Jackson State — Thursday, 6:30 p.m. ET | SWAC TV
Alcorn State — Saturday, 4:00 p.m. ET | SWAC TV

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. -- The Florida A&M Rattlers return to the Al Lawson Center for a critical Southwestern Athletic Conference homestand, hosting two of the league's most contrasting opponents in Jackson State Tigers and Alcorn State Braves.
While the Rattlers continue to navigate a challenging conference slate, the numbers reveal clear areas of competitive identity — particularly at the free-throw line, on the glass, and in physicality — that position FAMU to make meaningful strides this week.

Florida A&M: Identity, Strengths & Key Players

Florida A&M enters the week built on effort plays and discipline, especially in areas that travel well in conference basketball.

Team Strengths

• Elite Free-Throw Shooting
  • 69.7% as a team — No. 1 in the SWAC
  • 13.8 free throws made per game (2nd in conference)
  • A major equalizer in close games and late-quarter situations
• Aggressive on the Offensive Glass
  • 13.6 offensive rebounds per game (5th in SWAC)
  • Creates second-chance scoring opportunities even when shooting percentages dip
• Physical Interior Play
  • 2.3 blocks per game (Top-10 in the league)
  • Length and effort protect the paint and challenge drivers
• Defensive Rebounding
  • 23.7 defensive rebounds per game (5th in SWAC), limiting opponents' extra possessions

Players to Watch

• Tahnyjia Purifoy
  • Conference leader in free throws made (62)
  • 82.7% free-throw shooter (Top-100 nationally)
  • A steady scoring presence who thrives attacking the rim and drawing fouls
• Interior Rotation
  • FAMU's frontcourt anchors a physical approach, contributing to strong rebounding numbers and rim protection that doesn't always show up fully in box scores
• Guard Group Development
  • While assist numbers remain a work in progress, FAMU's guards are showing improved composure in half-court sets, particularly against pressure defenses

Scouting Jackson State (Thursday, 6:30 p.m.)

Jackson State brings one of the most perimeter-oriented attacks in the SWAC, coupled with solid ball security.

What Jackson State Does Well

• Best Assist-to-Turnover Ratio in the SWAC (0.74)
• League-leading three-point shooting
  • 32.0% from deep
  • 6.5 made threes per game (No. 1 in SWAC)
• Balanced scoring
  • 60.2 points per game (Top-4 in conference)
• Rhema Pegues
  • SWAC leader in three-pointers made (42)
  • 2.47 threes per game, capable of changing momentum quickly

Matchup Focus for FAMU

• Close-outs & perimeter discipline will be critical against a Jackson State team that thrives on rhythm shooting
• Winning the free-throw battle favors the Rattlers, especially late
• FAMU's physical rebounding can neutralize JSU's spacing advantage

Scouting Alcorn State (Saturday, 4:00 p.m.)

Alcorn State presents a defense-first profile with disciplined half-court execution.

What Alcorn State Brings

• 63.1 points allowed per game (2nd in SWAC)
• Strong perimeter defense
  • 28.2% opponent three-point shooting (Top-5 in conference)
• Balanced offensive distribution
  • 12.4 assists per game (3rd in SWAC)

Key Players

• Kiarra Henderson
  • SWAC leader in assists (67) and assists per game (4.2)
  • Engine of Alcorn's offense and transition game
• Nakia Cheatham
  • Conference leader in steals (38) and steals per game (2.38)
  • Also leads Alcorn in field-goal percentage (43.5%)
• Maya Claytor
  • 37.2% from three, giving Alcorn floor spacing they've lacked in past seasons

Matchup Focus for FAMU

• Ball security is paramount against Alcorn's pressure defense
• FAMU's offensive rebounding can wear down Alcorn's interior over 40 minutes
• Drawing fouls and controlling tempo favors the Rattlers

Final Takeaway

For Florida A&M, this week is about imposing effort, discipline, and toughness. The Rattlers' ability to:

• get to the free-throw line,
• dominate second-chance opportunities,
• and defend without fouling will determine how competitive these matchups become.

If FAMU continues to convert at the stripe, win the rebounding battle, and limit perimeter breakdowns, the Rattlers are positioned to challenge two of the SWAC's most stylistically different teams - and continue building momentum as conference play intensifies.
Both games will air live on SWAC TV, with Thursday's matchup against Jackson State tipping at 6:30 p.m. ET, followed by Saturday's clash with Alcorn State at 4:00 p.m. ET inside the Al Lawson Center.