Albany, Ga. — Albany State University athletics returns to action this week as the Golden Rams and Lady Golden Rams look to carry late-season momentum into the new year. Following a strong finish just before the holiday break, both basketball programs face important matchups that will help shape the early stages of 2026, including a New Year's Eve non-conference test and a pivotal road doubleheader to open conference play.
Just before the holiday break, the Lady Golden Rams closed out 2025 on a high note, riding a three-game winning streak with victories over Johnson C. Smith (75–63), Allen (81–79), and Benedict (66–60). The stretch showcased Albany State's balance, resilience, and ability to execute in close games, particularly in conference play.
The Golden Rams wrapped up the week with a 2–1 record, dropping a non-conference matchup to Florida A&M before bouncing back with two SIAC wins over Allen and Benedict. The strong finish positioned Albany State well heading into the new year as conference play resumes.
Women's Basketball Preview: Keeping the Streak Alive
The Lady Golden Rams are returning to the court after the holiday break, bringing with them renewed confidence and momentum from their three-game winning streak. Albany State demonstrated consistent offensive production and defensive resilience during the latter part of 2025, finding ways to close out games and protect their home court.
Saturday's matchup against LeMoyne-Owen poses both a challenge and an opportunity. The Lady Magicians come into this game looking to recover after going 0–3 before the break, while Albany State aims to maintain their winning streak and kick off the new year with a strong road victory.
Historically, Albany State has held the upper hand in this series, leading 9–6 dating back to December 1, 2011. However, the last encounter on November 25, 2025, ended with LeMoyne-Owen narrowly defeating the Lady Golden Rams 71–69. This Saturday's game presents Albany State with a chance to avenge that loss while extending their current winning streak.
Saturday, January 3 – at LeMoyne-Owen (Memphis, Tenn.)
Men's Basketball Preview: Finishing Strong and Building Momentum for the New Year
The Golden Rams begin the week with a New Year's Eve non-conference road matchup against Shorter University in Rome, Ga. Albany State last faced the Hawks on Dec. 24, 2024, earning a hard-fought 72–69 victory. This year's matchup offers another chance for the Golden Rams to test themselves away from home and build momentum before returning to conference play.
Albany State enters the contest looking to extend its win streak into the new year, while Shorter aims to regroup after recent losses to Barton College and Emmanuel University. Expect a competitive matchup where defensive intensity and transition execution could be deciding factors.
Following Wednesday's contest, Albany State remains on the road and shifts its focus back to SIAC play with a Saturday showdown against LeMoyne-Owen in Memphis. The two programs last met on Jan. 4, 2025, with the Golden Rams edging the Magicians 84–80 in a closely contested battle.
Saturday's conference matchup will test Albany State's depth and discipline, especially in a road environment. With conference standings always at a premium, the Golden Rams will look to carry confidence from recent wins and start the new year strong within the SIAC.
Wednesday, December 31 – at Shorter (Rome, Ga)
Saturday, January 3 – at LeMoyne-Owen (Memphis, Tenn.)
Stay Connected
For complete coverage of ASU Athletics, follow us on social media @asugoldenrams (Instagram), @ASUGoldenRams (Twitter), ASU Rams Nation (Facebook), or visit the official home of the Golden Rams at
www.asugoldenrams.com.
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.
