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ALBANY, Ga. – The Kentucky State University men's basketball team continued their early season struggles as they opened their SIAC schedule with a 71-66 loss to the Albany State Rams on Saturday afternoon at the ASU HPER Gymnasium.
 
Kentucky State (1-6, 0-1 SIAC) controlled the game early, pushing their lead to as many as eight points in the first half. Albany State (5-3, 1-0 SIAC) fought back though and trailed the Thorobreds by two, 32-30, at halftime.
 
In the second half, ASU improved their efficiency on the offensive end, hitting 61 percent of their shots from the field as a team. The Rams outscored the Thorobreds 41-34 in the final frame.
 
While both teams shot a similar percentage from the floor over the course of the game, ASU separated themselves by shooting 42 percent (8-of-19) from beyond the arc, while KSU was ice-cold, going 0-of-8 as a team.
 
Starting center Julius Barton finished with his first double-double of the season. Barton poured in a season-high 18 points to go along with 10 rebounds and a pair of blocks. Freshman guard Malcolm Smith contributed with 12 points, six rebounds, three assists and a pair of steals. Ulysses Thomas III had 11 points.
 
Albany State was led by Earl Farnum and Larry Bullock who each had 14 points. Demetri Wheeler finished with 10 points and 12 rebounds.
 
Kentucky State continues its early SIAC schedule with a road game against the Fort Valley State Wildcats (0-8, 0-1 SIAC) on Monday, Jan. 5, at 7:30 p.m.