After suffocating Albany State with defense last Saturday, there was a bit of bewilderment inside Knox-Windham Gymnasium Monday night as Fort Valley State rained 3-pointers from everywhere in taking a 45-30 lead with just less than 14 minutes left in the game.

But long-range shooting from Jelani Watson-Gayle and Devonte Fuller ignited the offense and the defense suddenly came alive. In less than five minutes, the Golden Bears (6-3, 4-0 SIAC West) had the lead and they held on down the stretch for a 68-64 win over the Wildcats (2-12, 1-3 SIAC East), the team's third straight.

Overall, it was not the best defensive night for the top defensive team in Division II, as FVSU shot better than 45 percent from the field and 55 percent (11-of-20) from 3-point range. But for one 10-minute stretch in the second half, it was easy to see why Miles holds its lofty perch.

The Golden Bears called time out right after De'Angelo Strickland buried a jumper to give the Wildcats their 15-point lead with 13:47 to go. By the time Fuller made the back end of two free throws at the 3:39 mark, FVSU had mad just 2-of-5 shots from the field and turned the ball over six times. Miles punished the Wildcats with each turnover and it was generally Watson-Gayle and Fuller giving the punishment. 

Watson-Gayle (25 points) made all six of his 3-pointers during the 10-minute run, including the one right after the timeout, another at the 9:03 mark that gave Miles the lead for good at 49-48, then a third on the very next possession to increase the lead. Fuller made two of his five 3-balls during the stretch and scored nine of his 21 points as the Golden Bears swung the game a staggering 24 points in 10 minutes.

FVSU would battle back and cut the deficit to two points with less than 10 seconds to go. But in a game that saw both teams make the same amount of field goals (24) and 3-pointers (11), it was the free throw line when Miles would win it, as Watson-Gayle knocked down two free throws with 3.9 seconds remaining to seal the victory.

Jaylon McMillan had 19 points and Shawn Foxbrennen had 16 points and nine rebounds to lead Fort Valley State.  Damian Archer (five points, five rebounds, 10 assists), Rashawn Chapman (eight points, five rebounds) and Umar Frost (three points, seven rebounds, two blocks) were solid for the Golden Bears, who host Delta State on Wednesday. Tipoff is scheduled for 2 p.m.