Albany, Ga. - The Albany State Golden Rams enter the week riding momentum and confidence following an exciting stretch of home games. Last week opened with a thrilling home doubleheader sweep of Savannah State, followed by a competitive doubleheader split against Edward Waters. The men's basketball team capped the week undefeated at 2–0, while the Lady Golden Rams finished 1–1, continuing to show growth and balance as conference play takes shape.
This week shifts the spotlight to the road before returning home, featuring two single non-conference matchups on Monday, December 15, followed by two conference doubleheaders on Wednesday, December 17, and Friday, December 19, as Albany State prepares to close out the pre-holiday slate.
Women's Basketball Preview
Monday, December 15 – at Johnson C. Smith (Charlotte, N.C.) | 1:00 PM
The Lady Golden Rams open the week with a non-conference midday matchup against Johnson C. Smith, renewing a competitive series that has been evenly matched in recent seasons. This will mark the third meeting between the two programs since 2022, with the series tied 1–1. Albany State's last victory came in 2022, when the Lady Golden Rams edged the Golden Bulls in a tightly contested 74–71 decision.
Johnson C. Smith presents a physical challenge, particularly in the paint, and often thrives on second-chance points and defensive pressure. For Albany State, this matchup offers an opportunity to sharpen execution and build consistency on both ends of the floor. Controlling the tempo, limiting turnovers, and winning the rebounding battle will be key as the Lady Golden Rams look to regain momentum on the road.
Wednesday, December 17 – at Allen (SIAC Play) | 5:30 PM
Conference play resumes midweek as Albany State travels to Columbia to face Allen University. Allen is known for its aggressive defensive approach and high-energy play, often turning defense into quick offense. The Lady Golden Rams will need to remain composed under pressure while executing efficiently in the half court.
This matchup serves as an important measuring stick in the SIAC East race, with Albany State aiming to establish rhythm and continuity as conference play intensifies.
Friday, December 19 – vs. Benedict College (SIAC Play)
The Lady Golden Rams close the week and the pre-holiday schedule with a conference showdown against Benedict College. Familiarity between the two programs adds an extra layer of intensity, and Albany State will look to protect home court while continuing to build confidence.
Strong defensive effort and balanced scoring will be essential as ASU looks to finish the week on a high note before the holiday break.
Men's Basketball Preview
Monday, December 15 – at Florida A&M (Tallahassee, Fla.)
The Golden Rams begin the week on the road with an exhibition matchup against Florida A&M. This will be the fifth meeting between the two programs since 2011, with the Rattlers holding a 3–1 edge in the series. Albany State's most recent victory came in 2023, when the Golden Rams earned an impressive 92–85 win.
Entering the contest on a winning streak, Albany State will use the exhibition as an opportunity to test itself against a Division I opponent, fine-tune rotations, and continue building confidence. Discipline on defense and efficient shot selection will be critical in a hostile road environment.
Wednesday, December 17 – at Allen (SIAC Play)
Following the exhibition, the Golden Rams return to conference action with a road trip to Allen. The matchup figures to be a physical battle, as Allen's defensive pressure often challenges teams to stay composed.
Albany State will look to carry its recent momentum into conference play, emphasizing ball movement, rebounding, and defensive discipline to secure a key SIAC road win.
Friday, December 19 – vs. Benedict College (SIAC Play)
The week concludes with a conference clash against Benedict College as Albany State closes out play before the Christmas break. With familiarity on both sides, execution and energy will be decisive.
The Golden Rams will aim to defend home court and extend their winning ways, using strong perimeter shooting and interior presence to close the week on a positive note.
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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.
