Bethune-Cookman Edges Florida A&M in Close Contest
Saturday, January 3, 2026, 3:30 PM ET · Moore Gymnasium (FL)
Bethune-Cookman Wildcats 87, Florida A&M Rattlers 83, final. Our NCAAB picks are sealed as a hash before kickoff and settled in public, losses included.
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Quick answers
Who won Florida A&M Rattlers vs Bethune-Cookman Wildcats?
Bethune-Cookman Wildcats beat Florida A&M Rattlers 87-83 at Moore Gymnasium (FL) on January 3, 2026.
Who was favored in Florida A&M Rattlers vs Bethune-Cookman Wildcats?
Bethune-Cookman Wildcats were the favorite at DraftKings, moneyline -345 (about 78% implied). The favorite won.
In a thrilling matchup at Moore Gymnasium, the Bethune-Cookman Wildcats narrowly defeated the Florida A&M Rattlers with a final score of 87-83. This game showcased the intensity and competitiveness of both teams, with the Wildcats managing to secure their victory despite a recent string of losses. The victory improves Bethune-Cookman’s record to 5-10, while Florida A&M falls to 3-10 on the season.
Bethune-Cookman entered the game struggling, with a recent form of 2-8 in their last ten games, including a four-game losing streak prior to this matchup. They had averaged 67.3 points scored per game while allowing 85.7 points, indicating defensive vulnerabilities. Their home record stood at 1-2, and they had only managed one win in their last five outings, scoring an average of 68.2 points while allowing 92.6.
On the other hand, Florida A&M had a record of 3-6-1 in their last ten games, also facing difficulties as they came into this game on a three-game losing streak. The Rattlers averaged 59.9 points scored per game and allowed 71.6 points, which reflected their own struggles on offense. Their away record was particularly concerning at 0-6, highlighting their challenges when playing outside of their home venue.
The two teams had met previously in the 2025 season, with Bethune-Cookman winning both encounters. The first meeting on January 4, 2025, ended with a score of 62-55 in favor of the Wildcats, while their second meeting on March 8, 2025, was a nail-biter that concluded with a score of 76-75.
In terms of injuries, the block does not provide specific details on player absences, but both teams have been dealing with challenges that could affect their performance. The betting market, as provided by DraftKings, had Bethune-Cookman favored by 7.5 points, with a total set at 145.5. The odds reflected the expectation of a competitive game, with the over at -112.0 and the under at -108.0. The moneyline favored Bethune-Cookman at -345.0, while Florida A&M was listed at 275.0.
The conditions for the game were conducive to a competitive atmosphere, with fans in attendance to witness the action unfold. The game was marked by several critical scoring plays in the second half, including a 20-foot jumper by Jaquan Sanders that tied the game at 81-81. The Wildcats then pulled ahead with a driving layup from Arterio Morris, followed by crucial free throws from Quentin Heady and Antonio Baker Jr. that ultimately sealed the victory.
As the game progressed, the tension mounted with both teams exchanging leads and battling for control. The final moments were particularly intense, with Bethune-Cookman managing to maintain their slight edge to secure the win. The Wildcats’ ability to capitalize on free throw opportunities in the closing minutes proved vital in their narrow victory.
Overall, this matchup was a testament to the fierce rivalry between the two teams, showcasing the resilience of Bethune-Cookman as they broke their losing streak and added a much-needed win to their record. The Wildcats will look to build on this momentum in their upcoming games, while Florida A&M will need to regroup and address their ongoing struggles as they continue their season.
Odds
| Book | Spread | Total | Moneyline |
|---|---|---|---|
| DraftKings | BCU -7.5 | 145.5 o -112 / u -108 | Florida A&M Rattlers +275 · Bethune-Cookman Wildcats -345 |
Leaders
- PointsTyler Andrews20Bethune-Cookman Wildcats
- AssistsSeneca Willoughby4Bethune-Cookman Wildcats
- ReboundsTyler Andrews7Bethune-Cookman Wildcats
- PointsJaquan Sanders22Florida A&M Rattlers
- AssistsJaquan Sanders3Florida A&M Rattlers
- ReboundsMicah Octave9Florida A&M Rattlers
Recent form
Bethune-Cookman Wildcats
Last 10: 2-8Streak L467.3 scored · 85.7 allowed per game1-2 at home
- L77-103at Oklahoma State CowboysDec 30
- L71-107at Arizona WildcatsDec 23
- L53-112at Saint Louis BillikensDec 18
- L60-82at Missouri TigersDec 14
- W80-59vs South Carolina State BulldogsDec 6
- L56-100at Indiana HoosiersNov 29
- L54-61vs Stony Brook SeawolvesNov 25
- L64-69vs Jacksonville DolphinsNov 24
- W76-73at Ohio BobcatsNov 20
- L82-91at Dayton FlyersNov 16
Florida A&M Rattlers
Last 10: 3-6-1Streak L359.9 scored · 71.6 allowed per game0-6 away
- L65-89at Georgia Tech Yellow JacketsDec 28
- L56-80at TCU Horned FrogsDec 21
- L54-78at Tarleton State TexansDec 20
- W72-65vs Jacksonville DolphinsDec 18
- W93-77vs Albany State Golden RamsDec 16
- W60-58vs Florida Memorial FLORIDA MEMORIALDec 6
- D0-0vs Barber Scotia BARBER SCOTIADec 5
- L82-85at Jacksonville DolphinsDec 3
- L57-87at Georgia BulldogsNov 17
- L60-97at UCF KnightsNov 12
Standings
| Team | Overall | Games behind | In conference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bethune-Cookman | 17-15 | - | 14-4 |
| Southern | 17-17 | 3 | 11-7 |
| Florida A&M | 15-16 | 3 | 11-7 |
| Alabama A&M | 18-15 | 4 | 10-8 |
| Arkansas-Pine Bluff | 13-19 | 4 | 10-8 |
| Texas Southern | 12-18 | 4 | 10-8 |
| Jackson State | 12-21 | 4 | 10-8 |
| Prairie View A&M | 19-18 | 5 | 9-9 |
| Grambling | 14-19 | 7 | 7-11 |
| Alabama State | 10-22 | 7 | 7-11 |
| Alcorn State | 9-23 | 7 | 7-11 |
| Mississippi Valley State | 3-30 | 12 | 2-16 |
Box score
| Stat | Florida A&M Rattlers | Bethune-Cookman Wildcats |
|---|---|---|
| Field goals | 28-58 | 28-52 |
| Field goal % | 48 | 54 |
| Three-pointers | 9-22 | 5-17 |
| Three-point % | 41 | 29 |
| Free throws | 18-22 | 26-34 |
| Free throw % | 82 | 76 |
| Rebounds | 29 | 31 |
| Offensive rebounds | 8 | 6 |
| Defensive rebounds | 21 | 25 |
| Assists | 12 | 14 |
| Steals | 4 | 6 |
| Blocks | 2 | 2 |
| Turnovers | 11 | 10 |
| Team turnovers | 1 | 4 |
| Technical fouls | 0 | 2 |
| Technical fouls, total | 0 | 2 |
| Flagrant fouls | 0 | 0 |
| Points off turnovers | 17 | 18 |
| Fast-break points | 13 | 27 |
| Points in the paint | 34 | 36 |
| Fouls | 21 | 16 |
| Largest lead | 2 | 13 |
| Lead changes | 4 | 4 |
| Time in front | 4 | 85 |
How the scoring went
- 2nd Half50-60Tyler Andrews makes 23-foot three point jumper (Jakobi Heady assists)
- 2nd Half51-60Jaquan Sanders makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half52-60Jaquan Sanders makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half54-60Miles Ndalama makes layup
- 2nd Half57-60Jordan Chatman makes 26-foot three point jumper (Jaquan Sanders assists)
- 2nd Half58-60Micah Octave makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half58-62Arterio Morris makes driving layup
- 2nd Half61-62Micah Octave makes 26-foot three point jumper
- 2nd Half63-62Micah Octave makes driving layup
- 2nd Half64-62Micah Octave makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half64-63Jakobi Heady makes free throw 1 of 3
- 2nd Half64-64Jakobi Heady makes free throw 2 of 3
- 2nd Half64-66Arterio Morris makes driving layup (Seneca Willoughby assists)
- 2nd Half65-66Micah Octave makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half66-66Micah Octave makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half66-67Quentin Heady makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half66-68Arterio Morris makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half66-70Arterio Morris makes 5-foot dunk
- 2nd Half68-70Anquan Boldin Jr makes layup (Jaquan Sanders assists)
- 2nd Half68-71Arterio Morris makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half68-72Arterio Morris makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half70-72Tyler Shirley makes layup (Jordan Chatman assists)
- 2nd Half72-72Tyler Shirley makes 14-foot jumper (Micah Octave assists)
- 2nd Half72-75Tyler Andrews makes 24-foot three point jumper (Arterio Morris assists)
- 2nd Half74-75Jaquan Sanders makes driving layup
- 2nd Half74-77Ariel Bland makes layup
- 2nd Half74-78Arterio Morris makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half74-79Arterio Morris makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half74-80Seneca Willoughby makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half74-81Seneca Willoughby makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half76-81Antonio Baker Jr. makes driving layup
- 2nd Half79-81Jaquan Sanders makes 27-foot three point jumper (Antonio Baker Jr. assists)
- 2nd Half81-81Jaquan Sanders makes 20-foot jumper
- 2nd Half81-83Arterio Morris makes driving layup
- 2nd Half81-84Quentin Heady makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half82-84Antonio Baker Jr. makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half83-84Antonio Baker Jr. makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half83-85Jakobi Heady makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half83-86Jakobi Heady makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half83-87Seneca Willoughby makes free throw 2 of 2
Win probability
Above the line favours Bethune-Cookman Wildcats, below favours Florida A&M Rattlers.
Venue
- Moore Gymnasium (FL)Daytona Beach, FL
- Attendance864
- OfficialsMarcus Gossard, Joe Prince, Jordan Conley
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