Lady Wildcats Roar Back: BCU Edges FAMU 57-56 in Physical SWAC Showdown

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. — In a rivalry where records are traditionally tossed out the window, Bethune-Cookman University proved that resilience and a deafening home crowd are the ultimate equalizers.

Down by eight at the half and struggling to penetrate Florida A&M’s suffocating zone defense, the Wildcats orchestrated a gritty second-half comeback to edge the Rattlers 57-56 on Saturday afternoon. The win, punctuated by a defensive masterclass in the closing seconds, sent a clear message: Moore Gymnasium can be a house of horrors for visiting rivals.

Battling the Rattler Wall

From the opening tip, Florida A&M established a defensive identity that nearly silenced Wildcat Nation. The Rattlers utilized a physical, disciplined zone that squeezed the life out of the Wildcats' offense, holding Bethune-Cookman to a dismal 23% shooting in the second quarter.

As the teams headed to the locker room with FAMU leading 33-25, the atmosphere was tense. The Wildcats weren't just fighting the score; they were fighting the frustration of missed opportunities.

The Momentum Shift

The second half saw a different Wildcat team emerge. Daimoni Dorsey, who would finish with a game-high 22 points, provided the spark the home crowd was waiting for. Early in the 3rd quarter, Dorsey stepped into a deep 3-pointer that beat the zone and ignited the stands.

The momentum shifted entirely at the 7:55 mark when the Wildcats dug in defensively, forcing a critical offensive foul on the Rattlers to cut the lead to 33-30. However, the game remained a slugfest. at various points in the game, officials handed out technical fouls to both sides in an effort to maintain control over the escalating physicality. Meanwhile, every time BCU threatened, FAMU found an answer. At the 4:47 mark of the third, the Rattlers still held a 40-35 advantage. But the Wildcats were beginning to find their rhythm.

A Final Quarter Frenzy

The closing minutes of the third quarter set the stage for the drama to follow. Madison Holden brought the crowd to its feet with a lethal crossover into a pull-up jumper, bringing the Cats within three. Minutes later, Keiara Gregory sank a high-pressure free throw to make it a one-point game, followed by a massive defensive stop to end the period trailing 44-43.

The fourth quarter belonged to the Wildcats' stars:

• Holden opened the quarter with a jumper to give BCU its first lead of the second half.

• Moments later, Holden sacrificed her body to take a punishing offensive foul, giving the Wildcats back the ball at a pivotal moment.

• The Heroics: With the game hanging in the balance, Gregory snatched a huge steal and raced up the floor. In a moment of pure court vision, she delivered a spinning wrap-around pass to Dorsey, who converted the layup to put the Wildcats up 57-56.

  
  

The Final Stand

With seconds remaining, Florida A&M had one last chance to steal the victory. A desperation half-court heave from the Rattlers tracked toward the basket, but the ball rattled off the rim as the buzzer sounded, setting off a court-storming celebration.

What’s Next for the Wildcats? The road doesn't get any easier for Bethune-Cookman. They return to action on Jan. 8 to host a surging Southern University squad coming off massive upsets against the University of Arizona and the University of Houston.

The Wildcats will then headline another home double-header this coming Saturday against Grambling State. The women's tip-off is set for 3:00 p.m., followed by the men's game at 5:30 p.m.

For more information, visit BCUAthletics