TALLAHASSEE, FL --The Florida A&M women's basketball team held Alabama State to just 20 percent from beyond the arc in a 4-for-20 shooting performance on the way to an 82-46 victory over the Hornets at home Thursday.
The Rattlers (7-12, 4-4) had three players score in double figures, led by Sydney Hendrix, who had 21 points and nine rebounds. Sabou Gueye tacked on 13 points, five assists and three steals and Cheyenne McEvans chipped in as well with 12 points, six rebounds and four assists.
Hendrix pulled down three offensive rebounds to pace an offense that racked up second chance opportunities for Florida A&M, grabbing 16 boards and turning them into 16 second chance points.
The Florida A&M defense was a problem in Thursday's game, forcing 15 Alabama State turnovers while committing 10. Those takeaways turned into 24 points on the offensive end of the floor. Gueye's three steals led the way individually for the Rattlers.
How It Happened
Florida A&M kept it close in the first quarter, but entered the second frame down 17-16.
Florida A&M chipped away at that deficit and built a 22-20 lead before going on an 11-0 run, highlighted by a bucket from Gueye, to increase its lead to 33-20. The Rattlers proceeded to tack on three points to that lead and enjoyed a 38-22 advantage heading into halftime. Florida A&M was strong from deep in the period, knocking down three three-point shots to account for nine of its 22 points.
Following intermission, Florida A&M continued to expand its advantage, pushing it to 49-29 before going on a 9-0 run to expand its lead further to 58-29 with 1:14 to go in the third. Before the conclusion of the third period, the Hornets had cut into that lead somewhat, but the Rattlers still entered the fourth quarter with a 59-34 edge. Florida A&M played well near the basket, scoring 16 of its 21 points in the paint.
Florida A&M kept widening that lead, expanding it to 65-39 before going on a 7-0 run to grow the lead to 72-39 with 3:36 to go in the contest. The Rattlers kept expanding the margin and coasted the rest of the way for the 82-46 win. Florida A&M took advantage of its opportunities in the post, scoring 12 of its 23 points in the paint.
Game Notes
» The Rattlers held the Hornets to only 21.6 percent shooting from the field.
» Florida A&M never trailed in the second half on its way to victory.
» Florida A&M had a stellar day defensively, holding Alabama State to 20 percent from three point land on 20 attempts.
» The Florida A&M bench came alive by adding 31 points to its scoring output.
» Florida A&M had a 48-31 edge on the boards in the win.
» The Florida A&M defense forced 15 turnovers.
» Florida A&M cleaned up on the offensive glass, collecting 16 offensive boards in the game.
» Sydney Hendrix led the Rattlers with a game-high 21 points.
» Florida A&M got a game-high nine rebounds from Sydney Hendrix.
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