TALLAHASSEE, FL --Â The Florida A&M Rattlers opened SWAC play with a hard-fought 62-54 victory over Bethune-Cookman. The Rattlers showcased impressive defense, holding the Wildcats to just 15.4 percent from beyond the arc (2-for-13 shooting) in the game at home on Saturday.
The Rattlers (4-8, 1-0) had two players score in double figures, led by Cheyenne McEvans, who had 23 points, six assists and four steals. Sabou Gueye tacked on 12 points and three steals and D'Mya Griffin added eight points and six rebounds.
Led by Eliya Ellis' four offensive rebounds, Florida A&M did a great job crashing the offensive glass, pulling down 15 boards that resulted in nine second chance points.
Florida A&M's defense held Bethune-Cookman to only 34 percent shooting from the field, including 15.4 percent from beyond the arc.
How It Happened
After jumping out to a 6-2 advantage, Florida A&M went on an 11-0 run with 4:47 left in the first quarter, culminating in a bucket from Gueye, to increase its lead to 17-2. The Rattlers then lost some of that lead, but still entered the quarter break with a 17-8 advantage. Florida A&M did most of its first quarter damage in the paint, scoring 12 of its 17 points close to the basket.
Florida A&M kept its first quarter lead intact before going on a 6-0 run starting at the 1:54 mark in the second period, highlighted by a bucket from McEvans, to increase its lead to 29-20. The Rattlers kept that lead for the remainder of the period and enjoyed a 30-21 advantage heading into halftime. Florida A&M dominated in the paint, scoring 10 of its 13 points close to the basket.
After intermission, Florida A&M added to its advantage and owned a 43-33 lead heading into the fourth quarter. Florida A&M played well near the basket, scoring 10 of its 13 points in the paint.
Florida A&M kept its lead intact before going on a 6-0 run to grow the lead to 56-48 with 1:14 to go in the contest. The Rattlers held onto that lead for the rest of the game for the 62-54 win. Florida A&M took advantage of its opportunities in the post, scoring 12 of its 19 points in the paint.
Game Note» The Rattlers held the Wildcats to only 34 percent shooting from the field.
» The Rattlers never trailed after taking a 17-8 first quarter lead.
» Florida A&M had a great day defensively, holding Bethune-Cookman to 15 percent from three point land on 13 attempts.
» The Rattlers turned 35 turnovers into 32 points on the offensive end.
» Florida A&M had a 41-35 edge on the boards in the win.
» The Florida A&M defense forced 35 turnovers.
» Florida A&M cleaned up on the offensive glass, collecting 15 offensive boards in the game.
» Cheyenne McEvans led the Rattlers with a game-high 23 points.
» Florida A&M got a team-high eight rebounds from Sydney Hendrix.
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