ORANGEBURG, SC (Feb.20) - Amin Stevens' put back of a desperation shot at the end of regulation by Avery Moore lifted the FAMU Rattlers (8-19, 6-7 MEAC) to an 83-82 heartbreaking win over the S.C. State Bulldogs (5-22, 0-13 MEAC) tonight at the Smith-Hammond-Middleton Center.

Stevens led the Rattlers in scoring with 18 points on 7-of-13 shooting from the field and 4-of-5 shooting from the free throw line. Stevens would card a double-double with 13 rebounds.

Avery Moore was the team's second leading scorer with 15 points on 5-of-11 shooting, including 3-of-9 from three-point range. He would also go 2-of-3 from the free throw line. Nathaniel Drayton, who has played a larger role for the Rattlers as the season has progressed, scored 13 points, while Reggie Lewis scored 12 and Chris Watson scored11. In all, five Rattlers scored in double figures.

Brandon Riley of the Bulldogs scored a game-high 24 points. Omar Sanders added 14, Joe Ikhinmwin scored 11, while Devin Joint chipped in 10 for the Bulldogs.

The win kept the Rattlers in position for the MEAC playoffs. Coach Clemon Johnson was happy to get the win. "It was one that we pulled out again. This time, with 1.1 seconds on the clock. This win will keep us where we were in the MEAC and if not improve. Teams in our range in the conference are doing all they can to position themselves for the MEAC tournament, so we want to make sure we don't lose any ground.

Johnson's Rattlers come off a road split and are preparing for this weekend's matchup against the Hampton Pirates at the Lawson Center. "We're going to rest, get into the scouting report of Hampton and get ready to play ball on Saturday," Johnson. 

The Rattlers take on the Hampton Pirates at 6 p.m. on Saturday.  For tickets, please call the FAMU Ticket Office at (850)599-3141.  If you are not able to attend the game and watch it on the web, please sign on to Rattler Vision for subscription options.