The Florida A&M women’s basketball team ended its first three games of the season 0-3, with losses to the University of Tennessee, Middle Tennessee State University, and the University of Florida.
In the season opener the Rattlers fell to Tennessee, Coach Gordon’s alma mater, 93-64.
Starting guard Ahriahna Grizzle led the way for the Rattlers with 16 points and six assists. The Rattlers were in the game throughout the first half however the Volunteers showed another gear and pulled away from the Rattlers.
The Rattlers biggest enemy during the game was getting out muscled on the glass. Tennessee outrebounded the Rattlers 48 to 25. The Rattlers did showcase that they could be a good three-point shooting team, as they shot 47 percent from distance.
During the post-game conference, Coach Gordon talked about what it meant to be received by the Tennessee fans.
“It means I played the game the right way. It’s not about the wins, or the championships, it’s about every Coach Pat Summit stood for,” Gordon said.
According to conference statistics, the Rattlers are second in three-point field goals made at this point in the season. If the team can keep up their shooting, this can become one of their strengths and force defenses to come out on the perimeter and guard them.
The Rattlers second game wasn’t as competitive, as they lost 93 to 48, to a solid Middle Tennessee State Team. Hailee Brennen led the way with 15 points on 50 percent from three-point range. The Blue Raiders seemed unfazed by Rattler defenders as they shot an impressive 55 percent from the field.
Coach Gordon gave the Famuan insight on her roster building philosophy.
“I like long lengthy defenders; everything starts on the defensive end of the ball. If our defense is clicking, then everything else will fall into place.” Gordon said. “I also like players that do the little things such as get rebounds, hustle, and dive on the floor for loose balls.”
To conclude the road trip, the Rattlers faced off against the University of Florida Gators.
In this contest the Rattlers struggled to get things going as they shot a lackluster 34 percent from the field and compared to the first two games an uncharacteristic 20 percent from three-point range.
One thing to take away from this road trip is that the Rattlers will need more from their bench if they want to be successful, as they averaged 9 bench points through the first three games.
The Rattlers next game is the home opener against the University of California Golden Bears on Monday, Nov. 25 in the Al Lawson Center.