BIRMINGHAM, Ala. -- Florida A&M (2-8) outlasted Samford in a thrilling overtime battle to claim a 72-67 road victory on Friday night.
The Rattlers (2-8) had four players score in double figures, led by Cheyenne McEvans, who secured a double-double with 15 points and 10 rebounds. Sabou Gueye added 14 points, four steals and two blocks and Eve Alexander helped out with 12 points off of the bench.
Led by ZiKeyah Carter's four offensive rebounds, Florida A&M did a great job crashing the offensive glass, pulling down 17 boards that resulted in 14 second chance points.
The Florida A&M defense caused its share of mistakes in Friday's game, forcing 26 Samford turnovers. Those takeaways turned into 27 points on the offensive end of the floor. D'Mya Griffin's four steals led the way individually for the Rattlers.
How It Happened
Florida A&M entered the second quarter tied at 16-16 after a tightly contested first period. Florida A&M did most of its first quarter damage in the paint, scoring eight of its 16 points close to the basket.
The Bulldogs then took control in the second quarter and the Rattlers entered haltime behind 35-23.
Following halftime, Florida A&M kept the Bulldogs from growing their lead before going on a 13-0 run, punctuated by a basket from McEvans, to grab a 38-37 lead with 1:57 to go in the third. Samford responded to seize a 44-40 lead entering the fourth quarter. Florida A&M played well near the basket, scoring 12 of its 17 points in the paint.
Florida A&M narrowed its deficit to 50-48 before going on a 6-0 run, finished off by Gueye's layup, to seize a 54-50 lead with 3:46 to go in the fourth. The Bulldogs then fought back to even things up at 56-56 and send the game to overtime. Florida A&M took advantage of its opportunities in the post, scoring eight of its 16 points in the paint.
Florida A&M then took care of business in extra time, outscoring Samford 16-11 to seize victory by the 72-67 final score.
Game Notes
» Cheyenne McEvans notched a double-double for the Rattlers with 15 points and 10 rebounds.
» The Rattlers rallied from a four-point 44-40 third quarter deficit to force the game into overtime.
» Florida A&M rallied from a 12-point 35-23 halftime deficit to force overtime and ultimately pick up the victory.
» The Rattlers held the Bulldogs to only 35.5 percent shooting from the field.
» Florida A&M had a 51-34 edge on the boards in the win.
» The Florida A&M defense forced 26 turnovers.
» The Rattlers were active in affecting shots on the defensive end, tallying eight blocks as a team.
» Florida A&M cleaned up on the offensive glass, collecting 17 offensive boards in the game.
» Cheyenne McEvans led the Rattlers with 15 points.
» Cheyenne McEvans and ZiKeyah Carter led Florida A&M with a game-high 10 rebounds apiece.
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