The Florida A&M women’s basketball team took on the Savannah State University Lady Tigers on Saturday, winning 67-59 and sweeping the season series.
The Lady Rattlers (10-15, 7-5 MEAC) also won the first meeting against SSU (7-18, 2-10 MEAC) 59-49.
The Lady Tigers were efficient in the first half Saturday, shooting above 50 percent, compared to FAMU’s 32.5 percent. SSU led 34-32 with a minute remaining before Kimberly Sparkman, a junior guard from Columbia, Tenn., tied the game at 34 going into halftime. Sparkman would finish the game with 13 points.
After taking a 40-36 lead four minutes into the second half, the Lady Rattlers appeared sluggish. SSU went on to take a five-point lead at 47-42 with 12 minutes to play.
Following a timeout, the Lady Rattlers went on a 15-0 run to take a 57-47 advantage. The team hustled to loose balls, made defensive stops and converted open shot attempts. From that point on, the lead was secure.
“I was very excited by the team’s effort tonight,” said head coach LeDawn Gibson. “Even though we allowed the other team to get back in the game, I loved our fight and will to win.”
Jasmine Grice, a junior guard from Quincy, Fla., finished with 24 points, eight rebounds and five steals. Grice, who is the No. 7 leading scorer in the nation, continued her solid play against the Lady Tigers.
“I feel like this game we played harder,” she said. “My shot wasn’t falling, but I turned it up on defense.”
Patrice Collie, a junior forward from West Palm Beach, Fla., contributed with 15 points and seven rebounds.
“I just needed to step up so I brought my A game,” Collie said.
The Lady Rattlers will play their home finale Monday at 5:30 p.m. against South Carolina State University.