Things took a nasty turn for Fort Valley State’s Lady Wildcats Wednesday.

The ladies entered the 77th Annual Southern Intercollegiate Athletic Conference basketball tournament as the No. 1 seed. That earned them a bye in the first round.

They were ranked No. 8 in the nation by USA Today ESPN in Division II. That, according to the school’s website marked a first – the highest ranking ever for the Lady Wildcats.

They finished the regular season 26-1 overall, 21-1 in SIAC play – a share of the credit for that record going to Houston County native Kim Burgess, a former Perry Lady Panther, who among other things led FVSU in field goal percentage and blocked shots.

All that said it didn’t help when the Lady Wildcats took on No. 8 seed Stillman. The Lady Tigers upset Fort Valley State 72-68.

Stillman, according to FVSU’s website, built a 13-point lead at the half, 40-33. The Lady Wildcats cut it down to five with just over 11 minutes remaining, but according to the website, the two teams pretty much traded baskets from there.

Also according to the website, in addition to not repeating as conference champions, the loss leaves the Lady Wildcats at the mercy of NCAA voting to determine if they will receive a bid for post-season tournament play.

They will reportedly find out Sunday.