NEW YORK, N.Y. (Dec. 21) – The FAMU Mens Basketball team  played a tightly contested matchup against the Fordham University Rams Thursday night, eventually dropping a 79-69 road decision at Rose Hill Gym in the Bronx. 

FAMU trailed just 40-36 at the half, thanks to 50 percent (13 of 26) floor shooting, and 6 of 12 from three-point range, compared to 56 percent for the Rams (14 of 25) in the opening frame. 

However, the Rattlers never  managed to close the gap on the Rams (5-6), who edged them out on the scoreboard, 39-33 in the second half for the final 10-point margin. 

Senior forward Desmond Williams led FAMU with 18 points, followed by junior guard Justin Ravenel with 14 points, highlighted by a 4 of 6 three-point shooting performance. Senior guard  Elijah Mayes added 13 points, while sophomore guard Nasir Core led FAMU with five rebounds.  

Thursday's loss was the 10th straight for FAMU (1-14), which played without injured leading scorer Marcus Barham (knee) for the third straight game. 

WHAT'S NEXT: FAMU plays their final non-conference game next Thursday at Ball State (7:00 ET) in Muncie, Ind.