FAMU men advance in MEAC Tourney

TALLAHASSEE, Florida -- Despite its struggles this season, including 14 road games over the first two months, the Florida A&M men’s basketball team rode a surge of momentum into the MEAC Tournament.

The Rattlers still are going strong.

Paced by Elijah Mayes’ 27 points and three others in double digits, No. 9 seed FAMU eliminated No. 8 seed Howard 88-78 in Tuesday’s opening-round game at The Scope Arena in Norfolk, Virginia.

The Rattlers (9-24) squandered an 18-point advantage but kept their composure as they rallied from a five-point deficit early in the second half.

Marcus Barham added 20 points and seven rebounds, while Desmond Williams chipped in 17 points and Justin Ravenel 14.

Winners of four of their last five, the Rattlers (9-24) advance into Wednesday’s quarterfinals against No. 1 seed Hampton (17-14). Tip-off is 6 p.m.

FAMU beat Hampton 75-71 in the teams’ lone regular-season meeting Jan. 27.



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