Lady Tornadoes win at XULA, repeat as GCAC champion

NEW ORLEANS — Adriana Anderson scored the winning points with 2:43 remaining, then Talladega shut out Xavier University of Louisiana in its final four possessions to earn a 56-54 Gulf Coast Athletic Conference women's basketball victory Monday.

The Lady Tornadoes (19-8, 10-1) clinched their second consecutive GCAC regular-season championship.

The Gold Nuggets (16-12, 5-6) did not score after Maya Trench's basket at 3:44 gave them a 54-52 lead. Talladega then scored on its next two possessions, then pitched the defensive shutout to beat XULA for the second time this season and the fifth time in their last six meetings.

XULA missed twice from the floor in the final 26 seconds, and Sashanique Youngblood stole the ball from the Gold Nuggets' Ireyon Keith with two seconds remaining.

Tajanee Wells had 15 points and eight rebounds for Talladega. Tasheba Henry scored 12 points, and Sydnee Clark had 10.

Kelsee Singleton, one of three honored in a halftime senior ceremony, had 10 points, six rebounds and two blocked shots for XULA. Mikayla Bates had eight points and seven rebounds.

XULA led 17-16 after one quarter, but Talladega led 35-23 at halftime after opening the second period with 14 consecutive points.

Talladega outshot XULA 34.9 to 29 percent from the floor.

XULA also honored seniors Kelsey Joseph and Bianca Brown in their final regular-season home game.

The Gold Nuggets will close their regular season in a GCAC game at 3 p.m. Saturday at Tougaloo. The GCAC Tournament will begin March 3 in New Orleans, with XULA playing host to the semifinals March 4 and the finals March 5.

BOX SCORE

Ed Cassiere, Sports Information Director
XULAgold.com
XAVIER UNIVERSITY OF LOUISIANA 
twitter.com/xulagold
www.facebook.com/xulagold 

New Head Coach Brings A Whole New Ballgame To Clark Atlanta

ATLANTA, Georgia -- As the buzzer sounded Darrell Walker casually made his way over to the scorer’s table at L.S. Epps Gymnasium and took the microphone. The first-year men’s head basketball coach at Clark Atlanta University had just engineered his Panthers to a 71-66 victory over AUC rival Morehouse College.

“We need you for every game just like this, come on out and see us now,” said Walker before joining his team in a huddle at half court. The Panthers walked off the court victorious and Walker had his first victory over Morehouse College. The two teams will meet again in less than a week, on Thursday, February 13, and the circumstances could not be urgent for Walker and his team.

The Panthers are 14-9 overall and more importantly 8-4 in the SIAC East Division. Two games behind first place Benedict College, a game and a half behind Claflin University and only a half game behind third place Fort Valley State University, Clark Atlanta has to take every game as serious as they do their annual pair of games against Morehouse (currently in fifth place in the seven team SIAC East, two games behind Clark Atlanta).

From this point on Walker’s first season as a college basketball coach is going to anything but smooth, anything but a walk in the park, a simple season of college basketball. Walker has the Panthers playing their best basketball in a decade and by the look of the student section at Epps-where the Panthers are 9-3 thus far this season-during the Morehouse game, the rest of the Atlanta University Center and Atlanta is starting to take notice, also.

CONTINUE READING

Brackets Set for 2017 CIAA Men's & Women's Basketball Tournament

CHARLOTTE, North Carolina -- The Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association (CIAA) releases its 2017 Women's and Men's Championship Brackets. The single-elimination tournament will be held in two venues this year: Bojangles' Coliseum February 21-22 and Spectrum Center February 23-25. The final championship contests will tipoff at 4:00 p.m. for the women with the men to follow at 7:00 p.m. on Saturday, February 25.

The Northern Division of the women's side concluded the regular season with a three-way tie for the Division Title. Chowan University, Virginia State University, and Virginia Union University all finished the season with a 7-3 division record. While the teams will be awarded Co-Northern Division Champions, the conference utilizes the following tiebreaker protocol to determine tournament bracket seeds: head-to-head competition, point differential, and conference record.

While Hawks split victories with the Trojans, Virginia State was downed twice by the Lady Panthers of Virginia Union. However, Chowan defeated Virginia Union in both meetings this season. Therefore, Chowan is awarded the No. 1 seed with No. 2 Virginia Union and No. 3 Virginia State to follow.

Bowie State University won their final regular season game for a 6-4 division record and No. 4 rank going in to the tournament. Lincoln (PA) University and Elizabeth City State University round out the North at No. 5 and 6, respectively.

In the women's Southern Division, Johnson C. Smith University clinched the title despite today's loss versus Shaw University. The No. 2 ranking fell to a three-way tie with Livingstone College, Winston-Salem State University, and Shaw University holding a 6-4 division record. After the tiebreaker protocol is applied, Livingstone takes the No. 2 with Winston-Salem State and Shaw to follow. The Blue Bears defeated the Rams in both regular season matchups and tops Shaw due to point differential. Livingstone won 88-73 (+15) while Shaw won 63-60 (+3). Winston-Salem State and Shaw also split victories in the regular season and tied in point differential. Winston-Salem State won 65-59 (+6) and Shaw won 66-60 (+6). When conference records are taken in to account, the Rams (9-7) sit atop of the Lady Bears (8-8).

The remainder of the Southern Division is held by No. 5 Fayetteville State University and No. 6 Saint Augustine's University.

Tuesday's Women's Tournament contests are as follows: 10:00 a.m. Bowie State vs. Fayetteville State, 12:10 p.m. Virginia State vs. Saint Augustine's, 2:20 p.m. Shaw vs. Lincoln (PA), and 4:30 p.m. Wisnton-Salem State vs. Elizabeth City State. In the quarterfinals, Livingstone will await the winner of Virginia State & Saint Augustine's for a 10:00 a.m. tipoff on Wednesday while Chowan will await their opponent between Shaw & Lincoln (PA) for their 12:10 p.m. contest. The winner between Winston-Salem State & Elizabeth City State will advance to face Virginia Union at 2:20 p.m. and Johnson C. Smith will play the winner between Bowie State & Fayetteville State at 4:30 p.m.

The men's Northern Division came down to the wire, but was clinched by Virginia Union. The Panthers ended the regular season with an 8-2 record, a tie with Virginia State. In head-to-head competition, both teams won one game each. Virginia Union won 90-71 (+19) while Virginia State won 74-59 (+15). Number 3 was secured by Chowan after today's overtime victory over VUU. Bowie State, Lincoln (PA), and Elizabeth City State round out the bottom three spots.

The Shaw Bears sit atop of the South as the Division Champion with an 8-2 record in division contests. Livingstone and Winston-Salem State faced-off today for the No. 2 seed. WSSU took the victory to tie LC at 6-4 and make a split mark in head-to-head contests. However, Livingstone holds on to No. 2 due to point differential. The Blue Bears won 101-96 (+5) while the Rams won 78-74 (+4). The Broncos of Fayetteville State earned No. 4 atop the tied Johnson C. Smith and Saint Augustine's teams. JCSU defeated SAU twice for the advantage.

Tuesday's Men's Tournament contests are as follows: 6:40 p.m. Lincoln (PA) vs. Saint Augustine's and 8:50 p.m. Johnson C. Smith versus Elizabeth City State. Games will continue on Wednesday evening with Fayetteville State versus the winner of Lincoln (PA) & Saint Augustine's at 6:40 p.m. and Bowie State versus the winner of Johnson C. Smith and Elizabeth City State at 8:50 p.m. Thursday, February 23 encompasses a full slate of men's games starting at 1:00 p.m. with Livingstone and Chowan. The Shaw Bears will play at 3:00 p.m., Virginia Union at 7:00 p.m., and Virginia State versus Winston-Salem State at 9:00 p.m.

For more information regarding the 2017 CIAA Basketball Tournament, visit ciaatournament.org. Follow the CIAA on social media via Facebook (TheCIAA), Twitter (@CIAAForLife), Instagram (@CIAASports), or download the CIAA mobile app available for Apple and Android devices.

CIAA MEDIA COMMUNICATIONS

CIAA Announces 2017 All-Conference Basketball Teams

CHARLOTTE, North Carolina  -- The Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association (CIAA), with its Men's and Women's Basketball Coaches Association and Sports Information Directors Association, announces the 2017 Men's & Women's All-CIAA First Team and All-Rookie honorees. These outstanding student-athletes will be formally recognized today during the annual Tip-Off Awards Luncheon.

Virginia State University garnered three men's honorees with Elijah Moore, Richard Granberry, and Kevin Williams. Several teams warranted two selections each including Saint Augustine's University with Quincy January and Anthony Gaskins, Shaw University's Joshua Cassady and Benji Bell, and Chowan University's Jeremy Smith and Marco Haskins. William Crandell of Winston-Salem State University, Ray Anderson of Virginia Union University, and David Duncan of Livingstone College complete the All-Conference roster.

On the women's side, the VUU Lady Panthers led the way with four honorees in Lady Walker, Alexis Johnson, Brittany Jackson, and Jayda Luckie. Virginia State's Taylor Daniels and Nandi Taylor, Chowan's Jordan Payne (Chowan), Johnson C. Smith's Blaire Thomas, Fayetteville State's Yakima Clifton, Winston-Salem State's Kandace Tate, Bowie State's Kyah Proctor, and Livingstone's Zena Lovette rounded out the 12-team list.

The Men's All-Rookie Team includes Robert Colon (Winston-Salem State), Josh Bryant (Fayetteville State), Roger Ray (Livingstone), John Maynor (Elizabeth City State), and David Belle (Bowie State).

The women's All-Rookie team consists of Malia Rivers (Johnson C. Smith), Kaaliya Williams (Saint Augustine), Mariah Coker (Chowan), Kyaja Williams (Bowie State) and Shantel Bennett (Fayetteville State).

Men's Front Court
#1 Quincy January Saint Augustine's
#20 Elijah Moore Virginia State
#32 Richard Granberry Virginia State
#10 Jeremy Smith Chowan
#22 William Crandell Winston-Salem State
#15 David Duncan Livingstone
#13 Joshua Cassady Shaw

Men's Back Court
#3 Ray Anderson Virginia Union
#1 Benji Bell Shaw
#3 Kevin Williams Virginia State
#0 Anthony Gaskins Saint Augustine's
#3 Marco Haskins Chowan

Women's Front Court
#20 Lady Walker Virginia Union
#15 Jordan Payne Chowan
#23 Alexis Johnson Virginia Union
#42 Blaire Thomas Johnson C. Smith
#3 Kandace Tate Winston-Salem State
#32 Taylor Daniels Virginia State

Women's Back Court
#3 Kyah Proctor Bowie State
#3 Brittany Jackson Virginia Union
#10 Zena Lovette Livingstone
#1 Nandi Taylor Virginia State
#0 Jayda Luckie Virginia Union

Men's All-Rookie Team
#20 Josh Bryant Fayetteville State
#4 Roger Ray Livingstone
#1 Robert Colon Winston-Salem State
#20 John Maynor Elizabeth City State
#11 David Belle Bowie State

Women's All-Rookie Team
#1 Malia Rivers Johnson C. Smith
#5 Mariah Coker Chowan
#30 Kaaliya Williams Saint Augustine's
#14 Shantel Bennett Fayetteville State
#10 Kyaja Williams Bowie State

CIAA Player, Rookie, and Coach of the Year honors will be announced during today's Tip-Off Luncheon.

For more information regarding the 2017 CIAA Basketball Tournament, visit ciaatournament.org. Follow the CIAA on social media via Facebook (TheCIAA), Twitter (@CIAAForLife), Instagram (@CIAASports), or download the CIAA mobile app available for Apple and Android devices.

CIAA MEDIA COMMUNICATIONS

Jeter's 'football journey' leads to CIAA Hall of Fame

RICHMOND, Virginia -- Golf is DeWayne Jeter's game now.

Check that.

Golf is his addiction.

If the temperature's above freezing, chances are he's strolling out of his home along the fifth hole at Kiln Creek and hitting some balls or playing a round.

Even Jeter's timeshares, in Myrtle Beach, S.C., and Massanutten, are geared toward golf. And at 78 he carries a single-digit handicap, so don't try to hustle him.

But the sport of Jeter's youth was football. It was football that took him from Duquesne High School near Pittsburgh to Virginia State University, and it's football taking him to the Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association (CIAA) Hall of Fame.

Jeter and the other members of this year's class will be inducted Friday in Charlotte, N.C., in conjunction with the CIAA's renowned basketball tournament.

CONTINUE READING

South Carolina State Announces 2017 Football Schedule

ORANGEBURG, South Carolina -- South Carolina State will play 11-games during the 2017 football campaign, the University announced Monday. The Bulldog slate includes five road games and six home contests to be played at Oliver C. Dawson Stadium.

Three non-conference contests, including a fourth trip to the MEAC/SWAC Challenge, and eight Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference contests make up the 2017 schedule.



SC State opens the campaign Sunday, Sept. 3, against Southern in the MEAC/SWAC Challenge at Baton Rouge, La. Coach Buddy Pough's team will be making its fourth appearance in the game, which previously was played in Orlando, Fla, before being moved to campus sites last year. The Bulldogs have posted a 3-0 record in the game with wins over Alabama State (27-14) in 2005, Grambling (34-31) in 2009 and Arkansas-Pine Bluff (35-7) in 2015.

"I'm very excited about the six home games we have this upcoming season, it will give our fans a chance to see us play," said head coach Buddy Pough. "When you look at the schedule we have our work cut out for us we play some talented teams."

Other non-conference contests include Charleston Southern, Sept. 9, in the home opener at O.C. Dawson Stadium and Johnson C. Smith, Sept. 16 (Business and Industry Day), also in Orangeburg.

The Bulldogs begin MEAC play on the road Sept. 23 against the reigning MEAC Champion North Carolina Central Eagles in Durham, NC, and then return home for two more league games -- North Carolina A&T State (Former Student-Athlete Appreciation/Greek Day) Sept. 30, and Morgan State (Youth/ROTC/Military Appreciation Day) Oct. 7.

Pough's team will follow its two-game home stand with back-to-back road games at Bethune-Cookman in Daytona Beach Oct. 14, and Delaware State at Dover, Del. Oct. 21.

SC State hosts Howard and first-year head coach Mike London in its Homecoming game Oct. 28, followed by a bye week Nov. 4. The Bulldogs close out their home schedule Nov. 11 against Hampton (Senior Appreciation/High School Band Day) before facing Savannah State on the road Nov. 18 in the regular-season finale at Savannah, Ga.

Pough's team finished the 2016 season 5-6 overall and tied for third at the MEAC at 5-3.


2017 S.C. State Football Schedule

Date Opponent Location Time
9/3/2017 Southern University (MEAC/SWAC Challenge) Baton Rouge, LA
9/9/2017 Charleston Southern University Orangeburg, SC ­6 p.m.
9/16/2017 Johnson C. Smith University Orangenburg, SC ­ 6 p.m. 
9/23/2017 North Carolina Central University Durham, NC
9/30/2017 North Carolina A&T State University Orangeburg, SC ­ 6 p.m.
10/7/2017 Morgan State University Orangeburg, SC ­ 2 p.m.
10/14/2017 Bethune­Cookman University Daytona Beach, FL
10/21/2017 Delaware State University Dover, DE
10/28/2017 Howard University (Homecoming) Orangeburg, SC ­1:30 p.m. 
11/11/2017 Hampton University Orangeburg, SC ­1:30 p.m. 
11/18/2017 Savannah State University Savannah, GA

Home Games are in bold

SOUTH CAROLINA STATE UNIVERSITY SPORTS INFORMATION

New Orleans UYA hosts Urban Invitational

NEW ORLEANS -- For the fourth consecutive year, MLB's Urban Invitational was hosted at the Urban Youth Academy in New Orleans. Saturday began with Play Ball, a youth-oriented program rooted in teaching baseball's fundamentals, then featured a six-team, round-robin tournament, featuring Alcorn State's 11-3 win over Prairie View A&M, and Grambling State's 11-5 win against Southern University.

In Saturday's other Invitational matchup at the University of New Orleans' Maestri Field, UNO captured an 8-5 win over the University of Illinois-Chicago during the weekend set, televised on MLB Network.

"You see the passion and energy from these teams, with the way that they play and how excited they are to be here, playing on MLB Network," said Del Matthews, MLB senior director of baseball development. "This is fun. This is what it is all about."

The goal for MLB's expanding youth-oriented initiatives -- a primary focus for MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred -- is to keep baseball pertinent in the lives of its pupils. To Matthews and Darrell Miller, vice president youth and facility development for Major League Baseball, that is what Saturday was actually all about.

"Keep playing," Miller said. "Make sure baseball is a part of their life. It doesn't have to be all of their life, it doesn't have to be all they do. But if it's a part of their life, that's valuable to us."

CONTINUE READING