Rattlers have momentum for homecoming match

In sports, momentum can be the difference between winning and losing. And after winning its last two games, the Florida A&M University men’s basketball team is hoping that momentum will help them avoid the later on Saturday. “The kids played some really great ball in the last two games,” said head coach Mike Gillespie of the teams victories over Howard University and Maryland Eastern Shore. Despite Coming into Saturdays game with just two losses in the MEAC, the Rattlers(11-9, 6-2) are preparing to take on the conferences best team in the Delaware State Hornets(10-9, 6-2) who have yet to land register a conference loss. The Hornets have managed to remain undefeated in conference play by taking advantage of the strong play of last years MEAC player of the year senior Jahsha Bluntt and junior transfer Roy Brice. Along with talented core, the Hornets have an advantage that goes beyond the stat sheet. “They are the most experienced team in the conference,” Gillespie said. Both Blunt and Brice are top ten in the conference in scoring. The duo could challenge a Rattler a defense that has been especially strong as of late. In a 65-53 victory over Howard on Monday, the Rattlers forced the Bison to shoot a lowly 35.5 percent from the field. Maryland Eastern hadn’t fared better last Saturday as they shot just 25 percent from the floor. Impressive defensive efforts have been a hallmark for the Rattlers this season as they have held opponents to 41.5 percent shooting this season. Offensively the Rattlers have been shooting the ball extremely well. The Rattlers torched Howard, shooting 52 percent against the Bison. Gillespie said the team’s ball movement has opened the floor for good shots “I think we are sharing the basketball very well. Getting the ball to the right people at the right time,” Gillespie said. The efficiency the Rattlers have shown on offense this season can largely be attributed to the reemergence of the Rattlers play on the blocks. “In my opinion Rome Sanders is the best post player in this league. Darius (Glover is playing exceptionally well around the basket. We are not going to change how we do things now,” Gillespie said of his team’s efficiency around the basket. Senior center Rome Sanders has been on a tear this past week. Sanders posted 18 points and six rebounds against Maryland Eastern Shore. Against Howard Sanders had one of his best games of the season. Sanders dominated the blocks with 23 points and 11 rebounds, 5 of which came on the offensive end of the basketball. ” My teammates have just been finding me in the right places,” Sanders said. “Coach has a lot of confidence in me. He is running a lot of plays through me and its been going pretty good lately,” Sanders said. On the other side of the paint, senior forward Darius Glover has found his stride. ” Darius Glover is finally playing the way we know he can play,” Gillespie said. “His injuries seemed to have gotten better. He’s back in shape,” Gillespie said.