Men’s Basketball
The Florida A&M University Rattlers hosted the Howard University Bison Saturday in Gaither Gymnasium. Both teams desperately needed a win, as the Rattlers were 2-10 and the Bison 1-12 entering the contest. However, it was the Rattlers who were able to walk away with a 79-74 victory in overtime, breaking a three game losing streak.Both teams opened the game with strong plays on either end of the court. The Bison were led on offense by senior guard Eugene Myatt and on defense by the sophomore Paul Kilpatrick
The Rattlers trailed the Bison in the first half and well into the second. With less than six minutes left Freshmen,guard David Buchanan hit a clutch three pointer to give the Rattlers a 48-47 lead. The lead was short lived and by the end of regulation both teams were tied 61-61.
During overtime, Buchanan continued to display his shooting ability scoring 14 more points, to include three key 3-pointers, ending the game with 17 points. Strong offensive rebounding and great ball control on each possession allowed the Rattlers to end the game 79-74.
The Rattlers are now 1-1 in the MEAC and 3-10 overall, with their next opponent being the Hampton University Pirates on Jan 12.
Women’s Basketball
Florida A&M University’s Lady Rattlers made an early statement in Saturday’s basketball game by getting off to a 10-0 start against Howard University’s Lady Bisons.Showing great defense and a lot of hustle, the Rattlers cruised their way to a 69-53 win over the Bisons.
According to senior point guard Taniyah Dawson, with two starting players out, the Rattlers game plan was to fill in where the starters usually contributed and get the win.
The game was fast-paced and the Rattlers were in control the entire game, never giving up their lead. At one point during the game they led by as much as 24 points.
Senior Deidra Jones, guard led the Rattlers with 15 points followed by freshmen/guard Tameka McKelton who had 13 points and four rebounds.
For the Lady Bisons, guard Lonice Kenley was the high-scorer with 17 points. Going into halftime, the Rattlers led 37-19 .
“During halftime Coach Gibson basically told us not to get big headed, come out hard again second half and not to give the other team any chance,” said Dawson.
The Lady Rattlers did just that showing just as much hustle in the second half as they did in the beginning of the game.
With the victory over the Bisons, the Rattlers improved their season record (6-6) and 2-0 in the MEAC conference.