TALLAHASSEE, Fla. | Grambling State fell 91-84 to Florida A&M on Monday night at the Al Lawson Center.  Grambling State moved to 8-9 overall and 2-2 in SWAC play while FAMU improved to 5-9 and 2-1 in conference.  

The Tigers trailed by just three at the break, 39-36, after a competitive first half that featured multiple lead changes and solid offensive execution on both sides. Grambling shot 48.1 percent from the field in the opening period and knocked down four three-pointers, staying within striking distance despite Florida A&M's early perimeter shooting.

Jamil Muttilib and Derrius Ward paced Grambling early, combining to score 18 first-half points. Ward's late three-pointer with two seconds remaining before halftime cut the deficit to three and provided momentum heading into the locker room.

Florida A&M opened the second half with a barrage from beyond the arc and efficient scoring inside, stretching the lead to as many as 12 midway through the period. Grambling continued to battle, shooting 53.6 percent from the field in the second half and converting 16-of-18 free throws after the break, but the Rattlers' 71.4 percent shooting in the second half proved to be the difference.

Muttilib led all Grambling scorers with 22 points on 9-of-18 shooting, adding four rebounds. Ward finished with 21 points, five rebounds, and five assists while playing all 40 minutes. Jimel Lane provided a spark off the bench with nine points, two steals, and steady playmaking, while Randarius Jones added 10 points and four rebounds in 17 minutes.

Grambling held advantages in points in the paint (38-26) and points off turnovers (20-17), but Florida A&M countered with 12 three-pointers and strong bench production. Jaquan Sanders led the Rattlers with 24 points, while Micah Octave added 20, including five three-pointers.

Despite cutting the deficit to three with under 30 seconds remaining, Florida A&M sealed the game at the free throw line in the final moments.

UP NEXT
Grambling State hosts in-state rival Southern on Saturday, Jan. 17 at the Fredrick C. Hobdy Assembly Center. Tip-off is scheduled for 4 p.m. and will be streamed on SWAC TV. 

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