Albany, GA – In a thrilling Senior Day matchup inside the Jones Brothers HPER Complex, the Albany State University Lady Golden Rams put up a valiant effort but ultimately fell to Benedict College, 66-64, in a closely contested SIAC battle. With the loss, ASU drops to 7-13 overall and 4-12 in conference play, while Benedict improves to 8-14 overall and 6-10 in the SIAC.

The game opened with a fast-paced first quarter, as both teams matched each other basket for basket. The Lady Golden Rams came out aggressive, led by Keyra Peterson and Jasirae Vick, who combined for 15 of ASU's 20 first-quarter points. Despite the offensive rhythm, Benedict matched their intensity, and the teams ended the opening period tied at 20-20.

Coming out of the break, the Lady Golden Rams attempted to regain their footing. Keyra Peterson continued to lead the charge, battling in the paint and controlling the boards. ASU found some momentum in the third quarter, but Benedict's defense remained tough, limiting Albany State's opportunities. Despite improving their shooting percentage, the Lady Golden Rams trailed 49-39 heading into the final quarter.

The fourth quarter saw Albany State make a furious comeback attempt, outscoring Benedict 25-17. The Lady Golden Rams attacked the basket, drawing fouls and converting free throws, led by Jasirae Vick's 13-of-16 performance from the line. Peterson continued to dominate inside, finishing the game with a double-double of 21 points and 11 rebounds.

With under a minute remaining, ASU closed the gap to two points, but Benedict's Ciara Hardy and Taylor Christmas made crucial defensive stops to hold off the Lady Golden Rams. In the final possession, ASU had an opportunity to tie or take the lead, but their final shot attempt rimmed out, allowing Benedict to escape with the 66-64 victory.

Despite the loss, Albany State outrebounded Benedict 45-43 and forced 24 turnovers, but struggles from beyond the arc (3-of-14 from three-point range) and at the free-throw line (63.3% on 19-of-30 shooting) proved costly.

Up Next
The Lady Golden Rams will close out their home schedule by hosting Allen University in their final home game of the regular season. The game will feature a pregame celebration of ASU's scholar student-athletes and will be part of the Play4Kay Pink Out Game, raising awareness for breast cancer. Tip-off is set for 5:30 PM inside the 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.