Florida A&M men’s basketball was an ice-cold 8-for-23 from the free-throw line on Monday.
It was the main culprit in the Rattlers’ (0-3) 92-64 loss while visiting the University of Alabama at Birmingham (2-1) at Bartow Arena.
Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement
FAMU guard Jaden Kempson continues to cement himself as the top-scoring option, leading with a game-high 24 points and also leading the team with seven rebounds. Forward Daisean Williford followed with 11 points, and freshman guard Jayden Joseph had 10.
Nov 2, 2026; Tampa, Florida, USA; Florida A&M Rattlers guard Jaden Kempson (11) attempts a layup over Florida State Seminoles center Marcis Ponder (11) during the second half at Benchmark International Arena. Mandatory Credit: Matt Pendleton-Imagn Images
UAB had two leading scorers, with guard tandem Justyn Fernandez and Deuce Jones scoring 20 apiece.
The Rattlers actually outshot the UAB Blazers from the field. FAMU made 45% of its shots while UAB shot 41%.
The difference was from three. The Rattlers shot 6-for-22, 27%, while the Blazers were 12-for-24, 50%.
UAB also won the rebound battle 49-33 and forced 13 FAMU turnovers compared to eight of its own. The Blazers led by as much as 31 points.
1 / 43
Charlie Ward: FAMU basketball coach, Heisman winner, Knicks star
Charlie Ward listens to the finalist’s speeches during the Boys and Girls Club Youth of the Year luncheon held at Mission Inn Resort and Club on Wednesday, March 29, 2017 in Howey-in-the-Hills, Fla. Charlie Ward, a former FSU standout and Heisman Trophy winner, spoke at the function and presented the award. [AMBER RICCINTO / DAILY COMMERCIAL]
(Daily Commercial)
1 / 43
Charlie Ward: FAMU basketball coach, Heisman winner, Knicks star
Charlie Ward listens to the finalist’s speeches during the Boys and Girls Club Youth of the Year luncheon held at Mission Inn Resort and Club on Wednesday, March 29, 2017 in Howey-in-the-Hills, Fla. Charlie Ward, a former FSU standout and Heisman Trophy winner, spoke at the function and presented the award. [AMBER RICCINTO / DAILY COMMERCIAL]
(Daily Commercial)
2 / 43
Charlie Ward: FAMU basketball coach, Heisman winner, Knicks star
Oct 9, 1993; Tallahassee, FL, USA: FILE PHOTO; Florida State Seminoles quarterback Charlie Ward (17) runs with the ball against Miami at Doak Campbell Stadium. FSU defeated Miami 28-10 Mandatory Credit: USA TODAY Sports
(USA TODAY Sports)
3 / 43
Charlie Ward: FAMU basketball coach, Heisman winner, Knicks star
Florida State University football coach Jimbo Fisher shakes hands with Charlie Ward, former FSU quarterback and Heisman Trophy winner, on Tuesday at the Pensacola Yacht Club as part of the Seminole Boosters Champions Tour.
(Ben Twingley/btwingley@pnj.com)
4 / 43
Charlie Ward: FAMU basketball coach, Heisman winner, Knicks star
Florida State University college football national championship quarterback Charlie Ward speaks during a ceremony in which Gov. Ron DeSantis presented retired FSU football coach Bobby Bowden with the Governor’s Medal of Freedom at the Governor’s Mansion in Tallahassee Wednesday, April 7, 2021.
(Tori Lynn Schneider/Tallahassee Democrat)
5 / 43
Charlie Ward: FAMU basketball coach, Heisman winner, Knicks star
Charlie Ward addresses the crowd during the Boys and Girls Club Youth of the Year luncheon held at Mission Inn Resort and Club on Wednesday, March 29, 2017 in Howey-in-the-Hills, Fla. Charlie Ward, a former FSU standout and Heisman Trophy winner, spoke at the function and presented the award. [AMBER RICCINTO / DAILY COMMERCIAL]
(Daily Commercial)
6 / 43
Charlie Ward: FAMU basketball coach, Heisman winner, Knicks star
FSU coaches Bobby Bowden, left, and Pat Kennedy with Seminole quarterback Charlie Ward during Ward’s Heisman Trophy presentation in 1993.
(Pat Kennedy)
7 / 43
Charlie Ward: FAMU basketball coach, Heisman winner, Knicks star
NCAA champion, Heisman winner, and FSUS boys’ basketball head coach Charlie Ward says a few words of encouragement to students before the “walking school bus” event began on Thursday, Sept. 19, 2024.
(Mishalynn Brown/Tallahassee Democrat)
8 / 43
Charlie Ward: FAMU basketball coach, Heisman winner, Knicks star
FSU alumni and 2018 homecoming parade grand marshal Charlie Ward waves as Florida State University holds its annual homecoming parade through the streets of Tallahassee Friday, Oct. 19, 2018.
(Tori Schneider/Tallahassee Democrat)
9 / 43
Charlie Ward: FAMU basketball coach, Heisman winner, Knicks star
Charlie Ward won the Heisman at FSU. He didn’t play pro football, rather signing with the NBA New York Knicks, who drafted him in the first round as a guard. As of March 2018, Ward was named the Ambassador of Football for Florida State University. Charlie became the Head Boy’s Basketball Coach for the Florida State University’s Developmental Research School, “Florida High,” in Tallahassee last year. (Photo by Nathaniel S. Butler/NBAE via Getty Images)
(Getty Images)
10 / 43
Charlie Ward: FAMU basketball coach, Heisman winner, Knicks star
Oct 3, 1992; Miami, FL, USA: FILE PHOTO; Florida State Seminoles quarterback Charlie Ward (17) looks to throw against Miami at the Orange Bowl. Miami defeated FSU 19-16. Mandatory Credit: USA TODAY Sports
(USA TODAY Sports)
11 / 43
Charlie Ward: FAMU basketball coach, Heisman winner, Knicks star
FSUS Seminoles head coach Charlie Ward looks on against the The Rock National Lions during the first half at The Rock School in Gainesville, FL on Friday, January 19, 2024. [Matt Pendleton/Gainesville Sun]
(Matt Pendleton/Gainesville Sun)
12 / 43
Charlie Ward: FAMU basketball coach, Heisman winner, Knicks star
PHILADELPHIA, : Philadelphia 76ers Allen Iverson (L) shoots over New York Knicks Charlie Ward (R) in the 2nd period of their game 10 March 2000 at the First Union Center in Philadelphia. New York won 82-77. AFP PHOTO/Tom MIHALEK (Photo credit should read TOM MIHALEK/AFP/Getty Images)
(TOM MIHALEK, AFP/Getty Images)
13 / 43
Charlie Ward: FAMU basketball coach, Heisman winner, Knicks star
30 Apr 2000: Charlie Ward #21 of the New York Knicks moves with the ball around Muggsy Bogues #14 of the Toronto Raptors during the NBA Eastern Conference Round One Game at the Air Canada Centre in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. The Knicks defeated the Raptors 87-80. Mandatory Credit: Rick Stewart /Allsport
(Rick Stewart, Getty Images)
14 / 43
Charlie Ward: FAMU basketball coach, Heisman winner, Knicks star
29 Mar 2000: Coach Jeff Van Gundy of the New York Knicks talks to his player Charlie Ward #21 during the game against the Seattle SuperSonics at Key Arena in Seattle, Washington. The Knicks defeated the SuperSonics 110-95. Mandatory Credit: Otto Greule Jr. /Allsport
(Otto Greule Jr, Getty Images)
15 / 43
Charlie Ward: FAMU basketball coach, Heisman winner, Knicks star
PHILADELPHIA, : New York Knicks’ Charlie Ward (R) reaches for the pass that the Philadelphia 76ers’ Allen Iverson lost hold of in the first half of their game, 20 December, in Philadelphia. New York beat Philadelphia 110-103. AFP PHOTO/Tom MIHALEK (Photo credit should read TOM MIHALEK/AFP/Getty Images)
(TOM MIHALEK, AFP/Getty Images)
16 / 43
Charlie Ward: FAMU basketball coach, Heisman winner, Knicks star
NEW YORK, UNITED STATES: New York Knicks guard Charlie Ward (L) and Miami Heat guard Tim Hardaway (R) battle for a loose ball in the first quarter 06 February, 2000 at Madison Square Garden in New York, New York. AFP PHOTO/Matt CAMPBELL (Photo credit should read MATT CAMPBELL/AFP/Getty Images)
(MATT CAMPBELL, AFP/Getty Images)
17 / 43
Charlie Ward: FAMU basketball coach, Heisman winner, Knicks star
Florida High boys basketball coach Charlie Ward talks to a referee during the 2018 Capital City Holiday Classic at TCC.
(Brian Miller/Democrat)
18 / 43
Charlie Ward: FAMU basketball coach, Heisman winner, Knicks star
Florida High boys basketball coach Charlie Ward watches as the Seminoles beat Pensacola Catholic 47-42 during a Region 1-5A quarterfinal on Feb. 21, 2019.
(Brian Miller/Democrat)
19 / 43
Charlie Ward: FAMU basketball coach, Heisman winner, Knicks star
All-Big Bend boys basketball Coach of the Year Charlie Ward, Florida High School.
(Alicia Devine/Tallahassee Democrat)
20 / 43
Charlie Ward: FAMU basketball coach, Heisman winner, Knicks star
Florida High head coach Charlie Ward hugs Florida High athletic director Anthony Robinson Sr. following the Seminoles state championship win over Riviera Prep, 66-67, on March 4, 2022, at R.P. Funding Center.
(Jack Williams/Tallahassee Democrat)
21 / 43
Charlie Ward: FAMU basketball coach, Heisman winner, Knicks star
Florida High head coach Charlie Ward looks on from the sidelines in a game between Florida High and Andrew Jackson on Jan. 21, 2023, at Florida High. The Seminoles won 56-40.
(Jack Williams/Tallahassee Democrat)
22 / 43
Charlie Ward: FAMU basketball coach, Heisman winner, Knicks star
Former Florida State University quarterback, Heisman trophy winner and NBA player Charlie Ward gives a speech encouraging graduates at the Florida State University Summer Commencement ceremonies on Friday, August 2, 2024.
(Mishalynn Brown/Tallahassee Democrat)
23 / 43
Charlie Ward: FAMU basketball coach, Heisman winner, Knicks star
Derrick Brooks, Pro Football Hall of Fame Linebacker, and Charlie Ward, Booker T. Washington High School football coach and Heisman Trophy winner,with a plaque at Washington High School on Monday during a Hometown Hall of Fame ceremony sponsored by the Pro Football Hall of Fame and Ford Motor Company. The plaque will be located at the school as a reminder of his career accomplishments and act as a model for students at the school.
(USA TODAY High School Sports Wire)
24 / 43
Charlie Ward: FAMU basketball coach, Heisman winner, Knicks star
Florida State point guard Charlie Ward, driving in a game against Duke, helped the Seminoles clinch the Metro Conference Tournament title in the team’s final year in the connference in 1991.
(Democrat files)
25 / 43
Charlie Ward: FAMU basketball coach, Heisman winner, Knicks star
TALLAHASSEE, FL – SEPTEMBER 11: Quarterback Charlie Ward #17 of the Florida State Seminoles stands on the field during an NCAA game against the Clemson Tigers on September 11, 1993 at Doak Campbell Stadium in Tallahassee, Flroida. The Seminoles defeated the Tigers 57-0. (Photo by Scott Halleran/Getty Images)
(Scott Halleran, Getty Images)
26 / 43
Charlie Ward: FAMU basketball coach, Heisman winner, Knicks star
Nov 27, 1993; Gainesville, FL, USA: FILE PHOTO; Florida State Seminoles quarterback Charlie Ward (17) rolls out to throw the ball against Florida at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium. FSU defeated Florida 33-21 Mandatory Credit: USA TODAY Sports
(USA TODAY Sports)
27 / 43
Charlie Ward: FAMU basketball coach, Heisman winner, Knicks star
Heisman trophy winner and former NBA player Charlie Ward shakes hands with members of the FAMU basketball team during an introductory press conference introducing Charlie Ward as the new head basketball coach for FAMU at the Al Lawson Multipurpose Center Monday, April 21, 2025.
(Mishalynn Brown/Tallahassee Democrat)
28 / 43
Charlie Ward: FAMU basketball coach, Heisman winner, Knicks star
Interim President of FAMU Timothy Beard (left) hold sup a jersey with Heisman trophy winner and former NBA player Charlie Ward (middle) and Athletics Director Angela Suggs during a introductory press conference for Charlie Ward as the new head basketball coach for FAMU at the Al Lawson Multipurpose Center Monday, April 21, 2025.
(Mishalynn Brown/Tallahassee Democrat)
29 / 43
Charlie Ward: FAMU basketball coach, Heisman winner, Knicks star
The Florida A&M Rattlers introduce Heisman trophy winner and former NBA player Charlie Ward as the new head basketball coach for FAMU at the Al Lawson Multipurpose Center Monday, April 21, 2025.
(Mishalynn Brown/Tallahassee Democrat)
30 / 43
Charlie Ward: FAMU basketball coach, Heisman winner, Knicks star
Heisman trophy winner and former NBA player Charlie Ward speaks at an introductory press conference as the new head basketball coach for FAMU at the Al Lawson Multipurpose Center Monday, April 21, 2025.
(Mishalynn Brown/Tallahassee Democrat)
31 / 43
Charlie Ward: FAMU basketball coach, Heisman winner, Knicks star
Florida A&M head men’s basketball coach Charlie Ward coaches the Rattlers during offseason workouts at the Al Lawson Jr. Multipurpose Center in Tallahassee, Florida.
(Photo provided by FAMU Athletics)
32 / 43
Charlie Ward: FAMU basketball coach, Heisman winner, Knicks star
Heisman Trophy winner and Florida A&M head coach Charlie Ward speaks at a press conference to announce the new HBCU Hoops Invitational coming to Walt Disney World Resort in Florida. The Rattlers are one of eight HBCU men’s and women’s basketball programs competing in the inaugural event Dec. 4-7 at ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex. (Bennett Stoops, photographer)
(Bennett Stoops, Bennett Stoops, Photographer)
33 / 43
Charlie Ward: FAMU basketball coach, Heisman winner, Knicks star
Florida A&M Rattlers head coach Charlie Ward speaks during a pregame press conference at The Coyle E. Moore Athletic Center for the Florida A&M Rattlers at Florida State Seminoles NCAA men’s college basketball exhibition game, Tallahassee, Florida, Wednesday, Oct. 22, 2025.
(Gerald Thomas, III // Tallahassee Democrat, USA TODAY FLORIDA NETWORK)
34 / 43
Charlie Ward: FAMU basketball coach, Heisman winner, Knicks star
Florida A&M Rattlers head coach Charlie Ward (left) shares a laugh with Florida State Seminoles head coach Luke Loucks during a pregame press conference at The Coyle E. Moore Athletic Center for the Florida A&M Rattlers at Florida State Seminoles NCAA men’s college basketball exhibition game, Tallahassee, Florida, Wednesday, Oct. 22, 2025.
(Gerald Thomas, III // Tallahassee Democrat, USA TODAY FLORIDA NETWORK)
35 / 43
Charlie Ward: FAMU basketball coach, Heisman winner, Knicks star
FAMU basketball head coach Charlie Ward at his jersey retirement ceremony on Sunday, Oct. 26, 2025 at the Donald L. Tucker Center.
(Liam Rooney/Tallahassee Democrat)
36 / 43
Charlie Ward: FAMU basketball coach, Heisman winner, Knicks star
FAMU basketball head coach Charlie Ward speaks at his jersey retirement ceremony on Sunday, Oct. 26, at the Donald L. Tucker Center.
(Liam Rooney/Tallahassee Democrat)
37 / 43
Charlie Ward: FAMU basketball coach, Heisman winner, Knicks star
FAMU basketball head coach Charlie Ward at his jersey retirement ceremony on Sunday, Oct. 26, 2025 at the Donald L. Tucker Center.
(Liam Rooney/Tallahassee Democrat)
38 / 43
Charlie Ward: FAMU basketball coach, Heisman winner, Knicks star
Tonja and Charlie Ward stand with each other as they listen to speakers during the ground breaking ceremony for Champions Ranch on Monday, Dec. 1, 2025.
(Alicia Devine/Tallahassee Democrat)
39 / 43
Charlie Ward: FAMU basketball coach, Heisman winner, Knicks star
Florida A&M Rattlers head coach Charlie Ward instructs his team during a practice for the HBCU Hoops Invitational at the ESPN Wide World of Sports in Orlando, Florida.
(Provided by FAMU Athletics)
40 / 43
Charlie Ward: FAMU basketball coach, Heisman winner, Knicks star
Florida A&M Rattlers head coach Charlie Ward instructs his team from the sideline during an NCAA college basketball game versus the Albany State Golden Rams at the Al Lawson Multipurpose Center in Tallahassee, Florida, Monday, Dec. 15, 2025. The Rattlers beat the Golden Rams 93-77.
(Provided by Vaughn Wilson/Mega Ace Media, HBCU Gameday)
41 / 43
Charlie Ward: FAMU basketball coach, Heisman winner, Knicks star
Florida A&M Rattlers head coach Charlie Ward instructs his team while preparing for a NCAA college basketball game at Tarleton State inside of the EECU Center in Stephenville, Texas, Thursday, Dec. 18, 2025. Ward is wearing the Nike ‘FAMU’ Air Max 95 sneakers.
(Photo provided by FAMU Athletics)
42 / 43
Charlie Ward: FAMU basketball coach, Heisman winner, Knicks star
Florida A&M Rattlers head coach Charlie Ward draws up a play for his team during an NCAA college basketball game at the Al Lawson Jr. Multipurpose Center in Tallahassee, Florida.
(Provided by FAMU Athletics)
43 / 43
Charlie Ward: FAMU basketball coach, Heisman winner, Knicks star
Charlie Ward went 15-16 during his first season at Florida A&M men’s basketball coach. He says he is coaching his players for life, and for whichever endeavor it brings them.
(Dale Zanine, Imagn Images)
Next for the Rattlers is a trip to Central Florida for the Showdown in St. Pete. FAMU faces Missouri-Kansas City (1-2) on Wednesday at noon inside the McArthur Center on Eckerd College’s campus. The game will be on YouTube.
Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement
The UMKC Roos lost to Jacksonville 79-61 on Monday.
Gerald Thomas III is a multi-time national award-winning reporter for his coverage of the Florida A&M Rattlers at the Tallahassee Democrat under the USA TODAY Network.
Follow his award-winning coverage on RattlerNews.com and contact him via email at GDThomas@Tallahassee.com or on the app formerly known as Twitter @3peatgee.
This article originally appeared on Tallahassee Democrat: FAMU basketball struggles from free-throw line in blowout loss at UAB
Disclaimer : This story is auto aggregated by a computer programme and has not been created or edited by DOWNTHENEWS. Publisher: Sports.yahoo.com
