BIRMINGHAM, Ala. | Florida A&M men's basketball opens up the SWAC Tournament versus Alabama A&M Thursday, March 10 at 8:30 p.m. Central. The Rattlers and Bulldogs have split the season series as they both won at their opponent's home arena.
 
Where you can watch
 
Watch: ESPN+
 
Coaches in the game
 
Robert McCullum
Career Record: 138-208 (12th Season)
FAMU Record, Conference Record: 54-87, 44-34 (5th Season)
 
Dylan Howard
Career Record: 114-197 (12th Season)
AAMU Record: 30-75 (4th Season)
 
Last Two Times Rattlers Played Bulldogs
 
February 21 (FAMU 63 - AAMU 71)
The Rattlers held a slim 32-29 over the Bulldogs at the half. The Rattlers shot 44.8% from the field (13-29) and 60% from the free-throw line (3-5). MJ Randolph led the way for the Rattlers scoring 11 points going 3-5 from the field. Keith Littles followed that up with eight points in the half. The Alabama A&M started the second half shooting 2-2 from three-point range and 6-8 from the free-throw line (75%). The Rattlers went cold in the second half, shooting 7-27 from the field (25.9%) and 0-10 from three-point range. The Bulldogs took advantage of the Rattlers' poor shooting as they held a 53-44 lead with 5:30 remaining in the game.

Team Leaders
Points - 18, Kamron Reaves
Rebounds - 4, MJ Randolph, Bryce Moragne, DJ Jones, Kamron Reaves
Assists - 2, MJ Randolph
Steals - 3, MJ Randolph 
Blocks - 1, DJ Jones & Johnny Brown
 
January 29 (FAMU 65 - AAMU 60)
The game remained close through the first half as both teams went into the locker room tied at 30. The Rattlers would go on a 28-13 run in the second half to take their largest lead of the game with a 58-43 score, but the Bulldogs went on their own 14-4 run late to bring the game within five. A couple of free throws from MJ Randolph sealed the game before the Bulldogs hit a meaningless three to give a final score of 65-60.
 
The Rattlers shot above 50% from the field and 50% from three, as Johnny Brown was the Rattlers' main three-point threat going 4-5 from deep.
 
Team Leaders
Points - 16, MJ Randolph
Rebounds - 7, 2 Tied
Assists - 6, Kamron Reaves
Steals - 1, 2 Tied
Blocks - 1, DJ Jones
 
Scouting the Rattlers
• The Rattlers have the SWAC Player of the Year and All-SWAC First Teamer MJ Randolph.
• The Rattlers rank first in the SWAC in turnovers per game, assist-turnover ratio, and fewest turnovers.
• The Rattlers rank second in assists per game and third in field goal percentage and scoring margin.
• The Rattlers have three players averaging double-digit points in conference play: MJ Randolph (18.6), Jalen Speer (12.3), and Bryce Moragne (11.4). 
 
Scouting the Bulldogs
• The Bulldogs have an All-SWAC First Teamer in Jalen Johnson.
• The Bulldogs rank first in the SWAC in fewest fouls, field goal percentage defense, and personal fouls per game.
• The Bulldogs rank second in defensive rebounds per game, total rebounds per game, and third in free throw percentage and scoring defense.
• The Bulldogs have two players averaging double-digit points in conference play: Jalen Johnson (17.1) and Garrett Hicks (13.9).
 
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