Jacksonville, Florida-A back-and-forth affair went the way of the Lady Tigers as Edward Waters picked up a 58-54 home victory over Fort Valley State in an SIAC East Division tilt on Monday evening at the Adams-Jenkins Community Sports & Music Complex.

The first quarter of Monday's matchup saw the Purple & Orange fall behind by as many as 10 points with 2:57 remaining. Edward Waters (7-8, 3-6 SIAC) brought the deficit down to at 18-11 at the end of the quarter. The Lady Tigers continued the momentum in the second quarter taking their first lead of the contest at 20-18 near the midway point of the quarter. From that point on, the two teams traded baskets, ultimately ending the half tied at 24-24.

EWU got on another roll to start the third quarter, taking an eight point lead at 39-31 with 4:18 left. Fort Valley State (3-9, 3-6 SIAC) chopped the Lady Tiger lead down to one at 42-41 at the end of the quarter. The Lady Wildcats briefly retook the lead at 43-42 with 8:39 left in the fourth quarter. EWU quickly seized control at 46-43 with 6:13 remaining and never relinquished it. The Lady Tiger lead grew to as many as eight points and despite FVSU's best efforts, EWU proved to be too strong and held on for a four point victory.

Edward Waters outshot the visitors from Georgia 39% to 31% and went 35% from three-point range to just 11% for FVSU. The Lady Tigers were also able to force 20 turnovers in the contest and scored 13 points off of them. 

The Lady Tigers had three players in double figures in the contest, led by Jourdan Avery with 18 points in the contest, followed by Isis Smith with 16, and Anissa Tuitt with 15 points and eight boards. 

The victory for EWU also brings head coach Charmaine Wilson to within six more victories to clinch career win #200.

Edward Waters will travel to Atlanta for another East Division matchup against Clark-Atlanta on Saturday afternoon at 1:00pm.

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