COLUMBIA, S.C. - The Allen University women's basketball team got off to a slow start and could never recover in falling 74-60 at home to Fort Valley State on Monday evening from Adams Gym.

FVSU got off to a hot start taking a 10-0 lead at the midway point of the opening quarter before extending that to 16-2. However, Allen would trim the deficit down to 8 points at 18-10 at the end of the quarter. 

In the second quarter, AU would get to within four points at the halfway mark at 23-19, which was a combined 17-7 run over two quarters. Unfortunately, FVSU found their stroke again and quickly increased their lead to ten points to 29-19 with under 3 minutes to play before taking a 31-25 lead over the Lady Jackets at the break.

In the second half, Allen would trim FVSU's lead down to three points at 47-44 heading into the fourth, but AU could get no closer than 6 points in the fourth quarter as the hot-shooting Wildcats would pull away for the win.

2x SIAC Newcomer of the Week, Keyshuna Fair led the Yellow Jackets with 11 points on the night on 3 of 8 shooting from three while senior forward Cardrina Nolen also finished with 7 points and 4 rebounds. Freshman forward Talayah Boxley also tallied 7 points and 4 boards while senior guard Jazeem Bethea recorded 7 points as well with an assist and a steal. 

Freshman forward Ananda Mayhew also played good minutes off the bench scoring 8 points with 5 rebounds while fellow forward, senior Symone Jackson finished with 6 points, 3 rebounds, and a block. Guard Kayla Pope added 6 points and 2 assists while junior forward Jaida Reddin led the team with 3 assists and 3 steals.

The Yellow Jackets fall to 12-10 overall and 8-9 in the SIAC while FVSU improves to 5-14 and 5-11 in the conference. The women will next return to action on Saturday when they face rival Benedict at 1:00 PM across the street.