TALLAHASSEE, Fla. -- The Florida A&M Rattlers return to action this weekend with two pivotal Southwestern Athletic Conference matchups, hosting Alcorn State Braves on Saturday at 6 p.m. and Jackson State Tigers on Monday at 7 p.m.

Both contests will be carried live on SWAC TV, as Florida A&M looks to build momentum, defend home court, and continue its push up the league standings.

Florida A&M Men's Basketball: Poise, Pressure, and Production
Florida A&M enters the weekend leaning into its identity: toughness on the perimeter, improved ball security, and a roster that has grown more confident as conference play has unfolded. While the numbers show areas still trending upward, the Rattlers' growth has been most evident in late-game execution and individual development.

Guard Play Sets the Tone

Senior guard Jaquan Sanders continues to be the engine. Averaging 13.3 points per game, Sanders ranks among the SWAC's most reliable perimeter scorers and has been elite at the free-throw line, shooting 86.7%, a top-five mark in the conference. His ability to get downhill, draw contact, and convert late has been critical in tight games.

Sanders is also one of the league's most durable players, logging more than 31 minutes per contest, giving Florida A&M a steady presence on both ends of the floor.

Alongside him, Tyler Shirley (10.8 ppg) provides a secondary scoring option and spacing threat, while Antonio Baker (9.7 ppg) and Jordan Chatman (9.1 ppg) round out a balanced backcourt that can attack from multiple spots.

Defensive Activity & Interior Presence

Florida A&M's defensive energy remains a strength. The Rattlers rank among the SWAC's better teams in steals per game, using active hands and ball pressure to disrupt rhythm and generate transition opportunities.

Inside, Miles Ndalama anchors the paint, averaging over one block per game, providing rim protection and allowing perimeter defenders to apply pressure without fear of breakdowns behind them.
Keys for the Rattlers This Weekend

• Win the free-throw battle – FAMU's efficiency at the stripe can be a separator.
• Protect the ball – minimizing turnovers against pressure-oriented opponents.
• Set the tempo early – playing with pace but under control has fueled FAMU's best stretches.

Scouting Alcorn State: Dangerous Shooting, Depth off the Bench

Alcorn State comes to Tallahassee with numbers that highlight both opportunity and vulnerability. The Braves lead the SWAC in three-point percentage (35.1%), making them a dangerous team if allowed clean looks from the perimeter.

They also get solid production from their bench, ranking fourth in the league in bench points per game (24.7). However, Alcorn has struggled defensively, sitting near the bottom of the conference in scoring defense (86.7 ppg allowed) and rebound margin (-7.7).
What to Watch

• Shane Lancaster is the primary perimeter threat, averaging 11.6 points per game and leading the team in made three-pointers.
• Tycen McDaniels provides interior resistance with shot-blocking ability but can be tested with ball movement and tempo.

Matchup Outlook:

If Florida A&M closes out on shooters and controls the glass, the Rattlers' balance and defensive pressure give them a clear path to success.

Scouting Jackson State: Star Power, High Usage Guards

Jackson State is guard-driven and aggressive, led by one of the SWAC's most dynamic scorers.

Daeshun Ruffin ranks among the league leaders at 21.6 points per game, shouldering a massive offensive load. He also ranks near the top of the conference in assists, free throws made, and minutes played, making him the focal point of every scouting report.

Despite Ruffin's production, Jackson State has struggled in several key areas:

• Scoring margin: -20.8
• Rebound margin: -11.3
• Field-goal percentage: 39.4%

The Tigers shoot the three frequently, leading the SWAC in three-point attempts per game (25.7), but efficiency has been inconsistent.

What to Watch

• Limiting Ruffin's touches without overcommitting.
• Forcing Jackson State into contested jumpers late in possessions.
• Owning the defensive glass to prevent second-chance points.

Matchup Outlook:

Florida A&M's depth, defensive activity, and discipline could wear down a Jackson State squad that relies heavily on one primary scorer.
 
Final Take

This weekend represents a major opportunity for Florida A&M to set the tone for the second half of SWAC play. With experienced guards, improving efficiency, and a home-court advantage, the Rattlers are positioned to capitalize.

If Florida A&M dictates pace, values possessions, and continues to defend with urgency, the Rattlers have a real chance to come away with a statement sweep in front of the home crowd.

Tip-Off Times

• Saturday: Florida A&M vs. Alcorn State – 6 p.m.
• Monday: Florida A&M vs. Jackson State – 7 p.m.
  Both games on SWAC TV