The FAMU Rattler mens basketball team notched a quality win on their home court Wednesday night fending off the Jacksonville Dolphins to secure a decisive 72-65 victory, marking their first win against an NCAA Division I opponent and extending their winning streak to three games.
In a gritty, determined performance, the Rattlers showcased a blend of explosive offense and tenacious defense that had been building during their recent streak, finally culminating in a breakthrough performance against a Division I foe.
The game turned on a pivotal first-half surge. Holding a narrow 21-16 lead, the Rattlers erupted for a devastating 9-0 run, silencing the Dolphins and electrifying the home crowd. The burst, capped with just over ten minutes remaining in the half, ballooned their advantage to 30-16—a lead they would never relinquish. They carried that momentum into the locker room, boasting a commanding 47-33 halftime lead built on efficient shooting and aggressive play.
“We came out with a different level of focus tonight,” said Head Coach Charlie Ward. “That run was about execution and heart. We’ve been building towards this, and the guys showed what they’re capable of.”
The offense was a balanced and collaborative effort. Four Rattlers finished in double figures, led by the dynamic Antonio Baker, who poured in a team-high 17 points and harassed Jacksonville’s backcourt with three crucial steals. Tyler Shirley provided a powerful presence in the paint, adding 15 points and snagging six rebounds, while Jaquan Sanders’s sharp shooting contributed 13 points to the cause.
While Jacksonville made pushes in the second half, the Rattlers’ defense held firm. Every Dolphins run was met with a timely bucket or a critical defensive stop, allowing FAMU to control the tempo and clinch the 72-65 final.
The challenge now intensifies for the surging Rattlers. They hit the road for a formidable Texas two-step, first facing Tarleton State on Friday night in Stephenville before a Sunday afternoon showdown against a power-conference opponent in the TCU Horned Frogs in Fort Worth.
But for now, in Tallahassee, the mood is one of validated hard work and growing belief. The Rattlers have found their rhythm, and they’ve proven they can compete with—and defeat—Division I competition. The streak is alive, and a new level of confidence is heading to Texas.