
86-76 win over Arkansas Pine-Bluff. The Rattlers ended their losing streak behind a career-high 37 points from Sterling Young.
Young was 12-of-18 from the field, including 7-of-10 from the three-point range. Young stated that his mindset going into the game was trying to help his team get back in the win column.
“It was really just to get a win,” Young said. “We started out 0-3.” The Rattlers came out firing in the first half.
Thirty seconds into the game, Young sank a three pointer to ignite the crowd and give FAMU an early lead. Despite a brief Golden Lion’s rally, FAMU stayed in control, surging ahead 33-22.
With just over a minute remaining in the first half, Milton Matthew’s nailed a crucial three pointer, extending the lead and solidifying the Rattler’s momentum.
The half ended with a spectacular “and-one” play from Young who drove to the basket and was fouled as he made the shot. The Rattlers dominated the first half performance, entering halftime up 49-28.
The second half started with FAMU continuing their defensive showcase. Ten seconds in, Saiyd Burnside delivered a block that energized the team and the home crowd.
Shortly after, Young drained a three-pointer, further extending FAMU’s lead. Arkansas-Pine Bluff made several attempts to claw back, with Caleb Jones hitting another three pointer, but FAMU’s early dominance and balanced team effort proved too much to overcome.
Young credited his team’s fight for the victory.
“We didn’t quit,” Young said. “We fought.”
Young’s performance was complemented by contributions from Roderick Coffee III, Jordan Chatman and Milton Matthews, who scored 11 points each during the game. Burnside recorded 10 rebounds and delivered a highlight-worthy dunk over a Golden Lion defender that brought the crowd to its feet.
The win marked a significant milestone for head coach Patrick Crarey II, earning his first conference win with the program. Assistant Coach Giovanne Woods gave credit to polishing the small things during practice.
“We were paying attention to the small details throughout the week,” Woods said.
Arkansas-Pine Bluff’s Doctor Bradley led his team with 24 points and 12 rebounds, but their struggles with turnovers and shooting from the field hindered their comeback attempts.
The win improved FAMU’s record to 4-11 and 1-3 in SWAC play, while Arkansas-Pine Bluff fell to 3-14 overall and remains winless in SWAC play at 0-4.
The Rattlers will host Mississippi Valley State on Monday at 7 p.m. at the Al Lawson Center.