[dropcap]C[/dropcap]raig Bowman capped off his career game by hitting a game winning three pointer with seven seconds of play left in double overtime, ending the Rattlers road losing streak, which previously sat at 29 games. FAMU possessed the longest road losing streak in the country.
The Rattlers (8-18, 4-9) traveled to Maryland to take on Maryland-Eastern Shore (8-21, 5-9), making up a game that was postponed due to bad snow storms in the area last month.
Both teams fought fervently until the end, trading the lead 19 times. Eastern Shore held the narrow lead at halftime, 35-33. However, close games are becoming the norm for FAMU, who proceeded to outscore the Hawks 35-32 in the second.
Maryland’s Devin Martin hit a pair of free throws with less than a minute to play, knotting the game at 67 all, giving both teams a chance to win it in regulation. FAMU and Eastern Shore both missed game winning layups in the final seconds, forcing overtime.
Rattler Malcolm Bernard threw away his chance to win it against Bethune-Cookman last Saturday as he missed the game winning layup, causing FAMU to lose to their in-state rival. The Maryland game presented Bernard with a game winning opportunity once more. Bernard threw up a jumper with four seconds left in the first overtime, but his shot fell short.
FAMU entered into the second overtime tied up at 74 all.
Devin Martin scored six straight points for the Hawks, giving them the 80-77 advantage with two minutes of play left in double overtime, but two consecutive turnovers after the 6-0 would come back to haunt Eastern Shore.
K’Ja Johnson was able to convert on a impressive layup, trimming the Hawks lead 80-79 with less than a minute to play.
This set up Craig Bowmen for his game winning three pointer, finishing off a career night for the sophomore guard.
FAMU will not have to go far, as they travel to Washington, D.C. for a Wednesday night matchup against Howard University (11-17, 5-8). Tip will be at 7:30 P.M.
