The FAMU men's basketball team secured a hard-fought 75-66 victory over Prairie View A&M on Tuesday night in the first-round of the Southwestern Athletic Conference Tournament. The Rattlers' performance was a testament to their resilience and skill, marking their first postseason tournament appearance, and win, since 2019.
FAMU shot 45.5% from field goal range, 34.6% from beyond the arc, and an impressive 80% from the free-throw line. These statistics underscore the team's balanced attack and their ability to capitalize on scoring opportunities.
The Rattlers over came a nine point halftime deficit to prevail.
"We knew coming in that it was going to be a tough game," said FAMU head coach Patrick Crarey. "Prairie View is a strong team, but our guys stayed focused and executed our game plan. I'm incredibly proud of their effort and determination."
Leading the charge for the Rattlers was graduate student guard Milton Matthews, who scored a game-high 23 points, including four three-pointers. His performance was pivotal in keeping FAMU ahead during crucial moments. Senior guard Jordan Chatman and junior forward Shaqir O'neal also contributed significantly, scoring 11 points each.
The victory propels FAMU into the next round of the SWAC tournament, where they will face Jackson State tonight at 8:30 pm. The Rattlers will need to maintain their momentum and focus as they aim to continue their winning streak.
"We're excited about the win, but we know we have to stay grounded and prepare for the next game," Crarey added. "Jackson State is a formidable opponent, and we'll need to bring our best effort to advance further."
On the women's side, the FAMU Lady Rattlers faced a heartbreaking 68-67 overtime loss to Mississippi Valley State in their first-round SWAC tournament game. The game was a nail-biter from start to finish, with both teams battling fiercely for every point.
The Lady Rattlers fought valiantly, showcasing their resilience and determination throughout the game. Despite the loss, their performance was commendable, and they left everything on the court.
"I'm incredibly proud of our team's effort tonight," said Lady Rattlers head coach Bridgette Gordon. "We gave it our all, and it was a hard-fought game. Unfortunately, it didn't go our way, but I'm proud of how our players represented FAMU."
The Lady Rattlers will now shift their focus to the offseason, where they will regroup and prepare for the next season.