NASHVILLE, Tenn. — North Carolina A&T is in the midst of an 11-game losing streak which now spans two seasons. But for the first time in that stretch, the Aggies were within reach of a victory.

Trailing 24-21 in the closing moments, Tennessee State's Lathum Snipes blocked a potential game-tying field goal try by Andrew Brown, preserving the victory in the John Merritt Classic on Saturday.

"Our kids fought their hearts out today," said A&T first-year coach Shawn Gibbs following his debut. "They put forth the effort. We had a chance to tie it at the end, but our protection didn't hold up. We lost the game. That's my fault. That's coaching because our kids are going to put up a fight without question. We know they're going to do that all year."

Kendric Rhymes ripped off a 51-yard touchdown

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