In a thrilling game at the Al Lawson Center, the FAMU men's basketball team secured their first conference win of the season, defeating Arkansas-Pine Bluff (UAPB) 86-76. This victory marked a significant milestone for head coach Patrick Crarey II, who earned his first win in the Southwestern Athletic Conference (SWAC).
The Rattlers' effort was powered by senior guard Sterling Young, who scored a career-high 37 points. Young's stellar performance was a key factor in FAMU's success on the court.
The Rattlers (4-11, 1-3 SWAC) took control early, building a 21-point first-half lead and entering halftime with a commanding 49-28 advantage. FAMU's hot shooting was the story of the first half, as they connected on 9 of 16 three-pointers (56.3%) in the opening period.
While Arkansas-Pine Bluff (3-14, 0-4 SWAC) made a push in the second half, outscoring FAMU 48-37, the Rattlers maintained their composure to secure the victory. The Golden Lions got as close as 10 points in the final minutes but couldn't overcome the large first-half deficit.
On the women’s side, the FAMU women's basketball team also secured a convincing victory over UAPB, defeating the Golden Lions 84-50. The Rattlers dominated the game, shooting an impressive 52.6% from behind the three-point line.
The Rattlers (6-10, 3-2) had four players score in double figures, led by Saige Glover, who had 14 points. Eve Alexander added 14 points off the bench, and D'Mya Griffin contributed with 14 points and two steals. The team's balanced scoring and strong defensive effort were crucial in securing the win.
Both FAMU teams showed resilience and determination, marking a successful day for the Rattlers on the court.