March 3, 2007

Box Score

Daytona Beach, Fla. - Florida A&M University didn't allow Bethune-Cookman University to score in the overtime period on Saturday as they topped the Wildcats in a men's basketball thriller, 68-62, inside Moore Gymnasium in Daytona Beach, Fla. Amongst other things, tonight was "Senior Appreciation Day" for the Wildcats as they said good-bye to three seniors departing from the program.

Jimmy Hudson's three-pointer with 23 seconds left in regulation put the `Cats on top 62-60 ... but little did they know it would be the last points for B-CU (9-20, 6-12 MEAC) in the contest. FAMU's Darius Glover, who was a beast all night long for the Rattlers, hit back-to-back clutch free throws with 12 seconds remaining in regulation to tie the score at 62 heading into the overtime period.

FAMU's (18-13, 12-6 MEAC) Rome Sanders hit two free throws to open up the overtime period, while teammate Glover hit a big jumper with 43 seconds left to put the Rattlers up 66-62. Sanders iced the game with two late free throws with 12 seconds left for the final score.

B-CU was not without their chances to score in overtime as both Hudson and Josh Cummings had wide-open looks at three-point shots before both rimmed out.

FAMU extended their lead out to as many as 10 in the second half as Lamar Twitty's lay-up with 13:15 remaining in regulation had wide-open looks at three-point shots before both rimmed out.

FAMU extended their lead out to as many as 10 in the second half as Lamar Twitty's lay-up with 13:15 remaining in regulation put the Rattlers up 43-33.

That started a 16-2 run sparked by a jumper from John Anderson as well as a rare three-pointer from Ron Mitchell. Anderson's lay-up with 7:14 showing on the clock, put the `Cats up 49-45.

FAMU streaked back as Brian Greene hit a lay-up with 1:53 left in regulation to put the Rattlers back up 60-57.

The Rattlers led by the slimmest of margins at 29-28 at the half while Rome Sanders hit a backdoor lay-up with 21 seconds left to secure the halftime advantage. Pettus had connected on a runner in the lane to put B-CU up just prior to that basket from Sanders. Pettus had double digits in the first half with 12 points.

Darius Glover led the Rattlers of FAMU in scoring on the night with 16 points. He was one of four (4) Rattlers in double digits. Lamar Twitty also collected 15 points, while Greene and Sanders both had 13 points, respectively.

Bethune-Cookman was led on the night by John Anderson scored 12 points and three rebounds.

The `Cats said good-bye to seniors Ron Mitchell.

B-CU will now be seeded at the #9 position going into next week's Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference Tournament in Raleigh, N.C. They will be taking on Coppin State (#8) on Tuesday night at 9 p.m. at the RBC Center.

For more information on the MEAC Tournament, please locate your internet browser to www.MEAChoops.com. The MEAC Tournament begins on Monday, Mar. 5 and runs through Saturday, Mar. 10.