KSU Thorobreds hold on for 86-83 win at Fort Valley State

FORT VALLEY, Georgia  –  Playing its first game in nearly a month, the Kentucky State men's basketball team held off Fort Valley State to come away with an 86-83 road victory on Saturday.

Malcolm Smith led the way for the Thorobreds with a game-high 24 points while also pulling down eight rebounds. Tryston Ford added 19 points, while Julius Barton chipped in 14, including 12 in the first half as Kentucky State built its lead. Dareial Franklin and Ralph Wilson each had 20 points to lead Fort Valley State.

The game was tied just briefly at 2-2, and Kentucky State led the rest of the way. The win didn't come easily for the Thorobreds, however, as Fort Valley State gradually cut into a Kentucky State lead that had been as many as 18 points, eventually pulling within one possession in the game's final minute. Though Fort Valley State got the ball back after a missed free throw with 11 seconds left, they were unable to get off a final shot to tie the game.

Kentucky State took control of the game early, holding the Wildcats scoreless over a four minute stretch while putting together a 14-0 run to go up 21-4. Later in the half, the Thorobreds built their lead to as many as 18 points after a Barton free throw made the score 33-15.

Kentucky State took a 45-32 lead to halftime, but the Wildcats opened the second half with a 13-3 surge over the first five minutes, cutting the lead to one possession. Five straight points by Smith helped the Thorobreds push the lead back out to 72-57 with just under nine minutes to play, giving them just enough of a cushion to hold on down the stretch.

Kentucky State shot 45 percent (33-of-74) from the field and 32 percent (6-of-19) from 3-point range, while Fort Valley State shot 42 percent (25-of-60) overall and 28 percent (5-of-18) from outside. The Wildcats held a 47-44 rebounding advantage and turned the ball over 21 times to Kentucky State's 16.

Kentucky State pulls even at 4-4 on the season and improves to 3-1 in SIAC competition, while Fort Valley State drops to 2-11 overall and 0-3 in the conference. The Thorobreds continue their road trip when they travel to Albany State on Monday.

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COURTESY KENTUCKY STATE UNIVERSITY SPORTS INFORMATION