Rivalry Renewed as Struggling Florida A&M, Bethune-Cookman Open SWAC Play

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. (Interstat) — Two teams seeking a fresh start will open their conference schedules against a familiar foe when Florida A&M visits Bethune-Cookman in a men’s NCAA Division I basketball game Saturday.

The Southwestern Athletic Conference (SWAC) matchup at Moore Gymnasium tips off at 4 p.m. EST on Jan. 3, 2026, renewing one of the league’s most historic rivalries. Both the Rattlers and Wildcats enter with identical 3-8 overall records, having navigated challenging non-conference slates.

Florida A&M arrives following a 65-89 loss at Georgia Tech on Dec. 28. Guard Jaquan Sanders has been a consistent bright spot, scoring a season-high 20 points with five rebounds and four assists in that contest. Over his last seven games, Sanders is averaging 11.7 points and 3.1 assists.

Bethune-Cookman is looking to rebound from a 77-103 defeat at Oklahoma State on Dec. 29. Guard Quentin Heady led the Wildcats in that game with 17 points, four assists and three blocks. Heady has averaged 11.4 points over his last five outings.

Both programs have faced a gauntlet of power-conference opponents, contributing to their losing records. The Rattlers’ three wins have come at home against Florida Memorial, Albany State and Jacksonville. The Wildcats’ victories are against South Carolina State, Ohio and College of Coastal Georgia.

The game marks the beginning of the 18-game SWAC schedule for each team. The rivalry, known as the Florida Classic in football, carries significant weight as both squads aim to build early momentum in conference play.

Historically, the teams have split their last 10 meetings. Saturday’s contest will be their first as SWAC opponents after both institutions transitioned from the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference.

Following this game, Florida A&M will host Southern on Jan. 10. Bethune-Cookman will remain at home to face Grambling on the same date.