Photo courtesy: FAMU Athletics
With an impressive display of determination and strategy this past Saturday, the Florida A&M University (FAMU) men’s basketball (5-20, 3-11) team emerged victorious against the Alabama State Hornets, securing a notable win with a final score of 73-65.
Three Rattlers players particularly stood out, each contributing significantly to the team’s success. Keith Lamarled the charge with an impressive 22 points and two crucial blocks, setting the tone for his teammates with his stellar performance. Shannon Grant followed closely behind, adding 15 points and six rebounds to the scoreboard, while Jalen Speer contributed 12 points to bolster the team’s offensive efforts.
Notably, Florida A&M’s defensive tenacity extended beyond shot-blocking, as they held the Hornets to a mere 31.5 percent shooting from the field. The Rattlers’ disciplined defense also limited Alabama State’s success from beyond the arc, as they managed to hold their opponents to a meager 15 percent shooting on 20 attempts—an impressive feat that underscored their defensive dominance.
Last week, point guard Jalen Speer spoke about enhancing their performance while using new skills and techniques in this game.
“We plan on putting in more work not just in the games, but during our practices as well,” Speers said.
As the game unfolded, it became increasingly evident that the Rattlers were determined to emerge victorious. Despite the Hornets’ efforts to stage a comeback, Florida A&M remained composed and focused, sealing the win with their collective efforts on both ends of the court.
The upcoming 2024 Starry SWAC Men’s and Women’s Basketball Tournaments are scheduled to take place at the Bartow Arena in Downtown Birmingham from Wednesday, March 13, to Saturday, March 16.
This event holds significant importance for the Florida A&M University (FAMU) Rattlers basketball team as it provides them with a crucial opportunity to enhance their rankings within the conference. With their recent victory against the Alabama State Hornets showcasing their potential, the Rattlers aim to carry this momentum into the tournament, striving to make a statement and solidify their position in the SWAC standings.
The Rattlers are set to take on the Alabama A&M Bulldogs on February 26th at 8 PM.
For more information and game updates, please connect with the Rattlers on social media. You can follow them on Twitter at @FAMUAthletics, on Facebook at FAMUAth, and Instagram at @famuathletics.