Women’s basketball still looking for first league win

Florida A&M’s women’s basketball team. Photo courtesy: FAMU Athletics

Florida A&M University’s women’s basketball team fell 71-68 in overtime to the Arkansas-Pine Bluff Golden Lions Saturday at the Al Lawson Center.

Guard, Dylan Horton, led the pack, scoring 21 points and making two steals. Fellow guard Mide Oriyomi was just a little behind with 19 points, five steals and two blocks.

FAMU put up a solid fight, forcing 32 turnovers to score 33 points. Ahriahna Grizzle played an impressive defensive game, leading the team this season with seven steals.

Ivet Subirats, guard for the Rattlers, also added nine points, five steals and six assists, while forward Paulla Weekes scored seven points and snagged four rebounds. 

The Rattlers started with a lead of 7-0 in the first quarter but got knocked down 18-13. The second quarter saw the Lions advancing 33-21 before a few jumpers by Oriyomi and Grizzle. The duo followed up with layups and free throws, bringing the score to 37-34 heading into halftime.

UAPB did not let up in the third quarter as they rose to 40-34. FAMU then went on an 8-0 run to bring it to a two-point game of 42-40. The Lions broke away with another lead of 57-50 heading into the fourth quarter.

Despite Florida A&M’s efforts to close the gap at 67-66 with 1:20 left in the game, they were ultimately outdone.

The Rattlers and Lions had a passionate matchup, with both teams reaching double figures in foul calls. Horton says the game is all about mentality.

“I think we showed that toughness out there,” Horton said. “We’re also scrappy just like them, so we want it just as bad. I think that was our mentality when we were out there.”

 Coach Pillow was satisfied with everyone’s teamwork and improvement on the court.

“I’m really proud of the team,” she said. “We played two games back-to-back where we really had a team effort. As we continue to say, we have to believe in the process and stay the course, and we’re getting better every time.”

Pillow takes her team’s losses in stride as she understands they are a work in progress that improves with each practice.

“Unfortunately, we still walk away with a loss, but it’s the process, and we never know how the process is going to go,” said Pillow. “We just have to trust and believe in it. I think these girls do, and that’s why they keep on staying in these games, and we’re getting better every time we get on the court.”

FAMU will host their next matchup against Mississippi Valley State on January 16th at 2:30 p.m. at the Al Lawson Center.