Florida A&M Edges Saint Leo in Exhibition Win
The Rattlers overcame a double-digit deficit to secure a victory ahead of their upcoming regular season opener.
Updated on Oct. 28, 2026 in Basketball
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Florida A&M rallied to defeat Saint Leo University 66-63 in an exhibition matchup on October 27. The Rattlers successfully erased a 14-point deficit to claim the win.
Why it matters
The exhibition victory provides a critical morale boost and tactical correction for the squad following a recent loss to Warner University. It serves as a final litmus test before the team faces Florida State.
Antonio Baker Jr. led the scoring with 17 points, while Daisean Williford contributed a double-double of 15 points and 10 rebounds. The bench proved pivotal in the outcome, accounting for 28 of the team's 66 total points.
The players
Florida A&M
Florida A&M University is a public historically black land-grant research university based in Tallahassee.
Daisean Williford
Daisean Williford is a member of the Florida A&M men's basketball team who recorded a double-double in the exhibition win.
Antonio Baker Jr.
Antonio Baker Jr. is a player for the Florida A&M men's basketball team who led the team in scoring during the contest.
Saint Leo University
Saint Leo University is a private Roman Catholic liberal arts university that competes in the Sunshine State Conference.
Florida State
Florida State University is a public research university in Tallahassee whose basketball program will face Florida A&M.
The details
The coaching staff adjusted to Saint Leo's drive-and-kick offense by implementing a defensive scheme that pushed players away from the three-point line. This tactical shift allowed the team to hold their lead and secure the close victory.
Timeline
October 13, 2026: Florida A&M lost 59-44 to Warner University.
October 27, 2026: Florida A&M defeated Saint Leo University 66-63.
November 2, 2026: Florida A&M plays Florida State in the regular season opener.
Season Trajectory
The exhibition win allows the team to correct mechanical issues and test depth before entering the regular season slate. This momentum shift is critical as the squad prepares for high-stakes regional competition against Florida State.
The strong bench performance of 28 points indicates a deeper rotation that could impact minutes for starters as the team approaches the opener. Readers should note that rebounding effectiveness, such as the 38-33 advantage, will be a key metric to watch against more athletic opponents.
The takeaway
Maintaining defensive discipline against perimeter-focused offenses remains the primary challenge for the squad moving forward. Adapting to varied playing styles during the preseason is essential for consistent performance in league play.
What happens next
Florida A&M is scheduled to begin their regular season on November 2, 2026, against Florida State.
Further reading
For more news on local collegiate competition, visit the Basketball section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Tallahassee Democrat.
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