FORT VALLEY, Ga – Saturday’s homecoming doubleheader against conference foe Albany State University (ASU) was an instant classic. The second half of the game was neck and neck with neither team being able to maintain its lead. Forward Sayerr Senghore came down with the game sealing rebound with 7 seconds left in the third overtime. He then made both free throws to secure the 95-92 win for Fort Valley.
Albany State scored the first points in the third overtime to make the score 88-86. Wildcats guard Marcus Scott came down and hit a three-pointer to regain the lead. The Wildcats were able to get a stop and forward Hassane Diallo made a layup assisted by Khirius Doucet with 2:59 left in the third overtime. The score was at a standstill until ASU hit a three-pointer to tie the game at 91 with 1:28 left on the clock. With 1:05 left Marcus Scott knocked down both free throws for a 93-91 edge. Fort Valley recorded a foul with 38 seconds left which resulted in free throws for ASU.
Albany was unable to sink both free throws causing a 93-92 deficit late in third overtime. Both teams missed their next shots after that resulting in Fort Valley closing out the game.
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Player of the game Hassane Diallo finished the game with 17 points, 15 rebounds and 6 blocks while going 7 of 17 from the field. He had help from Senghore who also came down with 15 rebounds and scored 19 points while contributing 2 steals, 3 blocks, and 8 of 14 shooting.
The Wildcats had multiple double-digit scorers. Jaylen Jackson scored 15 points, also adding 7 rebounds and 4 assists. Antonio Pelham accumulated 11 points after his three three-pointers. Khirius Doucet scored 14 points and dropped in 6 assists. Marcus Scott, also sinking three three-pointers, had 11 points.
The first overtime ASU saw its lead grow to four with the score being 71-67 with 1:48 left. With only seven seconds left guard Khirius Doucet drew a foul for the game tying free throws. He made both and tied the game at 75, forcing a second overtime.
Overtime two went back and forth until Fort Valley saw yet another deficit, 86-84. Senghore was fouled with 18 seconds left and missed the second free throw to keep the lead with ASU. After a Senghore rebound Doucet was fouled with 5 seconds left. He made one of his two free throws requiring yet another overtime.
The Wildcats played their final home game Saturday. They have two games left, both being on the road against Savannah State University, February 24 at 7:30 PM EST and Edward Waters University on February 26 at 7 PM EST.