By Augustinas Navickas

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. – Bethune-Cookman University returned to Moore Gymnasium where Shawntrez Davis scored 22 and Brandon Tabb added 20 points to help the Wildcats extend the BCU winning streak to four in a 99-81 win over the Florida A&M Rattlers on Saturday afternoon.  

Still undefeated in the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference, BCU (9-9; 4-0) found its rhythm early in the game jumping to an early 11-0 lead in the first 3 minutes. The Wildcats led the whole game and gained their first 20-point lead over FAMU (2-17; 1-3) after Tabb's three-pointer with 3:24 to play in the first half. At thalftime, the score was BCU 50 – FAMU 33.

The Rattlers were able to slow down BCU at the beginning of the second half with two unanswered baskets; however, sparked by Davis' fast break dunk the Wildcats stopped the Rattler fire soon gaining a 23-point lead. The Wildcats led 64 to 41 with 15:33 to play.

BCU racked up a game-high 25-point lead with 14:55 to play and continued on to win it 99-81, marking its seventh straight victory against its rivals.

The Wildcats shot above season average from the free throw line (81% compared to 65.2% avg.), as well as the three-point line (44.4% compared to 32% avg.). BCU also outrebounded FAMU 50-26.

Alongside Tabb and Davis, three more B-CU players scored in double figures. Isaiah Bailey scored 19 and added 8 assists, Malik Maitland scored 16 points with 7 assists; meanwhile Soufiyane Diakite recorded a powerful double double with 17 points and 16 rebounds. 

Desmond Williams scored 24 for the Rattlers; Marcus Barham added 15.

The Wildcats will stay local to face Stetson University in Deland, Fla., at 4 p.m. on Monday, Jan. 15.