83
Final
Nov. 12, 2026
85
Winner
| Team | 1 | 2 | OT 1 | F |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| UWF | 32 | 38 | 13 | 83 |
| AAMU | 44 | 26 | 15 | 85 |
HUNTSVILLE, Ala. — Alabama A&M men’s basketball escaped with an 85-83 overtime victory over West Florida on Thursday night, November 12, during the Bulldog Bash at the AAMU Event Center.
James Graham led all scorers with 28 points, including eight in overtime, as the Bulldogs improved to 3-1 on the season. Bilal Abdur-Rahman also delivered when it mattered most, scoring five points in the final 1:23 to help Alabama A&M close out the victory.
Sami Pissis added 16 points and a team-high four assists, while Diovion Famakinde contributed 10 points off the bench. Devin Brown finished with nine points and five rebounds.
Bulldogs Build First-Half Advantage
Alabama A&M established control early, overcoming a 16-15 deficit with a 9-0 scoring run sparked by a three-pointer from Jalen Carruth.
The Bulldogs continued building their advantage behind Graham and Pissis, eventually taking a 44-32 lead into halftime.
Alabama A&M shot 56.5% from the field in the opening half and connected on five three-pointers.
Graham’s free throws extended the Bulldogs’ advantage to 48-34 early in the second half, but West Florida responded with a 12-0 run to make it a two-point game.
The Bulldogs managed to regain some breathing room, taking a 70-64 lead with 2:15 remaining. However, the Argonauts refused to go away.
West Florida scored the final six points of regulation, capped by Daylon Dickerson’s tying layup with 17 seconds remaining to send the game into overtime at 70-70.
Graham and Abdur-Rahman Deliver in Overtime
With the game on the line, Graham took over in the extra period.
The senior opened overtime with consecutive jumpers before Pissis added two free throws to give Alabama A&M a 76-70 advantage.
West Florida continued applying pressure, cutting the deficit to 78-77.
That’s when Abdur-Rahman stepped up.
After receiving a pass from Pissis, Abdur-Rahman knocked down a three-pointer with 1:23 remaining to extend the Bulldogs’ lead.
Graham followed with a turnaround jumper after a West Florida basket, giving Alabama A&M an 83-79 advantage with 40 seconds left.
After the Argonauts pulled within two, Abdur-Rahman calmly converted both free throws with nine seconds remaining to make it 85-81.
West Florida had one final opportunity, but the Bulldogs held on as time expired to secure the two-point victory.
By the Numbers
Alabama A&M
- James Graham: 28 points
- Sami Pissis: 16 points, 4 assists
- Diovion Famakinde: 10 points
- Devin Brown: 9 points, 5 rebounds
- Bilal Abdur-Rahman: 8 points
West Florida
- D.J. Shine: 18 points
- Sano Rutatika: 16 points, 7 rebounds
- Alex Godley: 15 points
- Daylon Dickerson: 10 points
What’s Next?
Alabama A&M (3-1) will look to continue its winning ways Sunday when they close out the Bulldog Bash on Sunday, November 15, against Cleveland State. Tipoff is scheduled for 2 p.m. CT at the AAMU Event Center, with coverage available on SWAC TV.
