Preview: FAMU basketball heads to Alabama State for SWAC doubleheader
FAMU Women's Basketball
Florida A&M women's basketball (5-19, 3-10 SWAC) has fell short in three straight games and looking to take down Alabama State (12-12, 9-4 SWAC) on the road.
The Rattlers have had an abbreviated roster with and only dressed eight players in their last game against Alcorn State on Monday. But despite being short on numbers, FAMU fought to the finish against the Braves.
Guard Mide Oriyomi is still leading the shorthanded team as she plays 36.8 minutes with 16.3 points and 7.1 rebounds per game in the last six contests
"This team has worked really hard," FAMU head coach Shalon Pillow said. "We've had a lot of adversity, but they've stuck together. This is the most team effort that we've had, but we'd love to have everybody 100 percent.
"Mide has been solid for the whole conference. She's stepped up and it's a collective thing that have us in games."
FAMU's leading scorer guard Dylan Horton has returned from her ankle injury and played 19 minutes off the bench against Alcorn State.
"We have to be really selective on what minutes she plays," Pillow said. "It's difficult for her because she wants to pick up right where she left off."
Alabama State is No. 2 in the Southwestern Athletic Conference standings as the team has won three-straight games.
FAMU players to watch: Guard Mide Oriyomi (10.8 points per game), guard Ahriahna Grizzle (10.8 points per game), forward Paulla Weeks (5.6 rebounds per game)
ASU players to watch: Guard Ayana Emmanuel (16.8 points per game), guard Jayla Crawford (14.7 points per game), forward Shmya Ward (7.1 rebounds per game)
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FAMU Men's Basketball
The Rattlers (5-19, 3-10 SWAC) had a heartbreaking loss on Monday to the SWAC leader Alcorn State Braves on Monday inside of the Al Lawson Multipurpose Center.
FAMU guard Jordan Tillmon's potential game-tying shot fell short of sending the game to overtime.
FAMU has dropped three-straight contests and is currently two games out of the No. 8 spot in the SWAC, which would qualify the team for the conference's postseason tournament in March.
"We'd probably have to win out which would put us at eight wins to have a realistic shot," FAMU head coach Robert McCullum said. "It'll be tough, but the goal for our staff is to get (the players) ready and hopefully, there'll be some leadership amongst the players.
"You still have a lot to play for anytime you step on the court."
Now, the Rattlers' focus shifts to Alabama State ― a team that FAMU hosted and beat three weeks ago.
Alabama State is 8-18 (6-7 SWAC) and lost to the SWAC's last-ranked team Mississippi Valley State on Monday.
FAMU players to watch: Jordan Tillmon (10.5 points per game), guard Byron Smith, forward Jaylen Bates (7.2 rebounds per game)
ASU players to watch: Guard Isaiah Range (14 points per game), guard TJ Madlock (11.4 points per game), forward Jordan O'Neal (7.3 rebounds per game)
FAMU at ASU SWAC Basketball Doubleheader Information
When/Where: Saturday, Feb. 18, 2023 at 4:30 p.m. (women), 6:30 p.m. (men) ET at Dunn-Oliver Acadome, Montgomery, Alabama
Broadcast/Radio: Alabama State Athletics YouTube
Gerald Thomas, III covers Florida A&M University Athletics for the Tallahassee Democrat. Contact him via email at gdthomas@gannett.com or on Twitter @3peatgee.
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This article originally appeared on Tallahassee Democrat: FAMU Basketball: Rattlers in Montgomery for SWAC doubleheader at ASU
