SALT LAKE CITY, UT (Dec.17) – The Florida A&M Rattlers (3-9, 0-0 MEAC) held close to the Utah Utes (5-5) for most of the game, before the falling 93-64 in a non-conference game. Justin Ravenel scored a game-high 20 points on 7-of-10 shooting from the field, which included a scorching 5-of-6 from three-point range.

D.J. Jones scored 10 points on 5-of-11 shooting from the field, while Rod Melton also scored 10 points on 4-of-10 shooting.  M.J. Randolph and Jones each pulled down four rebounds.

It was not a bad effort from the Rattlers as they shot 55.6 percent from the field in the first half and 42.9 percent from the field in the second.  From the three-point arc, FAMU shot 50 percent in the first half and 44.4 percent in the second.  If there was a weakness in the game, it would be free throw shooting.  The Rattlers would connect on just 43 percent of free throws in the game.

The Utes were led by Parker Van Dyke, who also scored a game high 20 points on 7-of-9 shooting, including a perfect 6-for-6 from three-point range.  Timmy Allen and Sedrick Barefield scored 16 points each to power Utah. Jayce Johnsonand Riley Battin each poured in 12 points each to round out the five Utes in double figures.  Johnson would haul in a game-high eight rebounds.

The Rattlers return to action on Dec. 18 as they take on the Ducks of the University of Oregon in Eugene, OR.