The FAMU Rattlers men’s basketball team is heating up at the perfect time.
In a gritty, hard-fought road battle Saturday evening, the Rattlers (13-15, 10-7 SWAC) fended off a persistent Grambling State squad to secure a crucial 66-59 road victory to make it their third consecutive win. The victory propels the Rattlers are solidifying their claim for a prime seeding in the upcoming SWAC tournament.
With yesterday’s victory, the Rattlers have officially matched last season’s total win count, both overall and in conference play, with one game still left on the regular season slate and the tournament looming. It’s a testament to a team that refused to be defined by the low expectations of its conference peers that picked the Rattlers to finish 8th in the preseason poll. Now, tied for 2nd place in the conference, the Rattlers are poised to charge into the postseason with more than just hope, but with a statement.
The Rattlers close out the regular season on Thursday, when they host arch-rival Bethune-Cookman, who have already clinched the SWAC regular season championship. The Rattlers would love nothing more than to play spoiler and keep their streak rolling.
The game was a classic conference dogfight, characterized by physical defense and runs answered by counter-runs. Just when it seemed like Grambling might seize momentum, the Rattlers had an answer, displaying a composure that has become their hallmark during this late-season surge.
“We knew it was going to be a war. This is a tough place to play, and they’re a well-coached team,” said FAMU Head Coach Charlie Ward. “But our guys showed tremendous heart and resilience. We stuck to our game plan, trusted each other, and made the plays we needed to down the stretch. That’s winning basketball.”
The offense was a balanced attack, led by the smooth-shooting of Jaquan Sanders, who poured in a team-high 16 points, including several key baskets to silence the home crowd. He was ably supported by the relentless efforts of Antonio Baker and big man Mile Ndalama, who each chipped in 12 points. Ndalama’s presence in the paint, both offensively and on the glass, proved to be a difference-maker against a physical Grambling front court.
The news wasn’t as good for the FAMU WBB team in Grambling, as the Rattlers fell 79-65 to a tough Lady Tigers team enroute to their sixth straight loss.