The first SWAC battle between Charlie Ward and Reggie Theus lived up to the hype.
And Tyler Andrews made sure Bethune-Cookman came out on the winning side.
Andrews poured in 20 points and snagged seven rebounds, sparking Bethune-Cookman to an 87–83 win over archrival Florida A&M in the Southwestern Athletic Conference opener for both teams.
The win gave the Wildcats a statement start in league play.
Arterio Morris matched Andrews’ 20 points, adding an attacking edge that kept the Wildcats (4–10, 1–0 SWAC) in control. He knocked down seven of 14 shots and was steady from the line, hitting five of six free throws. Jakobi Heady was a force inside and out, finishing with 18 points and six rebounds as Bethune-Cookman held off a late Rattlers rally.
Rio giving ALL the energy #𝙃𝙖𝙞𝙡𝙒𝙞𝙡𝙙𝙘𝙖𝙩𝙨 #𝙋𝙧𝙚𝙮𝙏𝙤𝙜𝙚𝙩𝙝𝙚𝙧 pic.twitter.com/p7XkTUToJx
— 🏀Bethune-Cookman Men’s Basketball (@BCUhoops) January 3, 2026
Florida A&M (3–9, 0–1) kept the rivalry tight behind Jaquan Sanders’ 22-point effort. Tyler Shirley added 15 points, and Antonio Baker Jr. chipped in 13, but the Rattlers couldn’t find enough late answers against a rejuvenated Wildcats squad.
Bethune-Cookman’s victory not only put them in the SWAC win column but also sent a clear message to the rest of the league — the Wildcats are maturing fast under Theus’ leadership and ready to chase a SWAC championship.
The rivals will meet again in Tallahassee later this season. If Saturday’s drama was any preview, that return trip should have the same edge, emotion, and electricity that define this classic Florida feud.
Could you please highlight NCAA Division II basketball, specifically the SIAC and CIAA conferences? I’m interested in learning how other HBCUs are performing so my student-athletes can explore schools that might offer stronger academic and athletic opportunities.