TALLAHASSEE, Florida – It took an extra frame, but the Lady Rattlers of FAMU (2-3, 0-0 MEAC), defeated the Owls of Kennesaw State (2-4), 69-67 on a put-back by Khadejra Young. The game marked the first contest played in the Lawson Center under the new four quarter rule implemented this season by the NCAA.
Shalaunda Burney-Robinson had the hot hand for the Lady Rattlers, pacing the team in the first half. Head coach LeDawn Gibson credited her development as a sophomore to focusing on her play in the off season. “Shalaunda’s play was key for us getting off to a good start. Her improvement was expected this season as we were able to concentrate on her in the off season. Bringing back coach Latasha Shipman-Ganus was huge as well, as she specializes in teaching players how to maneuver in the post,” Gibson said.
Burney-Robinson and Young both led the Rattlers with 15 points each. Olivia Antilla scored 14 points and Cedricka Sweeting added 11 to round out the foursome of double-figure scorers. Burney-Robinson also led the Rattlers with eight rebounds, while also collecting two assists.
The Owls were led by Taylor Smith, who led all scorers with 17 points. Deandrea Sawyers had 12, Jasmine McAllister had 11 and Iceis Walker chipped in 10 to lead the Owls. McAllister would grab a game-high 13 rebounds to round out her double-double on the night.
The Rattlers led 21-17 after the first quarter and took a 34-32 lead into halftime. After the third quarter the score was 51-48 in favor of FAMU. At the end of regulation, the teams were tied at 63.
Gibson is please with the depth on her team. “Last season, I really couldn’t look down my bench and feel confident that the players we were putting in could get the job done. We had three key players lost before the season began. This season, I can look down with confidence and substitute at any position. That makes the difference in how we can stay in games. I’m proud of our ladies for hanging in there when we needed to,” Gibson said.
The Rattlers were dominated by KSU last season 79-58 in Kennesaw, Ga. The turnaround for this year’s team was not lost on the players. “We definitely felt like we owed them something for the way we got blown out last year,” Young said.
What’s next: The Lady Rattlers will travel to Kennesaw to play in the Kennesaw Tournament, Nov. 28-29.
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