SALT LAKE CITY, Utah — The Florida A&M Rattlers fell to the Utah Utes 89-59 in Salt Lake City on Tuesday night, struggling to keep pace with Utah's efficient offense and deep rotation. The Rattlers (3-6) found themselves in an early hole as Utah opened the game on a 15-3 run and never relinquished control.

Kaleb Washington led FAMU with 11 points before fouling out, though his seven turnovers reflected the team's overall ball security issues, as the Rattlers committed 18 turnovers that led to 27 Utah points. Jordan Chatman added 10 points, including a pair of three-pointers, but the Rattlers couldn't overcome their shooting woes, finishing at just 37.7% from the field.

Shaqir O'Neal contributed seven points and three rebounds in 19 minutes of action, while Ja'Derryus Eatmon matched that scoring output on efficient 2-of-2 shooting with three rebounds.

The Rattlers showed some fight early in the first half, putting together a 9-0 run to cut into Utah's lead, but ultimately couldn't contain Utah's balanced attack that saw five players score in double figures. The Utes' size advantage was evident as they outrebounded FAMU 40-29 and dominated points in the paint 44-20.

Florida A&M's bench provided a bright spot, outscoring their starters 30-29, but it wasn't enough to overcome Utah's hot shooting (54.8% from the field) and overwhelming depth, as the Utes' bench contributed 57 points.

The loss drops Florida A&M to 3-6 on the season as they continue their challenging non-conference schedule at BYU this Friday, December 20, at 9 p.m. Eastern.

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