COLUMBIA, SC --- Junior forward Demetri Patterson was the driving force in Allen's 63-49 victory over Fort Valley State Saturday as the first-year Yellow Jacket posted his first double-double of the season.

The only time Allen trailed Saturday was in the first 48 seconds after FVSU scored a pair of free-throws to take a 2-0 lead. From there, it was a team effort from Coach Shawn Walker's group as 10 Yellow Jackets scored with Patterson leading the charge behind new career-highs of 18 points and 10 rebounds. Allen led by as many as 27 points, 54-27, in the second half before the Wildcats scored 22 points over the final 12 minutes in a attempted comeback effort. However, the late surge from Fort Valley State would not be enough as Allen secured their eighth win of the season - doubling the team's win total from a season ago. 

In addition to Patterson, Malik Lacewell posted double-figures with 13 points on a perfect 5-5 night from the free-throw line. Junior guard Talton Jones added in eight points and five rebounds in 17 minutes of action in his first start of the season. 

Allen aims for back-to-back victories in SIAC for the second time this season as they welcome Albany State to John Hurst Adams Gymnasium Monday, January 22 at 7:45 p.m. Tickets are available at the door and online at www.auyellowjackets.com.