Despite forcing 20 Rattlers turnovers , poor shooting and ball security issues of their own proved to be too much for Albany State to overcome as they were defeated 70-65 in overtime to Florida A&M Monday evening.
The Golden Rams got off to a strong start against their D-1 foes, building an 9-point lead at 17-9 on Jamir Moore’s three pointer with 8:01 left in the opening half. Florida A&M came roaring back with a 9-0 run, taking the lead, 18-17 on a Byron Smith jump shot. The Golden Rams then responded with six consecutive points to jump back out in front 24-18 lead before ultimately enjoying a three point lead heading into halftime.
A 3:23 stretch early in the second half in which the Rams went without a field goal, missed all their free throw attempts and included a turnover allowed the Rattlers to quickly erase a five-point deficit and turn it into a three-point lead by the time ASU got their next score when Terin Wofford knocked one in from downtown to make the score 32-29 with 16:31 left in the contest.
Florida A&M would lead for the next 8 minutes until Jamir Moore’s three-pointer knotted the game at 45-45. Moore canned another one from beyond and Reggie James’ short jumper in the lane put Albany State out in front 50-45. It was FAMU’s turn to be in front when Jaylen Bates’ jumper in the paint gave the Rattlers a one-point lead at 53-52 with 3:51 left in the ball game. The teams would tie the game at 53, 54, 55, 57 and 59 apiece, pushing the contest into overtime.
In the extra frame the Rattlers were able to constict, forcing the Golden Rams into just 2-7 from the floor and 4 turnovers. Although Albany State was able to draw within one-point at 66-65 with 0:13 to go, FAMU was able to connect on just enough of their free throws 4/6 to secure a 70-65 win.
Up next for FAMU is a trip to Gainesville on November 30 to take on the Gators.
The Golden Rams are quickly back in action, hosting Georgia Southwestern University Tuesday evening; that matchup tips off at 7:00 pm EST.
