TALLAHASSEE, FL – Alcorn State men's basketball put up a strong fight but came up short in an 85-76 road loss to Florida A&M on Saturday night at the Al Lawson Center. The Braves showcased resilience, cutting into multiple double-digit deficits, but were unable to slow down the Rattlers' efficient shooting down the stretch.
Jalyke Gaines-Wyatt led the way for Alcorn with 22 points, shooting 7-for-15 from the field and a perfect 8-for-8 from the free-throw line.
Marcus Tankersley and
Djahi Binet each contributed 14 points, with Binet also adding seven rebounds.
Davian Williams rounded out the double-digit scorers with 10 points, while
Keionte Cornelius chipped in six off the bench.
Despite a slow start, the Braves shot an impressive 57.7% from the field and dominated inside with 46 points in the paint. However, Florida A&M's hot shooting from beyond the arc (10-for-24) and strong second-chance opportunities proved to be the difference in the game.
GAME RECAP
First Half – Florida A&M 42, Alcorn 34
- Florida A&M jumped out to a fast start, hitting four early three-pointers to take a double-digit lead.
- The Braves responded with a 10-4 run behind strong inside play from Binet and Tankersley.
- Alcorn struggled from beyond the arc, missing all four of its three-point attempts in the first half.
- Despite shooting 50% from the field, the Braves trailed by eight at the break due to Florida A&M's three-point shooting and second-chance points.
Second Half – Florida A&M 85, Alcorn 76
- Alcorn opened the half on a quick 6-0 run, cutting the deficit to two behind back-to-back baskets from Gaines-Wyatt.
- Florida A&M responded with another three-point barrage, extending its lead back to double digits.
- The Braves shot 68.2% in the second half and went 12-for-16 from the free-throw line, staying within striking distance.
- Florida A&M sealed the win with late free throws and defensive stops in the final two minutes.
BY THE NUMBERS
- 22 – Jalyke Gaines-Wyatt led Alcorn with 22 points, going 8-for-8 from the free-throw line.
- 14 & 7 – Djahi Binet posted 14 points and grabbed seven rebounds.
- 46 – The Braves dominated the paint, scoring 46 points inside.
- 57.7% – Alcorn shot an efficient 57.7% from the field but struggled from three-point range (0-for-8).
- 10 – The Rattlers knocked down 10 three-pointers compared to Alcorn's zero, proving to be a key factor in the outcome.
UP NEXT
The Braves (8-17, 8-5 SWAC) will remain on the road \ to face Jackson State on Saturday, February 22. Tip-off is set for 3 p.m. CST.
