In what had to be one of the most thrilling games of the season, the Norfolk State Spartans out lasted the Famu Rattlers in double overtime, 77-65.
Saturday’s game at the Lawson Center had a fairly thin, but spirited crowd who were all energized during the exciting game, especially during its most breathtaking moments.
“Let’s go Rattlers, let’s go!” The entire stadium chanted during the final 20 seconds of regulation.
The game was tight all night long. Both teams combined for 15 steals, 17 blocks, and 4 technical fouls, showing just how heated the game was.
After missing two crucial free throws the previous possession, Marcus Barham hit a humungous three point shot with only eight seconds left to send it to overtime. The stadium erupted and the tension in the air was replaced with excitement.
“When he shot that last shot, I didn’t even move. When you miss key free throws, you want to make up for it so bad, that I knew he (would) make that shot. It was no doubt in my mind,” said Rattler Forward Desmond Williams according to Florida A&M Sports Information.
Williams also put up a valiant effort in the loss, leading the team with 20 points and making a clutch layup with 25 seconds to go in overtime to send it to double overtime. He also was a terror on defense contributing three of the teams nine total blocks.
Although they had been fighting a hard battle all night, the Rattlers seemed to be exhausted during the second overtime, as they only could muster 2 points in the final five minutes.
Even though the entire team seemed to give their all Saturday, no one could’ve been more tired than Barham who played the entire 50 minutes of the game.
“I looked at the stat sheet…I thought I gave Marcus a rest. But, that’s the kind of athlete he is…that’s the type of player he is. He played the entire time without complaining. Tomorrow we won’t even dress for practice. We will walk though in street clothes and get treatment. We’ve got a good Hampton team coming in on Monday and no team can play well if their legs aren’t rested,” said head coach Byron Samuels.
The Rattlers will host the Hampton Pirates Monday in what could be another tightly contested game.