[dropcap]T[/dropcap]hroughout the season, Florida A&M (7-18, 3-9) has been unable to make much happen. All-star Malcolm Bernard has carried the young team all season long, a big part in seven total wins after only managing two last season.
A defeat of Bethune-Cookman (11-16, 8-5) Saturday night would have stood out as the highlight of the Ratters’ season, especially since the Wildcats pummeled FAMU 88-56 in their first matchup earlier this year.
Despite the Rattlers’ continuous effort all game, they were defeated once again at the hands of the Wildcats. Rattler team leader Bernard had an opportunity to win it all for FAMU, but his last second shot would not fall, resulting in a Rattler 55-54 loss against their in-state rival. The Rattlers still lead the all time series 98-65, however the Wildcats have won their last five matchups.
FAMU kicked off the game with a 17-4 run, looking the best they have all year, successfully catching the Wildcats off guard.
Play between the two teams evened out as they moved deeper into the first half. FAMU held a four-point lead (28-24) at the break.
“I knew FAMU was going to be ready for us this time around, you know with it being their homecoming, and the way we beat them pretty good up here. I know they were going to be ready to battle,” commented Bethune-Cookman’s head coach, Craig Gravelle.
The second half began looking much like the first, with both teams searching for a big run to take full control of the game. Yet neither team managed to string enough points together to gain the separation needed for an easy win.
With 5:01 remaining, the Rattlers finally coughed up the lead, putting the Wildcats ahead 51-50. This was followed by a Mario Moody steal, which he turned into a huge dunk that quieted the 6,000 fans in attendance, draining the remaining life out of FAMU.
With one-minute remaining, Bernard, aware that his team was down 55-51, managed to hit a big three from deep, which brought the game to a close 55-54.
With only 15.8 remaining in the game, Bethune-Cookman turned the ball over, giving FAMU one final chance to lock in a win over the stellar Wildcats team.
It was no question for anyone that it would be Malcolm Bernard taking the last shot. FAMU knew it, Bethune-Cookman knew it, and all 10 players on the court knew it.
Bernard inbounded the ball, expecting it to free him up in the backcourt. The Wildcats managed to deny him the ball back until mid-court, where he took it to the rim, attempting the game winning layup. Unfortunately for the Rattler’s, Bernard’s final shot fell short, sealing the final score at 55-54.
Malcolm completed the game with 27 points and six rebounds in his 40 minutes of action.
Wildcat forward Mario Moody led the opposing team with 11 points, eight rebounds, and three blocks.
“I love our guys and the effort,” FAMU head coach Byron Samuels said, “We ask an awful lot of Malcolm; he delivers a lot, and I think he delivered tonight. I think he made and excellent move tonight. It just didn’t go in. Maybe we ask too much of him, but I believe in him and believe something good is going to happen when he has the ball, and I hurt for him.”
FAMU will turn their attention to Maryland-Eastern Shore, who they face on Monday night at 7:30, making up for a game that was canceled a few weeks back.
