Fort Valley, GA - Albany State and Fort Valley State battled through a grueling triple-overtime thriller, but the Golden Rams ultimately fell short, losing 95-92 on the road at the HPE Complex. The game featured multiple lead changes, momentum swings, and clutch performances, until the final buzzer. With the loss, Albany State drops to 16-10 overall and 13-6 in SIAC play, while Fort Valley State improves to 11-16 overall and 10-9 in the conference.

Albany State came out strong, controlling the pace early and building a 15-11 lead in the first half. The Golden Rams extended their advantage to 12 points with just over seven minutes remaining in the half, capitalizing on efficient shooting and tough defense. However, Fort Valley State refused to back down, making a late push and cutting the deficit to just one point at halftime, with Albany State holding a slim 36-35 lead.

Coming out of the break, the Wildcats surged ahead for the first time in the game with a 9-2 run, seizing control with a 46-38 advantage. The Golden Rams responded with timely baskets from Blaise Wallace and Shakur Poteat, keeping the game within reach and setting up a dramatic finish in regulation. Albany State had opportunities to seal the game, but Fort Valley State found ways to answer, forcing overtime with a clutch basket in the final moments.

The first and second overtime periods saw both teams exchanging blows, with neither side able to pull away. Albany State relied on its inside presence, with Wallace dominating the boards and Poteat delivering key shots from the perimeter. G'Shan Aldridge provided stability at the point guard position, sinking critical free throws and setting up his teammates for scoring opportunities.

In the decisive third overtime, the Wildcats made just enough plays to edge out the Golden Rams. Albany State had a chance to tie or take the lead in the final seconds, but a contested layup fell short, allowing Fort Valley State to seal the win from the free-throw line. Wallace led the way for the Golden Rams with an impressive double-double, finishing with 25 points and 24 rebounds. Poteat added 21 points, while Kendale Johnson contributed 18, including key three-pointers in clutch moments.

Up Next
The Golden Rams will look to bounce back as they travel to Jacksonville, Florida, for a matchup against Edward Waters University on Monday, February 24.Bottom of Form

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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.