TALLAHASSEE, Fla. -- Florida A&M heads back on the road for a key Southwestern Athletic Conference (SWAC) swing, opening Saturday at Arkansas-Pine Bluff Golden Lions before traveling north to face Mississippi Valley State Delta Devils on Monday. The trip presents two different challenges stylistically - but also clear opportunities for a Rattlers group that continues to show growth in ball pressure, depth, and shot creation.

Game Information

• Florida A&M at Arkansas-Pine Bluff
  Saturday | 5 p.m. ET
  Pine Bluff, Ark. | UAPB Athletics Website
• Florida A&M at Mississippi Valley State
  Monday | 8 p.m. ET
  Itta Bena, Miss. | SWAC TV

Team Snapshot: Florida A&M

Florida A&M's profile is built on pace, pressure, and a balanced scoring approach. While the Rattlers are still climbing in some efficiency categories, several conference-level strengths stand out:

• Steals per game: 8.0 (Top-5 in SWAC)
• Three-point attempts per game: 21.9 (4th in SWAC)
• Bench points per game: 20.9 (Top-6 in SWAC)
• Blocks per game: 3.1 (Top-7 in SWAC)

The Rattlers' defensive activity fuels transition chances (10.6 fast-break points per game), and their willingness to stretch the floor keeps defenses honest—even on nights when shooting percentages fluctuate.

In-Depth: Florida A&M Player Analysis

Jaquan Sanders | Guard

Sanders is the engine of the offense and one of the league's most reliable perimeter scorers. He leads FAMU in points per game (12.8) and ranks among the SWAC leaders in three-pointers made per game (2.08).

His ability to score off the dribble or spot up late in possessions is critical against teams that over-help or play extended pressure.
Why he matters this week:

UAPB's aggressive perimeter defense can be stretched if Sanders gets clean looks early, while MVSU's high-minute guards create opportunities for Sanders to attack late in halves.

Tyler Shirley | Guard

Shirley provides stability and shot-making from the wing, averaging 11.2 points per game while logging heavy minutes (30+ per contest). He's particularly effective in secondary transition and when attacking closeouts.

Matchup edge:

Against Mississippi Valley State, whose defense allows nearly 48% opponent shooting, Shirley's efficiency becomes a major advantage.

Antonio Baker | Guard

Baker brings two-way value—ranking among the team leaders in steals per game (1.67) while contributing 10.4 points per game. His on-ball pressure often ignites the Rattlers' run-outs.

Key factor: FAMU averages 14.1 turnovers forced per game (Top-5 in SWAC). Baker's activity could be decisive against MVSU's high turnover rate.

Jordan Chatman | Forward

Chatman adds physicality and interior scoring balance, averaging 8.9 points per game while helping stabilize the rebounding rotation.

Miles Ndalama | Center

Ndalama anchors the interior, averaging 1.18 blocks per game (Top-4 in SWAC). His rim protection is vital against UAPB's slashing guards and MVSU's high-usage scorers.

Opponent Breakdown

Arkansas-Pine Bluff (Saturday)

UAPB enters the weekend as one of the most efficient offensive teams in the league:

• Assist-to-turnover ratio: 1.14 (1st in SWAC)
• Assists per game: 16.5 (1st in SWAC)
• Scoring offense: 79.1 ppg (Top-3 in SWAC)
• Free-throw percentage: 76.6% (Best in SWAC)

Player to know: Quion Williams

Williams leads the SWAC in assists (101) and ranks among the league leaders in scoring (17.1 ppg) and rebounding (8.2 rpg), making him one of the most complete guards in the conference.

What FAMU must do:

Disrupt passing lanes early and force UAPB out of rhythm. Florida A&M's top five conference ranking in steals gives them a path to neutralize the Golden Lions' ball movement.

Mississippi Valley State (Monday)

MVSU continues to rely heavily on individual shot creation:

• Scoring offense: 63.6 ppg
• Turnovers per game: 17.3 (highest in SWAC)
• Scoring margin: -24.3

Player to know: Michael James

James averages 19.9 points per game (Top-5 in SWAC) and shoots 90.6% from the free-throw line, providing consistent offense even when the Delta Devils struggle to score efficiently.

What FAMU must do:

Apply pressure without fouling. Mississippi Valley State ranks among the league's best at the free-throw line but struggles mightily with turnovers—an area where the Rattlers excel.