Coming into this game vs Alcorn State, the Lady Rattlers were two and five in the last five games, seeking to extend their win streak after defeating the Lady Delta Devils.
The Lady Rattlers were able to extend their win streak, winning 60-56.
Head coach Bridgette Gordon expressed her excitement on the third SWAC victory of the season.
“It feels really good to get two in a row,” Gordon said.
The first quarter was a defensive game to open out. Both teams played stout defense and forced catches to be extended on the offensive end. That quickly ended midway in the first quarter as the Lady Braves defense turned into easy buckets on the offensive end, forcing the Rattlers to call a timeout early, Braves leading 10 to three.
Coming out of the timeout, with 5:15 remaining in the first, the Lady Rattlers responded with a huge run due to the two guard’s Ahriahna Grizzle and Nashani Gilbert’s offensive efforts. They brought the game down to only two points with a score of 16-14 Braves leading.
Olivia Delancy, FAMU guard, made her presence felt coming off the bench on the offensive end by opening the second quarter strong with four points. Ivet Subirats, guard, followed behind Delancy by knocking down a big three to take the lead with 6:30 remaining in the second quarter. With 2:20 remaining in the second, the Lady Braves accumulated stops on the defensive end to end the half, leading 29 to 27.
Coach Gordon spoke about what she saw from her team in the first half.
“We were poised, just a little too poised for me today. At halftime, I told them you’re poised, but you guys need to bring the energy with the poise. With that, I didn’t think we were playing smart. We were undisciplined and late on a lot of assignments,” Gordon said.
The Rattlers came out swinging to open the third quarter. The Braves quickly got their grip back on the game by using secondary actions on the court to fend off the Rattlers from storming back, leading 36-32 with 6:40 remaining in the third. The two leading scorers for the Rattlers, Grizzle and Delancy, came up big down the third stretch with their offensive efforts to help score 20 points as a team in the third quarter! The Rattlers entered the fourth, leading 47-42.
Delancy talked about the team’s outstanding third quarter.
“We trusted each other and the game plan and made it happen. It was a team effort, and our teammates were a big part in making sure Ahri and myself were in the best position possible to score,” Delancy said.
Entering the fourth quarter, the Lady Rattlers were staring down their third SWAC win of the season! The Lady Braves didn’t give up and were on a mission to leave Al-Lawson with a win! The Braves went on a small run to pull the game within two with 6:41 remaining.
With 1:07 remaining, the Lady Rattlers went on a big run down the stretch with the help of Grizzle and Delancy to lead 58-54. The energy was electric in Al-Lawson as the fans felt a back-to-back coming! Defense wins games, and Delancy’s steal and Subirats clutch free throws sealed the deal!
Grizzle was ecstatic about getting their back-to-back win tonight!
“It means so much to us. FAMU women’s basketball hasn’t won back-to-back games in three years. It just comes to show the process. Coach B is truly building something great here,” Grizzle said.
Grizzle led the team in scoring with 18 points, and Delancy followed up with 14 points.
The Lady Rattlers will take on Jackson State University at Al-Lawson on Monday, January 29th!