The FAMU Lady Rattlers fell short in their attempt to upset #2 ranked Jackson State, 40-37.
Jackson State came into this game with a 10-2 conference record while sitting at second in the SWAC. The Rattlers are still finding their footing, trending in the middle of the conference standings at 5-7.
The Rattlers started off hot, clicking on both sides of the ball. A quick Sabou Gueye steal leads to a Sydney Hendrix bucket. The defense has been a strong point for the Rattlers thus far this season. The Rattlers held the Tigers to only 6 points in the first quarter.
Offensively the woes for the Rattlers continued, shooting only 25% from the field and scoring only 3 points in the second quarter. Leading 18-15 at the half, the Rattlers were going to need a much better offensive pace and efficiency if they wanted to pull off this upset.
The Rattlers scored nine quick points to open the third quarter including a tough shot from Cheyyene McEvans plus a foul.
The teams would trade baskets throughout the 3rd quarter with FAMU playing a hard man-to-man, forcing a pair of turnovers from the Tigers. Rebounding was a strong emphasis of the game as the Rattlers continued to give themselves second-chance opportunities with offensive rebounds. The Tigers responded with three-point shooting from Taleah Dilworth and Tierney Kelsey, cutting the lead to 5 at the end of the third quarter.
In the fourth quarter, the Rattlers made poor use of the clock and were unable to put up sufficient points to retain the lead, scoring only 5 in the fourth quarter.
“Young ladies have to understand time, the management of the clock, and controlling the tempo of the whole game,” Head Coach Bridgette Gordon said in the post-game press conference.
A turnover would result in a four-point swing in favor of JSU, including a drive to the basket by Leiyana Massenet giving Jackson the lead 38-37 with 43 sec remaining. A Jaileyah Cotton jump shot with 15 seconds remaining delivered the dagger for the Tigers. Jackson State would escape Al Lawson Center with a win, 40-37. The Lady Rattlers will play on the road against Alabama A&M on Thursday, February 20th.
WANM Sports Correspondent, Justin Lloyd, provides a recap of FAMU Women’s basketball loss to Jackson State University.
