In an exciting Southwestern Athletic Conference showdown on Saturday night, Milton Matthews emerged as the hero for Florida A&M University, securing a nail-biting 66-64 victory over Texas Southern with a critical 3-pointer in the game's dying seconds.
The match, held in Houston, was a showcase of intense competition and clutch performances. Matthews, who was on fire throughout the game, contributed significantly to the Rattlers' success with an impressive 19 points. His electrifying performance also included six rebounds and three steals, showcasing his versatility and dedication on both ends of the court.
The thrilling game was marked by Matthews' decisive move, responding spectacularly to Texas Southern's Kavion McClain, who had tied the score at 64-64 with a mere 20 seconds left on the clock. Matthews’ response—a perfectly aimed 3-pointer with only two seconds remaining—ignited celebrations for the Florida A&M fans and sealed the game’s outcome.
Kaleb Washington also provided substantial support for the Rattlers, contributing 15 points. Despite a challenging night from beyond the arc hitting only one of five attempts, Washington's determination was evident. Meanwhile, Jamine Charles was nearly flawless, converting three out of four field goals and hitting a perfect eight for eight from the free-throw line, tallying 14 points in total.
On the other side, Texas Southern put up a formidable fight with Kehlin Farooq and Zaire Hayes each scoring 14 points. McClain, who momentarily equalized the score with his pivotal 3-pointer, rounded off his game with 12 points, seven assists, and two steals, demonstrating his all-around capability.
This game was not just a testament to Matthews’ standout moment, but also a demonstration of teamwork and grit that characterized both teams. Though Texas Southern fell short, their resilient effort continued to highlight the competitive spirit of the Southwestern Athletic Conference.
Florida A&M's victory improved their standing to 9-12 overall and 6-4 in the conference, while Texas Southern maintained a record of 10-13 with a 7-3 mark in conference play. This thrilling encounter not only enriched the conference battle but provided a memorable evening for college basketball fans.
The Rattlers will look to continue this momentum as they face upcoming conference challenges, hoping Matthews' stellar display of poise and skill serves as a spark for ongoing success in their season journey.