TALLAHASSEE, Fla. --- As the final buzzer sounded on the campus of Florida A&M University, history was made for the Jacksonville Dolphins. With their sixth win in the year's first seven games, JU set a program record for the best seven game start to a season in program history.

The Dolphins defeated the Rattlers 70-63, overcoming a first-half deficit to win their fourth game in a row. Jacksonville was once again led by sophomore guard Mychal White, who scored a career-high 22 points. 

"It's another day of just being resilient," head coach Special Jennings said. "I'm proud that we were able to come away with a win. I didn't know the history, and that's great, but I'm just proud that we were able to come away with a win."

Jacksonville trailed by 11 in the first quarter, but the Dolphins never stayed far behind all night. Senior Kali Howard scored a pair of late buckets as JU cut the deficit to five at the end of the first quarter.

Senior Makiya Miller cut the deficit to two with a quarter-opening bucket, but the Rattlers kept in front all night. White scored a fast break layup to make the score 34-25 FAMU at halftime. After two frustrating quarters, things finally turned for the Dolphins after halftime.

Jacksonville raced out to an 11-2 run to cut the lead to two. Sophomore Mariah Knight soon after splashed home a 3-pointer to tie the game at 45. The Dolphins finally took their first lead of the night when freshman guard Tatum Brown slashed into the paint and put JU up 47-45. 

The Rattlers tied the game three times early in the fourth quarter, setting the tone for a physical and competitive final period of play. Early in the period, Jacksonville leaned on senior forward Kali Howard, who finished the game with a career-high 15 points.

"She hasn't scratched the surface yet," Jennings said. "I'm excited that we get more of her with us, more season to see the best of her."

In clutch time, White was JU's closer. She hit two free throws with 1:57 on the clock to put Jacksonville up five. The Rattlers cut the lead to four, and this time Miller was the killer from the stripe, nailing both of her foul shots. White would add four more points from the charity stripe in the final seconds of the game, helping Jacksonville secure the 70-63 win.

Game Notes

• Jacksonville has racked up 11 D1 non-conference wins under Special Jennings, the most of any JU coach in their first three seasons.
• The Dolphins have hit 70 points in all but two games this season.
• White has scored at least 15 points in three-straight games. She's the third Dolphins to hit 20 points in a game this season.

Up Next
Jacksonville returns for another major game on its home court, hosting the Coastal Carolina Chanticleers Saturday Dec. 6. Tip-off is scheduled for 2 PM.