Fort Valley, GA – In a thrilling overtime matchup, the Albany State Lady Golden Rams fought until the final seconds but fell 61-59 to Fort Valley State on Saturday afternoon at the HPE Complex. With the loss, ASU drops to 8-16 overall and 4-14 in SIAC play, while Fort Valley State improves to 9-15 overall and 5-12 in the SIAC.
 
The Lady Golden Rams started strong, with Jaz Vick scoring the first basket of the game to give ASU early momentum. Albany State controlled the pace in the opening quarter, forcing turnovers and converting on key possessions to take a 12-6 lead at the end of the first period.
 
In the second quarter, Fort Valley State found its rhythm and chipped away at the ASU lead. A buzzer-beating shot by the Lady Wildcats just before halftime cut Albany State's lead to 23-22 heading into the break.
 
Coming out of halftime, Jaz Vick once again set the tone, scoring a three-point play to push ASU's lead to three. The Lady Golden Rams opened the third quarter on a 5-0 run and later extended their lead with an 8-0 surge, holding Fort Valley State scoreless until the 5:50 mark. A clutch three-pointer by Keyra Peterson put Albany State ahead 33-25, giving them control heading into the final stretch.
 
However, Fort Valley State fought back in the fourth quarter, capitalizing on missed free throws and turnovers by Albany State. The Lady Wildcats tied the game in the final seconds, sending the contest into overtime.
 
In the extra period, both teams traded baskets, with Keyra Peterson and Na'Haviya Paxton making key plays to keep ASU within striking distance. A late layup by Peterson tied the game at 59-59 with 10 seconds remaining, but Fort Valley State responded with a go-ahead layup just before the buzzer to seal the 61-59 victory.
 
Keyra Peterson led Albany State with 15 points and eight rebounds, while Jaz Vick added 13 points and three assists. Breana Griffin chipped in with eight points and six rebounds, contributing on both ends of the floor.
 
Up Next
The Lady Golden Rams remain on the road as they travel down 75 to face Edward Waters on Monday, Feb. 24 in Jacksonville, FL. Tip off is slated for 5:30 PM.
 
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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.