TALLAHASSEE, Fla. | Grambling State battled down to the final possession, but Florida A&M held on late to secure a 59–55 victory Thursday evening in Southwestern Athletic Conference action.

The Tigers opened the game strong building an early eight-point advantage in the first quarter and holding Florida A&M to 33 percent shooting.

Grambling led 19–14 after the opening period, but offensive struggles in the second quarter allowed the Rattlers to claw back into the game

FAMU trimmed the deficit to 28–27 at halftime.

Florida A&M gained momentum coming out of the break, using a 21-point third quarter to take control.

Grambling responded in the fourth, cutting the deficit to one with just over two minutes remaining

Florida A&M converted key free throws down the stretch to seal the win.

Grambling shot 34.0 percent from the field and finished 5-of-19 from three-point range.

The Tigers stayed within striking distance throughout, but 20 turnovers and missed free throws proved costly in the closing moments.

Monica Marsh led Grambling State with 12 points.

Shaniah Nunn and Douthshine Prien added 10 points each, while Zaria Johnson pulled down a team-high seven rebounds.

D'Mya Griffin chipped in eight points off the bench.

Florida A&M was led by Tahnyjia Purifoy who finished with 14 points and five assists.

The Rattlers capitalized at the free-throw line, shooting 25-of-29 to edge the Tigers in a tightly contested conference matchup.

INSIDE THE NUMBERS

• The game featured nine ties and 12 lead changes
• Grambling held an early eight-point lead in the first quarter
• The Tigers cut the deficit to one point with just over two minutes remaining
• Florida A&M shot 86.2 percent from the free-throw line
• Grambling forced 19 turnovers but committed 20 of its own

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