The rivalry between Bethune-Cookman University and Florida A&M University delivered another pair of competitive matchups as the Wildcats and Rattlers faced off in Southwestern Athletic Conference (SWAC) action in Tallahassee.
On Thursday, March 5, Florida A&M successfully defended its home floor, securing victories in both the men’s and women’s contests. The men’s team relied on clutch shooting down the stretch, while the women used aggressive defense and early scoring to claim their win.
Regular Season Game Recap – Men Rattlers vs the Wildcats
Florida A&M University closed its regular-season rivalry matchup with a strong finish, defeating Bethune-Cookman University 81–77 behind a balanced offensive effort and key plays down the stretch.
The Rattlers led 34–31 at halftime before both teams traded baskets throughout the second half. Bethune-Cookman shot efficiently, but Florida A&M capitalized on rebounding and forced turnovers to create extra possessions and hold on late. Jaquan Sanders led Florida A&M with 18 points and seven rebounds. Tyler Shirley added 17 points while going 7-of-8 from the free-throw line, and Antonio Baker contributed 14 points to help secure the win. Sanders provided the offensive spark throughout the contest, while Shirley’s free-throw shooting helped seal the victory in the closing minutes. For Bethune-Cookman, Jakobi Heady finished with a team-high 19 points. Ariel Bland recorded a double-double with 14 points and 10 rebounds, while Quentin Heady added 13 points.
With the win, Florida A&M closed the regular season at 14–15 overall (11–7 SWAC), while Bethune-Cookman finished 17–14 overall (14–4 SWAC).
Regular Season Game Recap – Women Rattlers vs the Wildcats
Earlier in the day, Florida A&M University’s women’s team also secured a rivalry victory, defeating Bethune-Cookman University 66–60 in a defensive battle. The Lady Rattlers set the tone early, jumping out to a 22–14 first-quarter lead and maintaining control for most of the game. Bethune-Cookman attempted a late comeback but could not overcome the early deficit.
Florida A&M relied on strong defensive pressure and timely scoring to maintain the advantage throughout the contest, particularly with its inside scoring and defensive intensity. Bethune-Cookman battled to keep the game within reach during the second half but was unable to close the gap. Shaniyah McCarthy led the Lady Rattlers with 14 points. Miya Giles-Jones added 12 points, and Breazia Robinson finished with 11 points. For Bethune-Cookman, Sanai Tyler and Mya Johnson each scored 12 points, while Tyler Butler added 11 points.
Florida A&M finishes the regular season 8–21 overall and 7–11 in the SWAC, while Bethune-Cookman closes the season 6–25 overall and 4–14 in the SWAC.
Takeaways for Final Game of the 2025-2026 Regular Season
Several key factors shaped Florida A&M’s sweep of the rivalry matchups. For the men, rebounding and turnover margin played a critical role, allowing the Rattlers to generate additional scoring opportunities. For the women, Florida A&M’s fast start and defensive pressure helped establish an early lead that Bethune-Cookman could not overcome. The Bethune-Cookman–Florida A&M rivalry continues to produce competitive games, with both matchups decided by single-digit margins.
Looking Ahead: SWAC Tournament
Both programs now turn their attention to postseason conference play. In the 2026 Pepsi SWAC Men’s Basketball Tournament, Bethune-Cookman University enters as the conference’s No. 1 seed and will await its opponent in the quarterfinal round. Prairie View A&M University has already advanced and will face the winner of the opening-round matchup between Alabama State University and Alcorn State University on March 11. The winner of that game will move on to face the Wildcats in the next round.
Florida A&M University, the tournament’s No. 2 seed, will also begin play on March 11 and is awaiting its opponent. Jackson State University has advanced and will face the winner of the opening-round contest between Grambling State University and Mississippi Valley State University. The winner of that matchup will move on to face the Rattlers.
On the women’s side, Florida A&M (No. 8 seed) and Bethune-Cookman (No. 11 seed) are scheduled to meet in the opening round of the 2026 Pepsi SWAC Women’s Basketball Tournament on Tuesday, March 10, with the game set to stream on ESPN+.
