Albany State basketball splits with Allen University

Staff Reports

COLUMBIA, SC – The Albany State Golden Rams basketball teams faced mixed results in their weekend matchups at Allen University, with the men earning a decisive 76-63 win on Friday night and the women falling short in a 76-64 battle on Saturday afternoon at the John Hurst Adams Gym.

The Golden Rams men improved to 10-7 overall and 7-3 in SIAC play, setting the tone early with a commanding first-half performance. Albany State led 42-25 at halftime, shooting an impressive 52.1% from the field and 52.4% from beyond the arc, converting 11 of 21 three-point attempts. The Rams’ defensive pressure forced 17 turnovers, translating into 28 points. Despite a second-half push from the Yellow Jackets, who outscored Albany State 38-34 after the break, the Rams’ balanced attack and composure sealed the victory.

Shakur Poteat led the way with a stellar performance, scoring a game-high 23 points on 7-of-10 shooting, including four three-pointers. Poteat also contributed three steals and five assists. Kendale Johnson added 14 points with four three-pointers, and G’Shan Aldridge chipped in 10 points and three assists. Allen’s Peyton Weathersby led his team with 16 points and eight rebounds, while Marc Raye added 11 points.

On Saturday, the Lady Golden Rams battled hard but ultimately fell to the Lady Yellow Jackets. Albany State trailed 23-15 after a competitive first quarter and faced a 38-30 halftime deficit, as Allen used strong three-point shooting and dominance in the paint to maintain control. The Lady Golden Rams rallied in the third quarter, outscoring Allen 19-15 to cut the lead to four heading into the final period. However, a 23-point fourth quarter from Allen secured the win for the home team.

Na’Haviya Paxton led Albany State with a double-double, finishing with 13 points and 10 rebounds. Keyra Peterson and Kayla Herrera each added 10 points, while Yasmine Fairchild scored 10 and grabbed two rebounds. Allen’s Taliah Wesley delivered an outstanding performance with 25 points, 11 rebounds, and five steals. Eboni Clay contributed 13 points, and Peighton Jambor added nine rebounds and eight points for the Lady Yellow Jackets.

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