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FAMU basketball splits with Alabama State in SWAC doubleheader

famu athletics
·4 min read

TALLAHASSEE, FL ― The Florida A&M men's basketball team out-rebounded the Alabama State Hornets 38-34 on the way to a 69-58 victory at home Monday.

The Rattlers (4-16, 2-7 SWAC) had four players score in double figures, led by Noah Meren, who had 15 points, seven rebounds and two steals. Jaylen Bates added 15 points, eight rebounds, two steals and three blocks and Jordan Tillmon helped out with 15 points and four assists.

Led by Bates' four offensive rebounds, FAMU did a great job crashing the offensive glass, pulling down 13 boards that resulted in 13 second chance points.

The FAMU defense held Alabama State shooters to just 35 percent from the field, including 21.1 percent from three-point range.

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How It Happened

After jumping out to a 15-12 advantage, FAMU went on a 5-0 run with 9:08 left in the first half to increase its lead to 20-12. The Rattlers then lost some of that lead, but still entered halftime with a 34-28 advantage. FAMU relied on its three-point shooting in the period, knocking down five shots to account for 15 of its 34 points.

FAMU kept its lead intact before going on an 11-0 run, finished off by Bates' jumper, to grow the lead to 50-34 with 14:19 to go in the contest. The Hornets narrowed the margin somewhat before the game was over, but the Rattlers still cruised the rest of the way for the 69-58 win. FAMU took care of business in the paint, recording 18 of its 35 points in the lane.

Game Notes

» The Rattlers held the Hornets to only 35 percent shooting from the field.

» FAMU never trailed in the second half on its way to victory.

» FAMU had a 38-34 edge on the boards in the win.

» The FAMU defense forced 14 turnovers.

» The Rattlers were active in affecting shots on the defensive end, tallying five blocks as a team.

» FAMU cleaned up on the offensive glass, collecting 13 offensive boards in the game.

» Noah Meren, Jordan Tillmon, and Jaylen Bates led the Rattlers with 15 points each.

» FAMU got a game-high eight rebounds from Jaylen Bates.

Florida A&M University women's basketball guard Ahriahna Grizzle (with ball) looks to get around Alabama State guard DaKiyah Sanders at Al Lawson Center, Tallahassee, Florida, Monday, Jan. 30, 2023
Florida A&M University women's basketball guard Ahriahna Grizzle (with ball) looks to get around Alabama State guard DaKiyah Sanders at Al Lawson Center, Tallahassee, Florida, Monday, Jan. 30, 2023

FAMU women's basketball falls to Alabama State

Ahriahna Grizzle totaled 31 points, but the FAMU women's basketball team fell to the Alabama State Lady Hornets 77-68 at home Monday.

Grizzle added seven rebounds, four assists, and three steals to her 31 point game to lead the Rattlers (4-16, 2-7 SWAC). Mide Oriyomi helped out with three points, seven rebounds, three steals and three blocks and Dylan Horton chipped in with 11 points.

Led by Staysha Allen's four offensive rebounds, FAMU did a great job crashing the offensive glass, pulling down 17 boards that resulted in 11 second chance points.

FAMU did a great job disrupting Alabama State shots in the contest, coming away with six blocks. Oriyomi's three rejections led the way individually for the Rattlers.

How It Happened

After falling behind 15-8, FAMU went on a 10-0 run with 5:03 left in the first quarter, culminating in a three from Oriyomi, to take an 18-15 lead. The Rattlers then maintained that lead and entered the quarter break with a 22-19 advantage. FAMU relied on its three-point shooting in the period, knocking down three shots to account for nine of its 22 points.

FAMU kept its first quarter lead intact before going on an 8-0 run starting at the 5:18 mark in the second period, highlighted by a bucket from Horton, to increase its lead to 37-27. The Rattlers kept that lead for the remainder of the period and enjoyed a 40-30 advantage heading into halftime. FAMU dominated in the paint, scoring 12 of its 18 points close to the basket.

FAMU continued to preserve its halftime lead before going on a 5-0 run, punctuated by a three from Grizzle, to expand its lead further to 56-48 with 3:50 to go in the third. Before the conclusion of the third period, the Lady Hornets had cut into that lead somewhat, but the Rattlers still entered the fourth quarter with a 60-55 edge. FAMU played well near the basket, scoring 12 of its 20 points in the paint.

Alabama State then erased the FAMU lead in the game's final quarter for a 77-68 comeback victory. FAMU took advantage of its opportunities in the post, scoring four of its eight points in the paint.

Game Notes

» Ahriahna Grizzle and Dylan Horton carried the load for the Rattlers, accounting for 62 percent their points.

» The FAMU defense forced 19 turnovers.

» The Rattlers were active in affecting shots on the defensive end, tallying six blocks as a team.

» FAMU cleaned up on the offensive glass, collecting 17 offensive boards in the game.

» Ahriahna Grizzle led the Rattlers with a game-high 31 points.

» FAMU got seven rebounds from both Staysha Allen and Ahriahna Grizzle.

This article originally appeared on Tallahassee Democrat: FAMU Basketball: Rattlers tie with Alabama State in SWAC doubleheader