Desmond Williams at the free throw line.
Photo credit: Desmond Howard
The Florida A&M Rattlers defeated the Albany State Rams 77-59 for the team’s first win of the season.
This game also serves as Coach Robert McCullum’s first win with the program.
FAMU held Albany State to 42 percent shooting from the field and 37 percent from beyond the arc. The stifling Rattler defense did not just limit the Rams’ open looks, they also finished with 24 defensive rebounds.
Junior Isiah Martin played a big role on the defensive end of the court, tallying up two blocks and five defensive rebounds. Martin said after the game that his biggest contribution to the game was his overall presence in the paint.
“When I’m in there, guards just think twice about coming in there,” said Martin.
The Rattlers also smothered ball handlers, forcing 21 total turnovers, which McCullum said, “jump-started us and got our energy and intensity up.”
FAMU appeared to struggle offensively early in the game, but after finishing the first half with a narrow six-point lead, the Rattlers came out strong, outscoring the Rams 41-29 in the second half.
Guard Nasir Core was instrumental to the offensive production of the Rattlers. Core led the team in scoring, finishing the game with 14 points, four rebounds and one steal while shooting 5-7 from the field and a perfect 2-2 from the three-point line.
Core, who started for the first time this season said, “It’s always good to get a win and get back on track and make sure we know how to build one together.”
Coach McCullum spoke of the win and how it affects the team’s confidence.
“I think it will help tremendously… there’s nothing like a win.”
This win was certainly a confidence boost for the team as FAMU has been on the road for four of its first five games this season.
FAMU looks to carry the momentum of this game into its next matchup and moving forward.
The Rattlers are packing up for another six-game road trip starting Nov. 22 against North Dakota State and will not see their home floor again until a Dec. 11 matchup against North Florida.