TALLAHASSEE, Fla. | The Florida A&M University men's basketball team made history on Monday night as the Rattlers wrapped up their home slate undefeated with a 62-56 Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference (MEAC) victory over South Carolina State.
 
In fact, it had been 31 years since the last time Florida A&M finished unbeaten at home. It was during the 1988-89 season, under former head coach Willie Booker, where FAMU went perfect at home in the old Gaither Gymnasium. Monday night marked the first time FAMU had an unblemished record at the Al Lawson Center; where the Rattlers have called home since 2009.
 
Florida A&M, winners of 13 out of its last 16 home games, joins North Carolina Central as the only two MEAC institutions with undefeated home records this season. However, the Eagles have two more remaining home games left on their schedule.
 

Share the W!!! Rattlers complete first undefeated season at home since 1988-89 with victory over South Carolina State #FangsUp #FAMU #strikestrikestrikeagain #WeAreFAMU pic.twitter.com/5ufS6e7vM9

— FAMU Athletics (@FAMUAthletics) February 25, 2020

 
Rattlers head coach Robert McCullum, who improved to 20-8 at the Al Lawson Center, was extremely proud of the accomplishment.
 
"I'm proud to be a part of history," McCullum said. "A winning streak that stood for 30-plus years is outstanding."
 
With the energetic home crowd – performances from the Marching 100, excitement surrounding Senior Night and a court side appearance from NFL Legend Michael Vick — the stage was set for the Rattlers to reset the history books.
 
Senior Nasir Core recognized the support Rattler fans displayed throughout the entire season, and how it affected the season-long performance of the team.
 
"It's nothing like playing at home… it gives you hype and motivation," Core said. "It speaks volumes about our fanbase, and the support that we get."
 
Aside from the crowd support the team received, there was a sense of pride and urgency to protect the Al Lawson Center throughout the entire season.
 
"Before every game we always say protect the household, we treat (Al Lawson Center) like our home... we don't want anyone to come in and disrespect our household," forward Bryce Moragne said.
 
Under McCullum the Rattlers have increased their conference win total the past three seasons — quickly rising as a threat to the leaders in the conference.
 
McCullum admitted that his team has played with a chip on their shoulder after being predicted to finish ninth in the MEAC in the preseason.
 
Florida A&M currently sits in fourth place in the MEAC standings with an 11-5 record, but is not eligible for the conference tournament due to the NCAA postseason ban.
 
"We said boldly (at the beginning of the season) that there's no way we finish ninth in the conference," McCullum said.
 
The Rattlers play one more game – at rival Bethune-Cookman – before ending a successful season.
 
Core, Damaree Hunter and Rod Melton, Jr. are graduating, but the future looks to be bright as the bulk of the team will be returning.
 
For FAMU, history isn't done, it's simply getting started.
 
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