Shaniyah McCarthy scored 22 points to lead the Florida A&M women’s basketball team to a 68-63 win over Jackson State on Thursday in Tallahassee. The victory brings the Rattlers’ record to 5-12 overall and 4-2 in conference play.
Tahnyjia Purifoy contributed 11 points, five assists, and four steals, while Breazia Robinson added eight points and three blocks for Florida A&M. The team’s defense played a significant role by forcing 20 turnovers from Jackson State, resulting in 24 points for the Rattlers. Purifoy led the team individually with four steals.
The game was close early, with both teams tied at 16 after the first quarter. Florida A&M scored most of its first-quarter points in the paint. In the second quarter, Jackson State built an eight-point lead before Florida A&M responded with a run that included a three-pointer from Aina Subirats. However, Jackson State maintained control going into halftime with a six-point advantage.
After halftime, Florida A&M narrowed the gap and then took its first lead of the second half following a 6-0 run late in the third quarter. By the end of that period, they held a five-point edge. The Rattlers capitalized on turnovers throughout, scoring multiple points off takeaways in both the third and fourth quarters.
In addition to McCarthy’s scoring performance, Miya Giles-Jones led Florida A&M with four rebounds.
The Rattlers will continue their Southwestern Athletic Conference homestand as they look to build on this win.
