The Aggies (6-20, 3-8 MEAC) have lost six out of seven and
fell to a Rattlers team (1-23, 1-10 MEAC) that was on a 24-game losing streak
dating back to last season.
With 0:50 remaining on the game clock former state Sen. Al Lawson, namesake of the gymnasium, joined dozens of FAMU fans in rushing onto the floor to congratulate the team. He stopped to give a big hug to FAMU President Elmira Mangum, who was also present to cheer the Rattlers to victory.
“I have never in my life seen fans, students, faculty and
alumni love their school FAMU. It’s incredible,” said first year FAMU Head Coach
Byron Samuels.
The North Carolina A&T head coach admitted that the loss
was a tough one for him and his players.
“We had no sense of urgency,” Aggies Head Coach Cy Alexander
said of his team. “We talked to the team about what we needed to do, we did it
in practice but we got out here and we missed layups and a lot of baskets. We
just couldn’t make it happen tonight. I’m at a loss for words and I’m
embarrassed for the team.”
Junior guard Jermaine Ruttley was the Rattlers’ top scorer
with 24 points. He was followed by Freshman Jorge Rosa, who posted 22 points.