The Snake Pit, also known as the Al Lawson Center, was rocking Monday night after Florida A&M took down the North Carolina A&T Aggies, 76-66. The team remains undefeated at home this season.
A trio of players led the Rattlers (6-11, 2-2 MEAC), as Jamie Adams, Reggie Lewis and Jomari Bradshaw each scored 16 points.
But sophomore forward Trey Kellum was the unsung hero of the night. He stuffed the stat sheet, going seven of nine for 14 points, adding seven rebounds, three blocks and two assists.
“Trey got on this roll last game,” head coach Clemon Johnson said. “He has started demanding a double team from the bigs of the other team.”
Adams struggled to find his shot all night, but Lewis and late free throws in the second half helped his confidence.
“Yeah, I was just in his ear early telling him we needed him, even if he wasn’t scoring,” Lewis said of Adams. “Just having another senior leader on the court makes us better.”
The Rattlers’ defense ramped up in the second half, forcing eight more turnovers than in the first half. Part of that was because of Bradshaw’s play.
Although he was only credited with one steal, Bradshaw was in the passing lanes causing disruptions all night.
“I’m just trying to find my role on this team,” Bradshaw said. “When I know we need a big stop, I put it on myself to get it.”
Senior Lamont Middleton led the Aggies (4-12, 1-1 MEAC), cracking the 20-point barrier. Sophomore Bruce Beckford was also a key contributor, adding a double-double with 12 points and 14 rebounds.
FAMU’s victory marked the fifth straight win at home, surpassing the mark set in the former basketball gym, Gaither Gymnasium, which was four games.
Next up for the Rattlers is a road test at South Carolina State to face the Bulldogs.