCAA playoffs, where
Newberry edged out Albany State 34–28 in a tight contest. Nearly two decades later, the Golden Rams have the opportunity to rewrite that history on their home turf.
Newberry enters the matchup after a dramatic comeback win over West Florida, proving they are a resilient and well-coached playoff opponent. The Wolves' balanced offense and disciplined defensive front will challenge an Albany State team that has thrived this season through physicality, ball control, and elite defensive play.
For ASU, the formula remains clear: efficient quarterback play, strong rushing production, and a defense that has consistently shown the ability to generate stops in critical moments. With home-field advantage and championship-level momentum, the Golden Rams will look to punch their ticket to the national semifinals.
- Saturday, Dec. 6 – vs Newberry College, 1:00 PM (Albany, Ga., ASU Coliseum)
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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.
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