Milton Matthews scored 15 of his game-high 23 points in the second quarter to spark the Rattlers to a 75-66 victory over Prairie View A&M in the opening round of the 2025 SWAC Men’s Basketball Tournament at Gateway Arena in College Park, GA.
The Panthers, led by Marcel Bryant (19 pts, 13 rebounds), jumped out to a nine-point lead in the first half. Tanahj Pettway added 19 points as the only other starter for PV in double figures. Prairie View dominated early outscoring FAMU 18-6 in the paint and 8-0 in second chance points.
“They came out as the aggressor,” said FAMU head coach Patrick Crarey. “I thought we were a little stagnant earlier.”
Jordan Chatman’s three pointer ignited a 12-5 run by FAMU in the opening minutes of the second half. Matthews knocked down a triple to cap the run (38-37) and put the Rattlers ahead for good.
FAMU improved their defense in the paint and created more fast-break opportunities. The Rattlers outscored the Panthers 24-12 in the paint and 15-7 on the break. Matthews and his teammates warmed up from behind the arc shooting over 45%.
Chatman and fellow starter Shaqir O’Neal posted similar numbers scoring 11 points and pulling down seven and six rebounds respectively. Each posted five rebounds off the defensive glass.
Prairie View left 11 points at the free throw line shooting a dismal 13-23.
Florida A&M moves on to play Jackson State in Wednesday’s prime time matchup.
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All photos c. Jason McDonald, JM Photography for CORE360 Sports