The Lady Rattlers overcame a slow start to defeat Coppin State on Saturday, 83-80.
The Lady Rattlers (13-12, 7-5 MEAC) found themselves trailing by double digits early as Coppin State’s defense limited them to 37 percent shooting in the first half.
But despite their poor shooting, the Lady Rattlers trimmed an 18-point deficit to nine before halftime, down 37-46.
The Lady Rattlers came out striking in the second half with a 13-5 run to get them back in the game. They also ramped up their defense, forcing the Lady Eagles (12-12, 9-3 MEAC) into 17 turnovers and holding them to 38-percent shooting from the field.
Florida A&M head coach LeDawn Gibson urged her team to turn up the intensity on defense, and they did just that.
“I felt like we were very flat on defense in the first half,” Gibson said. “We didn’t play with any sense of urgency on defense.”
Graduate guard Jasmine Grice, who eclipsed 600 points on the season, scored a game-high 36 points. Grice also had three rebounds and four steals.
“I just depend on my teammates to get me the ball,” Grice said.
Senior forward Tierra Prothro was big down the stretch for the Lady Rattlers, chipping in 17 points while shooting 8 for 11 on the night.
“l just wanted to win for my team,” Prothro said. “Beating the No. 2 team in the conference felt good but the journey continues”
Junior guard Taneka Rubin was also in double figures, scoring 11 points while pulling down five rebounds.
Next up for the Lady Rattlers is a home game against Delaware State on Monday. Tipoff is set for 6 p.m.