Image via AAMU Sports
Courtesy of Brian Howard, Assistant AD for Communications
THE HILL |Gabe Kincy delivered a clutch 3-pointer from the left corner as the Alabama A&M University men’s basketball team held on to defeat Florida A&M, 72-65, in a Southwestern Athletic Conference (SWAC) game on Saturday at the AAMU Event Center.
The Bulldogs (12-9 overall, 5-3 SWAC) never trailed, building an early cushion and answering every push from the Rattlers (8-11, 5-3 SWAC) down the stretch to earn their fifth conference win of the season.
First Half
Alabama A&M jumped out quickly behind aggressive defense and transition offense. Koron Davis opened the scoring with a fast-break layup, and Kintavious Dozierfollowed with a jumper as the Bulldogs raced to a 7–2 lead in the opening minutes. Sami Pissis sparked the offense early, scoring seven points in the first half, including a three-pointer off a turnover that capped a 12–2 run and extended the margin to double digits.
Florida A&M trimmed the deficit with free throws and second-chance opportunities, but Alabama A&M continued to control the tempo. Dozier knocked down a three-pointer in the final seconds of the half to send the Bulldogs into the locker room with a 26–20 advantage.
Second Half
The Rattlers opened the second half with renewed energy, cutting the lead to four, but Davis responded with back-to-back three-pointers to reestablish separation. Dozier added a strong finish in the paint and another triple as Alabama A&M pushed the lead to 47–35 midway through the period.
Florida A&M made one final surge, closing within four at 63–59 with just over a minute remaining. The Bulldogs stayed composed at the free-throw line, where Davis, Dozier and Pissis combined to seal the win. Gabe Kincypunctuated the closing stretch with a clutch three-pointer, and Alabama A&M closed out the contest from the stripe.
By the Numbers
Davis led all scorers with 22 points, knocking down three triples and converting all seven of his free-throw attempts. Dozier added 20 points, including four three-pointers, while Pissis chipped in 12 points and three assists. Alabama A&M shot 40.4 percent from the field and 40.9 percent from three-point range, while converting 21-of-23 free throws (91.3 percent) on the afternoon.
Florida A&M was paced by Antonio Baker’s 16 points and Jordan Chatman’s 14, but the Rattlers were held to 39.2 percent shooting overall. The Bulldogs finished with a 31–35 rebounding effort and forced key turnovers late to preserve the victory.
UP NEXT
Alabama A&M concludes its two-game homestand on Monday when the Bulldogs play host to Bethune-Cookman. Tip-off against the Wildcats during the STEM & Education Night game is set for 7 p.m. from the AAMU Event Center and streamed on SWAC TV.
