Rattlers open up SWAC play against rival Bethune-Cookman

1/3/2025 6:56:00 PM

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. –– Florida A&M (3-8) hosts in-state rival Bethune-Cookman (3-10) on Saturday at 6 p.m. Eastern in the Al Lawson Center as both teams look to build momentum heading into conference play.

The Rattlers return home where they've been perfect this season (3-0), following a challenging road stretch that concluded with a 70-60 loss at Tarleton State. FAMU has proven to be a different team at the Lawson Center, averaging 102 points per game in their three home contests.

Sterling Young leads FAMU's offense, averaging 12.6 points while shooting a team-best 79.5% from the free throw line. The Rattlers will look to push the tempo and utilize their three-point shooting, as they rank 52nd nationally with 9.5 made threes per game. Milton Matthews (9.5 ppg) and Shaqir O'Neal (9.4 ppg) provide additional scoring punch.

Bethune-Cookman enters on a two-game skid after falling 87-73 at Mississippi State. The Wildcats are led by junior guard Brayon Freeman, who averages 16.4 points per game. BCU's defense has struggled on the road, allowing 75.5 points per game.

The key for FAMU will be protecting the ball (15.1 turnovers per game) and controlling the defensive glass, where they've been outrebounded by 5.9 boards per game. The Rattlers' bench could be a significant factor, as they rank 6th nationally in bench scoring at 38.73 points per game.

This marks the first conference game of the season for both teams. FAMU will look to leverage their perfect home record and three-point shooting prowess to start SWAC play with a victory over their longtime rival.

----

Follow Florida A&M Athletics
For complete coverage of Florida A&M athletics, please follow the Rattlers on social media at @FAMUAthletics(Twitter), FAMUAth (Facebook), and @famuathletics (Instagram).

Print Friendly Version