Dover, Del. (Feb. 5, 2020) --- Brendon Myles hit a three-point shot with 2:50 left in the second overtime to give Florida A&M the lead for good in a thrilling 97-95 victory over Delaware State in Memorial Hall today.
The Hornets had the final possession after a missed Florida A&M free throw with less than five seconds left, but John Crosby's contested three-point attempt from the right wing fell short, giving the Rattlers their fourth straight win and fourth in a row against DSU.
The score was 77-77 at the end of regulation and 87-87 after the first overtime.
Delaware State led 75-71 with 52 seconds left in regulation and 77-75 after Pinky Wiley hit two free throws with 22 seconds left.
Florida A&M tied the score on a basket by JR Melton with five seconds to go in the second half. The Hornets had a chance to win at the end of regulation, but Wiley missed a deep jumper as time expired.
In the first overtime, Delaware State led 84-79 after a basket by Crosby with 1:52 left to play. The Rattlers pulled to within 84-82 on a three-pointer by Nasir Core with 1:35 remaining.
The Hornets appeared headed for victory when Crosby hit an off-balanced jumper in the paint to give DSU an 87-85 lead with less than two seconds to go in the first overtime.
On the ensuing inbounds play frim under the Delaware State basket, Florida A&M threw a three-quarter court length pass to Bryce Moragne, who hit a running shot in the lane at the final buzzer of the first overtime.  After an officials' review, the basket was confirmed, sending the game into the second overtime.
The score was 89-89 in the second OT when the three-pointer by Myles put the Rattlers in front for good with less than three minutes to play.
Core led all players 29 points for the Rattlers. He was seven-for-10  from the field, including three-of-four on three-point shots, and 12-for-16 at the free throw line.
Rod Melton added 23 points, while Moragne pulled down a game-high 12 rebounds for Florida A&M.'
Crosby was high scorer for Delaware State with 20 points while Wiley added 18.
Delaware State led 37-34 at halftime.
The game featured 16 ties and 13 lead changes.
This marks the fourth time in five seasons that the Hornets have Rattlers have played an overtime contest.
Florida A&M defeated DSU 94-89 in double overtime on Jan. 15, 2018 and needed an extra session to win 96-95 over the Hornets on Feb. 8, 2016.
 
The Hornets won 80-77 in overtime at Florida A&M on Feb. 6, 2017.     
Florida A&M improved to 10-13 overall and 8-4 in the MEAC this season, while Delaware State dropped its fourth straight game to fall to 3-21 and 2-8.
The Hornets return to action on Monday with a home contest against Bethune-Cookman. Game time is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. in Memorial Hall.