Memphis, Tenn. — The Albany State Golden Rams left everything on the floor Tuesday night in a thrilling 76-74 SIAC Championship Tournament first-round battle against LeMoyne-Owen. In a game that came down to the final possessions, Albany State showcased heart, efficiency, and resilience before concluding the 2025-26 campaign with a 12-17 overall record and an 11-13 mark in conference play.
From the opening tip, the Golden Rams played with confidence and precision. Albany State shot a blistering 52 percent from the field in the first half and an impressive 66.7 percent from three-point range to take a 37-32 lead into the break. The offensive rhythm was evident early, as the Rams moved the ball with purpose and knocked down timely shots against tournament pressure.
Jeremiah Edwards delivered one of his strongest performances of the season, pouring in a game-high 20 points on an efficient 7-of-12 shooting effort. He connected on three of five shots from beyond the arc and attacked the rim with poise, setting the tone offensively.
Right alongside him was
Shakur Poteat, who turned in a dynamic all-around performance in 40 minutes of action. Poteat finished with 19 points, five rebounds, and three assists while shooting 7-of-11 from the floor and 3-of-5 from three-point range. He controlled the tempo, created opportunities, and provided steady leadership throughout the night.
Kendale Johnson added 15 points, knocking down three three-pointers and continuing to stretch the defense with his perimeter shooting. His ability to score in key moments kept the Golden Rams within striking distance down the stretch.
Off the bench,
Khimani Hopkinson provided a major spark, scoring 13 points on a perfect 5-of-5 shooting performance. He also pulled down six rebounds and brought physicality and energy in crucial stretches.
Joseph Frazier chipped in five points and three rebounds, helping Albany State compile 18 bench points in a well-rounded team effort.
As a unit, the Golden Rams shot an outstanding 50 percent from the field and 45 percent from three-point range while converting 76.5 percent from the free-throw line. They controlled the paint with 32 points inside and added 12 second-chance points, capitalizing on extra opportunities. Albany State also finished with 17 assists, reflecting the unselfish ball movement that defined its offensive flow.
The second half featured momentum swings and clutch shot-making on both sides. Albany State matched LeMoyne-Owen basket for basket, maintaining composure as the lead changed hands five times. Even in the final moments, the Golden Rams executed and competed with unwavering determination, embodying the toughness that carried them through conference play.
Although the outcome wasn't in their favor, Albany State demonstrated growth and unity throughout the season. The Golden Rams finished strong, playing efficient basketball and laying a solid foundation for the future. With heads held high, they concluded the 2025-26 season after a hard-fought tournament battle that embodied the spirit of Golden Ram basketball.
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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 competing in the Southern Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (SIAC), except women's soccer, which participates in the Peach Belt Conference.
