FRANKFORT, Ky. — Kentucky State overcame the slow start and a double-digit deficit to surge past Fort Valley State, with a 97–86 finish, in a high-energy matchup Tuesday afternoon at the William Exum Center. There were nearly 500 students from Second Street School and William Wells Brown Elementary packed in the stands, providing an electric atmosphere as the Thorobreds rallied from 13 points down to secure the win.

Senior forward Sean Paige of Fort Valley led the charge with a dominant performance, posting a game-high 29 points and 14 rebounds for a double-double. He shot 10-of-17 from the field and he managed to knock down 9-of-12 free throws, grabbing 10 rebounds on the defensive end.

Aziel Blackwell and Gregory Melvin added 21 points each, helping fuel Kentucky State’s second-half run. Blackwell delivered a perfect shooting day, going 7-for-9 from the field, including 2-for-2 from beyond the arc and 5-of-5 at the line.

Fort Valley State controlled the first half, using a 10–0 run under six minutes to play to build a 51–38 halftime lead. The opening 20 minutes featured eight lead changes and seven ties before the Wildcats pulled away.

But Kentucky State had flipped the script after the break. Blackwell had sparked a 10–2 early run  in the second half, converting a three-point play to tie the game with 56 points  with 14:35 remaining on the clock. The Thorobreds continued their momentum throughout the game, extending the run to 23–5 and taking a 69–59 lead on a layup from Melvin at the 9:59 mark.

Kentucky State dominated the paint 60–42 and capitalized on Fort Valley State’s mistakes, turning 18 turnovers into 25 points. In the final minute, Paige sank two free throws to give the Thorobreds their largest lead of the game at 14 points, sealing in the comeback victory.