TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – The Florida A&M Rattlers (2-1, 0-0 MEAC) held off a late surge by the visiting Night Hawks of Thomas University for a 70-68 nail-biter in front of 1,071 in the Al Lawson Center tonight.

Malcolm Bernard had the hot hand for the Rattlers, carding 29 points on 9-of-15 shooting from the field and 10-of-14 shooting from the free throw line.  Bernard’s play was key to the Rattler offensive assault, which was aided by guard Craig Bowman, who scored 13 points and Francois Lewis who chipped in 12. 

Jordan Jackson wiped the boards for 10 rebounds.  Lewis pulled down eight and Bernard grabbed seven.

Thomas was led by Adonai Rogers who carded 18 points to lead the night Hawks.  Javoris Cooks was the only other Night Hawk in double-figures, with 13 points.  Rogers led the team on the boards with eight rebounds on the night.

The Rattlers shot 35.7 percent from the field in the first half and 43.5 percent in the second half.  The inconsistency from the free throw line is what kept TU in the game.  FAMU shot 15-of-19 from the charity stripe in the first half, but an errant 10-of-18 in the second half, allowing TU to creep back into the game after big runs by the Rattlers.

The Rattlers will head to Houston, Texas for a road swing that begins with a visit to the Houston Cougars on Saturday and the University of Texas El Pasco on Tuesday.