TALLAHASSEE, Fla. --Shaniyah McCarthy collected 22 points to help lead the Florida A&M women's basketball team over the Jackson State Lady Tigers 68-63 at home Thursday.

McCarthy's 22 point effort led the Rattlers (5-12, 4-2). Tahnyjia Purifoy helped out with 11 points, five assists and four steals and Breazia Robinson chipped in with eight points and three blocks.

The Florida A&M defense caused its share of mistakes in Thursday's game, forcing 20 Jackson State turnovers while committing 12. Those takeaways turned into 24 points on the other end of the floor. Purifoy's four steals led the way individually for the Rattlers.

How It Happened

Florida A&M entered the second quarter tied at 16-16 after a tightly contested first period. Florida A&M did most of its first quarter damage in the paint, scoring 14 of its 16 points close to the basket.

Jackson State then took a 33-25 lead before Florida A&M responding by going on a 5-0 run, highlighted by a three from Aina Subirats, to narrow its deficit to 33-30. Jackson State responded and expanded its lead, leaving the Rattlers trailing 39-33 heading into halftime.

After intermission, Florida A&M cut its deficit to 45-43 before going on a 6-0 run to grab a 49-45 lead with 3:57 to go in the third. Before the third period was over, the Rattlers added one point to that lead and entered the fourth quarter with a 56-51 edge. Florida A&M took advantage of four Jackson State turnovers in the quarter, scoring eight points off of takeaways.

The Rattlers then held on for the victory in the fourth quarter. Florida A&M took advantage of four Jackson State turnovers in the quarter, scoring five points off of those takeaways.

Game Notes

» The Florida A&M defense forced 20 turnovers.
» Shaniyah McCarthy led the Rattlers with a game-high 22 points.
» Florida A&M got a team-high four rebounds from Miya Giles-Jones.