TALLAHASSEE, Fla. -- Florida A&M heads back on the road this week for a key two-game Southwestern Athletic Conference swing through the state of Alabama, opening at Alabama State on Thursday, Jan. 29 (7 p.m. ET) in Montgomery before traveling to Huntsville to face Alabama A&M on Saturday, Jan. 31 (3 p.m. ET). Both games will air on SWAC TV.

For the Rattlers, the path to winning in Montgomery and Huntsville is clear: keep generating trips to the free-throw line, win the "possession game" (turnovers and rebounds), and manufacture efficient offense against two defenses that hang their hats on physicality and controlling the paint.

Florida A&M profile: win ugly, win smart

Florida A&M's numbers paint a team that competes possession-to-possession and often lives in tight margins:

What's working

• Free throws are a real edge. FAMU is 1st in the SWAC in free-throw percentage (68.9%) and is also 3rd in free throws made per game (13.39) while ranking 4th in free-throw attempts per game (19.44). In a league where many games come down to late possessions, that combination matters.
• Tahnyjia Purifoy is the tone-setter at the stripe and as a creator. She ranks 2nd in the SWAC in FT% (81.0) and is the SWAC leader in total free throws made (68). Purifoy also sits 4th in the SWAC in assists per game (3.3)—a key indicator for a team that needs clean looks to offset shooting volatility.
• Shot-challenging presence. Breazia Robinson is 4th in the SWAC in blocks per game (1.06), giving the Rattlers a defensive "eraser" that can influence rim attempts and help set the tone inside.

Where the games can swing

• Efficiency from the field. FAMU is 9th in the SWAC in field-goal percentage (35.2%) and 10th in three-point percentage (23.2%). When the outside shots don't fall, Florida A&M has to double down on paint touches, offensive rebounding, and—again—getting to the line.
• Ball security and playmaking. The Rattlers are 3rd in the SWAC in turnovers per game (18.8) and rank 9th in assist/turnover ratio (0.47). That's the stat category that can decide both matchups, especially on the road.
• Rebounding margin. Florida A&M is 9th in the SWAC in rebound margin (-4.6)—an area that becomes even more critical against two of the league's best rebounding teams.

 
Game 1: at Alabama State (Thursday, Jan. 29 | 7 p.m. ET | SWAC TV)

If Florida A&M wants to steal one in Montgomery, it starts with solving Alabama State's defense and rebounding—two areas where the Hornets have built a clear identity.

What Alabama State does well

• Elite SWAC-level field-goal defense. Alabama State is 1st in the SWAC in field-goal percentage defense (38.0%), a top-line number that reflects how difficult they make paint finishes and how well they contest.
• Owns the glass. The Hornets are 1st in the SWAC in rebounds per game (41.06) and 1st in defensive rebounds per game (27.4)—meaning one-and-done possessions are often the expectation for opponents.
• Bench production. Alabama State is 3rd in the SWAC in bench points per game (26.1), a depth marker that can punish teams over 40 minutes, especially in foul trouble games.

Where Florida A&M can attack

• Get downhill and live at the line. Alabama State is last in the SWAC in free-throw percentage (57.0) and also sits near the bottom nationally in foul rate, ranking 11th in the SWAC in fouls per game (22.4). If the Rattlers can force contact, Purifoy's reliability at the stripe becomes a major equalizer.
• Take care of the ball to neutralize transition. Alabama State's turnover margin is a problem area (12th in the SWAC at -5.28 with 23.2 turnovers per game, worst in the league). The opportunity for FAMU is to play controlled, avoid live-ball turnovers, and make the Hornets execute in the half court—where free throws and late-game composure can swing the outcome.

Matchup keys

1. Rebounding resistance: FAMU must gang-rebound to prevent Alabama State's second-chance runs.
2. Free-throw leverage: Florida A&M's league-best FT% vs. Alabama State's foul-prone profile is the cleanest path to points.
3. Rim protection: Robinson's shot blocking has to travel—Alabama State wins when it finishes strong around the basket.

Game 2: at Alabama A&M (Saturday, Jan. 31 | 3 p.m. ET | SWAC TV)

Saturday is a different kind of test: Alabama A&M's profile is that of a balanced, efficient team that wins with defense, physicality, and consistent scoring.

What Alabama A&M does well

• The league's top scoring defense. AAMU is 1st in the SWAC in scoring defense (59.6) and pairs that with the league's best scoring margin (+3.0)—a sign they're controlling games at both ends.
• Most efficient shooting team in the league. Alabama A&M ranks 1st in the SWAC in field-goal percentage (39.2%).
• Relentless pressure that creates volume. They're 1st in the SWAC in free-throw attempts per game (22.16) and 1st in free throws made per game (14.95), plus 3rd in turnovers forced per game (20.11)—meaning they can score without needing a hot shooting night.
• Best rebounding margin in the SWAC. Alabama A&M is 1st in the SWAC in rebound margin (+3.7), with strong overall rebounding (4th in rebounds per game at 38.32).

Where Florida A&M must be sharp

• Value every possession. Against a team that forces turnovers at that rate, FAMU's 18.8 turnovers per game is the danger stat. The Rattlers have to simplify: strong passes, two-hand catches, and purposeful spacing to avoid empty trips.
• Keep A&M off the line. Florida A&M already plays physical (20.1 fouls per game; 7th in SWAC)—but against an opponent that lives at the stripe, foul discipline becomes non-negotiable.
• Win with effort points. With FAMU's field-goal and three-point percentages sitting in the lower half of the league, the "effort scoring" categories—offensive rebounds (13.0 per game) and free throws—have to carry more weight.

Matchup keys

1. Turnover battle: If Florida A&M can get its turnover number down, it keeps the game in striking distance late.
2. Free-throw math: FAMU's strength (FT%) must offset A&M's strength (FTA volume).
3. Defensive rebounding: One stop has to equal one possession—second chances against A&M are killers.

 
What to watch for Florida A&M

• Tahnyjia Purifoy's control: her assist rate (3.3 APG, 4th in SWAC) and free-throw efficiency (81.0%) are the two most reliable drivers of FAMU offense.
• Breazia Robinson at the rim: her shot-blocking (1.06 BPG, 4th in SWAC) is critical against two teams that want paint points and offensive boards.
• The "possession equation": for Florida A&M, the simplest winning formula this week is fewer turnovers + competitive rebounding + steady free throws—and the Rattlers' numbers show they can stay close if they hit those three.