After a season full of performances they would like to forget, FAMU finally gave its fans something to cheer about. FAMU beat NC A&T 57-50 for its first win of the season.
The Rattlers entered the game 0-23, but came out smoking hot, taking a 13-0 lead in the first five minutes of the game. FAMU took a 21-17 lead at halftime, before A&T managed to briefly take a 28-27 advantage.
FAMU would bounce back to take the lead and never relinquish it.
Jermaine Rutley finished with a game-high 24 points and added nine rebounds for FAMU. Denzel Keyes led A&T with 13 points and 12 rebounds.
“We had no sense of urgency,” A&T coach Cy Alexander said after the game. “We talked to the team about what we needed to do, we did it in practice but we got out here and we missed layups and a lot of baskets. We just couldn’t make it happen tonight. I’m at a loss for words and I’m embarrassed for the team.”
After the game, FAMU students stormed the floor.
“I have never in my life seen fans, students, faculty and alumni love their school like FAMU,” FAMU coach Byron Samuels said after his first win as FAMU head coach. “It’s incredible.”