FRANKFORT, Ky. – A 23-point lead in the second half, propelled Kentucky State women's basketball to a 79-63 victory over the Fort Valley State Wildcats Monday night in the Exum Center. 
 
The Thorobreds were led by Amyah Adair-Mars who made five shots from the field for a team-high of 14 points. Aaliyah Hayes led the contest with four 3-pointers to tally 12 points. 
 
Amaya Asher had the game-high of six assists and four steals, while Amina Seck had the game-high of three-blocks. 

How It Happened
Kentucky State found an early offensive rhythm, utilizing an 11-2 run capped by a Saniah Sandlin layup to secure a 16-12 lead with 2:41 remaining in the first quarter. This momentum carried through the end of the period, as the Thorobreds entered the break holding a 21-16 advantage.
 
The Wildcats opened the second quarter with six unanswered points to knot the score at 21-21 by the 8:59 mark. Kentucky State responded immediately with a run of its own, reclaiming a 26-21 lead following an Adair-Mars layup at 7:19. Bolstered by 52.9% shooting from the field in the second quarter, the Thorobreds maintained their pace to head into halftime with a 46-39 lead.
 
In the third quarter, the Kentucky State defense stifled the Wildcats, holding them scoreless for more than two minutes. The Thorobreds capitalized on the drought with a short run to extend their lead to 62-43 with 1:37 remaining in the period. Fort Valley State answered with a late 6-1 run, but Kentucky State maintained a comfortable 63-49 advantage heading into the final frame. 
 
The Thorobreds continued to pull away in the fourth, as a pair of TaMaiya Mims free throws capped a 9-2 run to push the lead to 72-51 with 6:00 remaining in regulation. Although Fort Valley State found a late seven-point surge, the Wildcats could not overcome a deficit that grew as large as 23 points. Kentucky State remained in control down the stretch to secure the 79-63 victory.
 
Up Next 
League play will continue as the Thorobreds as they begin their Georgia road swing meeting Fort Valley State again on Feb. 5 and Clark Atlanta on Feb. 7. 

Follow KSU Sports   
For complete coverage of Kentucky State Athletics, follow the Thorobreds on social media @KYSUAthletics (X), @ksuthletics (Instagram), Kentucky State Athletics (Facebook) or visit the official home of Kentucky State Athletics at ksuthorobreds.com.