Albany State takes two from Savannah State

ALBANY – Albany State basketball fans had plenty to cheer about Saturday as both the Golden Rams and Lady Golden Rams defeated Savannah State at the Albany State West Arena. The men extended their winning streak to four games with a 65-56 victory, while the women snapped an 11-game losing streak against Savannah State with a convincing 61-43 win on Military Appreciation Day.

The Golden Rams wasted no time in the men’s game, opening with a 12-1 run. Savannah State clawed back to narrow the deficit to 32-30 by halftime, keeping the game competitive. Early in the second half, the teams traded leads before Albany State seized control with a key nine-point run, highlighted by a three-point play from sophomore Cameron Evans. Evans hit a jumper, drew a foul, and converted the free throw to give the Rams a 56-47 lead with eight minutes left.

Blaise Wallace provided another spark late in the game, drilling a three-pointer to push Albany State’s lead to 61-50. Savannah State cut the margin to five in the closing minutes, but Wallace and G’Shan Aldridge sealed the victory with clutch shots and free throws. Wallace led the Golden Rams with 18 points and 14 rebounds, while Evans added 15 points. Albany State shot an efficient 54% from the field and 50% from beyond the arc to improve to 9-6 overall and 6-2 in the SIAC.

The Lady Golden Rams also delivered a statement performance, defeating Savannah State for the first time since the Lady Tigers rejoined the SIAC in 2019. Albany State set the tone early, outscoring Savannah State 18-13 in the first quarter and taking a 33-19 lead into halftime. Keyra Peterson and Johanna Bell fueled the offense, combining for 19 first-half points.

The Lady Golden Rams dominated defensively, holding Savannah State to just six points in the third quarter and forcing 21 turnovers, leading to 23 points. Albany State also controlled the boards, outrebounding the Lady Tigers 45-39. Peterson recorded her fifth double-double of the season with 19 points, 13 rebounds, and 4 steals, while Bell added 14 points, including three three-pointers, and dished out 4 assists. Na’Haviya Paxton contributed 8 points, 7 rebounds, and 3 assists, providing a steady presence in the paint.

With the win, the Lady Golden Rams improved to 5-7 overall and 3-5 in conference play, while Savannah State fell to 6-8 and 2-6 in the SIAC. Despite a strong effort from Savannah State’s Amani Hamilton, who led her team with 12 points and 9 rebounds, Albany State’s defense proved too much to overcome.

Albany State continues conference play Monday and will host Edward Waters at ASU West. Tip-off for the women’s game is 5:30 with the men to follow.