Florida A&M

Rattlers wrap up nation’s toughest non-conference schedule at Tarleton State Sunday evening

12/28/2024 11:00:00 PM

STEPHENVILLE, Texas –– Florida A&M (3-7) wraps up its challenging non-conference schedule on Sunday evening, traveling to Stephenville, Texas, to face Tarleton State (4-10) at 5 p.m. Eastern.

The Rattlers, who have played the nation's toughest non-conference schedule, look to build momentum before SWAC play begins. FAMU has faced a gauntlet, including road games at TCU, SMU, Maryland, Florida, Clemson, Utah, and BYU. Despite the difficult slate, the Rattlers have shown bright spots, particularly with their three-point shooting (9.9 threes per game, 38th nationally) and bench production (39.0 points per game, 6th nationally).

Sterling Young leads FAMU in scoring, averaging 12.3 points per game while shooting 79.5% from the free throw line. Milton Matthews has been a reliable perimeter threat, knocking down 24 three-pointers on the season. The Rattlers have also gotten solid interior play from Shaqir O'Neal, who averages 9.6 points on 52.1% shooting.

Tarleton State enters on a positive note after defeating Howard Payne 100-83 in their last outing. The Texans are led by Bubu Benjamin, who averages 17.1 points per game while shooting 51.9% from the field and 45.6% from three-point range.

Keys for FAMU will be taking care of the basketball (14.6 turnovers per game) and controlling the defensive glass, where they've struggled with a -6.3 rebound margin. The Rattlers will look to push the tempo and utilize their three-point shooting prowess against a Tarleton State team, allowing opponents to shoot 36.5% from beyond the arc.

This marks the first-ever meeting between these programs. Following Sunday's contest, FAMU will turn its attention to SWAC play when they return home to host Bethune-Cookman on January 4, 2025.

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