Date/Time: Saturday, November 8 – 1:00 p.m. EST
Location: Tallahassee, Fla. | Lawson Center
Broadcast: SWAC TV

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – The Florida A&M men's basketball team is set to face one of its toughest early-season tests as the Rattlers host the Kennesaw State Owls. FAMU enters the matchup determined to showcase its growth, energy, and trademark defensive intensity against a tough KSU squad.

The Rattlers, led by head coach and Heisman Trophy winner Charlie Ward, look to build chemistry and confidence in the early stages of the season. With several standouts already emerging, Florida A&M looks poised to challenge one of the most statistically dominant teams in the country.

Rattlers Rising Behind Octave and Washington

Sophomore standout Micah Octave has been a force on both ends of the court, averaging 16.0 points and 8.0 rebounds per game — ranking among the top scorers and rebounders in the SWAC. Octave has also been automatic from the line, shooting a perfect 100% on free throws this season.

Defensively, Kaleb Washington has made his presence felt with a conference-leading 3.0 blocks per game, anchoring the interior for a FAMU defense that thrives on toughness and hustle. Guards Jaquan Sanders (4.0 steals per game) and Tyler Shirley (3.0 steals per game) continue to pressure opponents with quick hands and aggressive perimeter play, giving the Rattlers one of the most disruptive defensive units in the SWAC.

Scouting Kennesaw State

The Owls boast the No. 1 scoring defense in the country (29.0 points allowed per game) and rank among the top five nationally in rebounding (63.0 per game) and field goal defense (16.4%). Offensively, KSU averages 105.0 points per game, led by guard Trey Simpson (18.0 ppg) and sharpshooter Simeon Cottle (17.0 ppg), both of whom shoot over 55% from beyond the arc.

Despite those impressive figures, the Owls have yet to face a team with FAMU's athletic depth and defensive pressure. The Rattlers' combination of speed, length, and tenacity could test Kennesaw State's ability to maintain composure under full-court pressure.

Keys to Victory

For Florida A&M, success will hinge on controlling the tempo and winning the battle in transition. The Rattlers will look to use their defensive pressure (11.0 steals per game) to create scoring opportunities in the open floor. FAMU's ability to get to the free-throw line — averaging 26 attempts per game — could also play a decisive role down the stretch.