Florida A&M Basketball: 5 Keys to Dominating the MEAC This Season

When I first saw that JRU vs Salvador score flash across my screen—65 to 13—my immediate thought wasn't just about the lopsided victory, but about what it takes to dominate a conference game that completely. That's exactly what Florida A&M needs to channel this season if they want to run the MEAC. Looking at that box score, Salvador only managed 13 points total, which is frankly staggering when you consider college basketball games usually see teams scoring in the 60s or 70s. It reminds me of watching FAMU's defense last year—there were moments of brilliance, but nothing as suffocating as holding a team to single-digit quarters. If the Rattlers can replicate that kind of defensive pressure, they'll be unstoppable. I've always believed defense wins championships, and seeing JRU's collective effort—multiple players contributing, from Salvador's 13 to Peñaverde's 11—shows how depth matters. FAMU needs every player buying into a defensive mindset, not just relying on one or two stars.

Offensively, the distribution in that JRU game is something to admire. Five players scored between 5 and 13 points, which tells me they shared the ball beautifully. I remember watching FAMU last season and thinking they sometimes relied too heavily on their top scorers; if those guys had an off night, the whole offense sputtered. But here's the thing: in the MEAC, where games can get physical and fast, you need multiple threats. Take Argente and Lozano both dropping 9 points—that's the kind of balanced attack that keeps opponents guessing. I'd love to see FAMU's guards emulate that, maybe by driving to the basket more or kicking out for open threes. From what I've seen in their preseason, they're working on ball movement, but it's not quite there yet. If they can get four or five guys consistently hitting double figures, they'll blow past teams just like JRU did.

Let's talk about rebounding and second-chance points, because that's where games are often won. In that reference game, players like Benitez with 7 points and Panapanaan with 5 probably contributed in ways beyond scoring—maybe hustle plays, boards, or assists. I recall a FAMU game last year where they got outrebounded by 15, and it cost them a close matchup. In the MEAC, size isn't always the advantage; it's about positioning and effort. For instance, if FAMU can crash the offensive glass like I've seen in drills, they could easily add 10-15 extra points per game. That's huge in a conference where margins can be slim. Personally, I think their big men need to step up—not just scoring, but cleaning up misses and starting fast breaks. It's those little things that add up, like Garupil's 4 points in that box score; maybe he grabbed a couple key rebounds that led to transitions.

Another key is maintaining intensity from start to finish. In the JRU game, they didn't let up—Salvador was held to minimal scoring across the board, with players like Herrera only managing 2 and others like Duque and Castillo putting up zeros. That tells me JRU's defense was relentless, and FAMU can learn from that. I've been to a few Rattlers practices, and the energy dips sometimes, especially in the second half. But in the MEAC, where teams like Norfolk State or North Carolina Central will fight until the buzzer, you can't afford to coast. Imagine if FAMU applied full-court pressure for all 40 minutes; they'd force turnovers and easy buckets, just like JRU likely did. From my experience watching college hoops, the teams that dominate are the ones who treat every possession like it's the last. FAMU's coaches should drill that mindset—maybe use film from games like this to show how consistency pays off.

Lastly, let's not overlook the mental game and leadership. In that box score, players like Laurenaria with 5 points and Sarmiento with 0 might have had roles beyond stats—maybe they were vocal leaders or defensive anchors. For FAMU to dominate the MEAC, they need a floor general who can rally the team when things get tough. I remember a game last season where FAMU blew a lead because they lost composure; if they had a steady hand directing traffic, they might have pulled through. This season, I'm hoping their point guard steps into that role, making smart decisions and keeping everyone focused. It's not just about scoring—it's about the intangibles, like how JRU's players supported each other to secure that blowout. If FAMU can blend talent with teamwork and tenacity, I have no doubt they'll be hoisting the MEAC trophy come March.