Shooting guard Marcus Barham at the free-throw against North Florida | Photo credit: FAMU Athletics
Desmond Williams’ 27 points, and Marcus Barham’s 30, combined for 57 points Monday night in the Rattlers loss to the University of North Florida Ospreys.
Marcus Barham, a senior guard from Melbourne, Fla. achieved his career high with 30 points on 63% from the field, and 55% from behind the arc in the loss to go along with 7 assists and 3 rebounds. Barham currently leads the Rattlers in points per game (PPG) with 16.6. Senior forward Desmond Williams also trails close with 15.5 PPG.
The Rattlers just could not defend the hot shooting of the Ospreys, as they went for an amazing 63% in the first half on 38 shots and 60 points. The Ospreys ended with an unusual five players in double digits, and Ivan Gandia-Rosa leading UNF with 21 points and 8 assists.
The Rattlers 12 point deficit at the end of the game does not depict the comeback they designed with 12:31 left on the clock in the second half. The Rattlers shot 48.6% from the field and 50% from 3 point range in the second half.
They managed to get the lead down to seven points until UNF got hot again and went on a blazing 13-1 run and increased their lead to 19 with 9:41 left on the clock.
“I feel like we could’ve executed our defensive strategy our coaches came up with better, which was to limit their three point makes,” senior guard Elijah Mayes said. “I feel we could’ve, as players took a more serious approach in our own preparation mentally to give ourselves a better shot.”
“This season we’ve been having spurts of playing well offensively and defensively,” junior forward Nick Severado stated. “When we learn to put it all together for 40 minutes we will be the team to beat in the MEAC.”
The Rattlers will take on Southern University this upcoming Thursday, and Elijah Mayes is confident in his team.
“I feel good about our chances against Southern U, like I do every game,” said Mayes. “Regardless of our record thus far. We have a good team and I believe in our guys.”
Though it was a loss, FAMU’s 89 points against the Ospreys was the most points that they have scored all season. They hope to keep the same effort offensively Thursday.