XU Gold Rush are ninth in NAIA preseason coaches poll



ZACH TAYLOR
5' 8"/160 SENIOR
MONROE, LOUISIANA
ST. FREDERICK (VENTURA JC)



NEW ORLEANS -- Xavier University of Louisiana is beginning the 2012 men's tennis season the way it finished 2011: among the top 10 NAIA teams in the country.

The Gold Rush are ninth in the preseason coaches poll announced Tuesday. The XU men were eighth -- their highest ranking ever -- in the final poll a year ago and reached the second round of the NAIA National Championship for the third consecutive season.

Beginning with the poll of April 4, 2007, Xavier has been in every men's top 25.

This is the first Xavier team to earn a preseason top-10 ranking since the women's basketball team was seventh to start 1997-98.

In the women's tennis preseason poll, Xavier collected one point did not make the top 25. The Gold Nuggets had appeared in 44 consecutive top 25s before that streak ended in 2011.

Both Xavier teams, losers to Tulane in their openers during the weekend, will play the University of New Orleans at 4 p.m. Friday at City Park/Pepsi Tennis Center. The duals were pushed back from Wednesday by mutual agreement of coaches Alan Green of Xavier and Burzis Kanga of UNO.

By Ed Cassiere, Sports Information Director
VISIT: XULAATHLETICS
VISIT: XAVIER UNIVERSITY OF LOUISIANA

Scores That Matters!!

January 30, 2012

WOMEN'S BASKETBALL



MEAC
Hampton 74, Morgan State 60
Coppin State 61, Norfolk State 58
Maryland Eastern Shore 54, North Carolina Central 46
Howard 69, South Carolina State 46
North Carolina A&T 57, Delaware State 49

OVC
Tennessee-Martin 105, Tennessee State 90

GCAC
Southern-New Orleans 64, Dillard 62 (1/31/12)
Talladega 75, Edward Waters 62
Tougaloo 65, Philander Smith 46
William Carey 62, Xavier 59
Fisk vs. Selma

SWAC
Jackson State 59, Arkansas Pine Bluff 51
Mississippi Valley State 63, Grambling State 55
Alabama State 68, Texas Southern 47
Alabama A&M 55, Prairie View A&M 53

SIAC
Stillman 85, Benedict 78 (O.T.)
Tuskegee 61, Paine 49

CIAA
Johnson C. Smith 70, Winston Salem State 61
Shaw 79, Fayetteville State 51
St. Augustine's 86, Livingstone 76
Virginia State 75, Bowie State 58
Virginia Union 45, Lincoln Pa. 41

OTHER
Paul Quinn TX 85, Southwest New Mexico 79
Martin Methodist TN 83, Allen SC 59
Point Park Pa. 83, Wilberforce OH 58
Missouri Valley

1/30/12
Langston OK 88, St. Thomas TX 43
Wiley TX 61, Texas Wesleyan 58
SAGU TX 58, Huston-Tillotson TX 52
Jarvis Christian TX 69, Bacone OK 56



MEN'S BASKETBALL

MEAC
Delaware State 56, North Carolina A&T 41
Howard 82, South Carolina State 76
Coppin State 87, Norfolk State 82
Hampton 68, Morgan State 63
North Carolina Central 77, Maryland Eastern Shore 46

OVC
Tennessee State 77, Austin Peay 57

GCAC
Talladega 70, Edward Waters 62
Tougaloo 88, Philander Smith 59
Xavier 63, William Carey 47

SIAC
Tuskegee 79, Paine 74
Stillman 76, Benedict 73

CIAA
Bowie State 58, Virginia State 48
Lincoln Pa. 86, Virginia Union 81 (O.T.)
Shaw 92, Fayetteville State 84 (2 O.T.)
Johnson C. Smith 76, Winston Salem State 70
Livingstone 64, St. Augustine's 61

OTHER (1/31/12)
Mountain State 85, Voorhees SC 81
Point Park Pa. 88, Wilberforce OH 71
Missouri Valley 61, Harris-Stowe State Mo. 54

1/30/12
St. Thomas TX 51, Langston OK 47
Texas Wesleyan 103, Wiley TX 95
Morris SC 92, Coker 87
Jarvis Christian TX 109, Bacone OK 73
Martin Methodist TN 65, Oakwood College 60

BASEBALL 1/31/12
St. Thomas FL 10, Florida Memorial 5
Belhaven MS 11, Tougaloo 1

1/30/12
Huston-Tillotson TX 8, Northwestern Oklahoma St. 6
Northwestern Oklahoma State 7, Huston-Tillotson TX 5
Shorter Ga. 12, Edward Waters 3

AAMU Bulldogs rally from 20 points down to beat PV Panthers

HUNTSVILLE, Alabama - Alabama A&M had struggled closing out games heading into Monday night's Southwestern Athletic Conference contest against Prairie View. In five of their SWAC losses, the Bulldogs were in position to win all of them. Instead, they lost all of them.

A&M suffered a pair of three-point losses, a five-point loss, a six-point loss and fell by 12 Saturday night against Texas Southern in a game it trailed by five points with just less than seven minutes to play. Things changed Monday night.

The Bulldogs, down by as many as 20 points with four minutes into the second half, battled back and then dominated the second half en route to a 64-52 victory over the Panthers before an announced crowd of 1,252 at Elmore Gym.

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This one may live as a milestone victory for A&M's Willie Hayes

HUNTSVILLE, Alabama -- There's not all that much to sift through for comparison. Not for a new head coach, especially having played a schedule where it wasn't a matter of whether the team might lose, but simply by how much.

This was Willie Hayes' fifth win as Alabama A&M's head basketball coach. It was his 18th game. None has been sweeter. None may be more important.
None was more astounding.

"So far, it would be (the most gratifying)," Hayes said late Monday night after the Bulldogs' 64-54 win over Prairie View, a victory that left him fielding handshakes and hugs all the way to the locker room.

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Hampton Lady Pirates bounce Morgan State, 74-60

HAMPTON, Virginia — His team bounced back from its first Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference defeat in 20 games with a win against Morgan State on Monday night, but Hampton women's basketball coach David Six wasn't exactly what you'd call happy.

"We're not going to win a championship like that. I can tell you that," Six said. "We've got to commit to the defensive end of the floor."

Morgan State shot 24-of-60 from the floor (40 percent) and 8-of-22 from 3-point range – a percentage of 36.4 that is 16 points higher than the season average of HU opponents. The Lady Bears also edged the Lady Pirates 24-23 in defensive rebounds.

The Lady Pirates (16-4, 8-1 MEAC) came into Monday's game ranked fifth in the nation in scoring defense, giving up 49.8 points per game, and had held 14 opponents to less than 60 points and 10 to less than 50.

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Shaw beats Fayetteville, takes 10th straight victory

RALEIGH, North Carolina -- Aslea Williams led four players in double figures with 21 points as Shaw downed Fayetteville State 79-51 on Monday night at C.C. Spaulding Gymnasium for its 10th straight victory.

Kyria Buford added 15 points and nine rebounds and Sequoyah Griffin had 14 points and Brittany Ransom 11 for the Bears (14-5, 9-0), who remain unbeaten in CIAA play.

The Broncos (7-10, 2-7) played well early, and were effective defensively, holding Shaw to just 36 percent shooting from the floor in the first half.

But Buford hit 3-pointers on three straight possessions, spurring a 13-0 run to give Shaw a 36-16 lead with 4 minutes, 7 seconds to go in the half.

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Mooney leads Lincoln to tough OT win

LINCOLN UNIVERSITY, Pennsylvania  -  The Lincoln University men’s basketball team recovered from its heartbreaking loss just two days ago and gave Virginia Union its first CIAA Northern Division loss as the Lions knocked off the Panthers, 86-81, in overtime on Monday night at Manuel Rivero Hall.

“I am happy to get the win,” Lincoln head coach John Hill said. “We are a fragile team and to go into overtime for the second night in a row, I just didn’t know if we were going to be able to bounce back. I’m glad the basketball gods really shined on us and allowed us to make a few plays and we were able to win tonight.”

Denzel Mooney did most of his damage at the free-throw line as he poured in a season-high 28 points, 16 of them coming at the charity stripe, to lead Lincoln (9-12 overall, 4-6 CIAA). Kenny Sharpe added 20 points, eight rebounds and four assists, while Derrick Washington chipped in with 13 points as the Lions shot 48 percent from the floor.

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"Little Stevie" Joyner making his mark at WSSU

CHARLOTTE, North Carolina  –  One of the advantages of getting to Brayboy Gym early on Monday night was a chance to talk with Steve Joyner Sr. and his son Steve Jr., who were getting ready for their respective games.

Joyner Sr., a near-legendary figure and coach of the Johnson C. Smith men, is one of my favorites around the CIAA. He’s a Winston-Salem native and former star of the old Atkins High School who grew up just down the street from where Big House Gaines and his wife, Clara, lived.



And Steve Jr., who is the women’s coach at Winston-Salem State, is fast becoming a rising star in the coaching world around the CIAA. Steve Jr., in just a year and half on the job at WSSU, has turned the Rams into a real contender for the CIAA title in March.

The Rams women wound up ...

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TSU to Visit Miami (Ohio) in BracketBusters

NASHVILLE, Tennessee  -  Tennessee State University will face Miami University (Ohio) in the 10th annual ESPN Sears BracketBusters. The game is scheduled for a 2 p.m. (CT)/3 p.m. (ET) tip-off on Sunday, Feb. 19 at Millett Hall in Miami.

The RedHawks are 5-14 with a 1-6 record in the Mid-American Conference. Earlier this season, Miami knocked off Belmont, 66-61, and dropped a close 69-62 contest at Vanderbilt on Jan. 2.

In conference play, the RedHawks' only win is a 52-51 victory over the University of Buffalo. Miami has dropped four consecutive games.

Tennessee State is 13-10, 6-4 in Ohio Valley Conference play this season. As of Monday, Jan. 30, the Tigers boast an RPI of 209, while the RedHawks have a 257 ratings percentage index.

For the seventh-consecutive year, every Ohio Valley Conference school will be participating in the event. Austin Peay, Eastern Illinois, Eastern Kentucky, Jacksonville State, Murray State and SIUE will serve as host institutions while Morehead State, Southeast Missouri State, Tennessee State, Tennessee Tech and UT Martin will play road contests.

The NCAA hopefuls will be selected from a pool of 142 teams from 16 conferences, the largest SearsBracketBusters pool in the event's history, which includes two teams that reached the 2011 Final Four in Houston.

Sears BracketBusters is part of ESPN's college basketball franchise programming, along with Rivalry Week, Feast Week presented by Lowe's, Holiday Hoops Presented by Kay Jewelers, Judgment Week and Championship Week Presented by Dick's Sporting Goods.

Teams participating this season in Sears BracketBusters have produced 87 appearances in the last six NCAA Championships.

Courtesy: Tennessee State University Sports Information

XU Gold Rush get defensive with William Carey again

NEW ORLEANS — Chris Iles scored nine of his 11 points in the second half Monday to help NAIA No. 25 Xavier University of Louisiana earn a 63-47 men's basketball victory against William Carey.

The Gold Rush (16-6) won for the ninth time in 11 games and the sixth consecutive time at The Barn. The Crusaders (9-13) lost for the seventh time in nine games.

Iles, who had six assists and made all three of his 3-point attempts, was the only Xavier player to reach double figures. But 10 of Iles' 12 teammates scored, including walk-on freshman Gil Mathieu with season highs of eight points and three steals. Cordell Hadnot and Nick Haywood scored seven points apiece.

Roderick Little scored 13 points and Donzedrick Smith 10 for William Carey.

Xavier led 27-15 at halftime after limiting the Crusaders to 2-for-14 from the floor. Xavier held a double-digit lead for the final 19:02 and had its biggest advantage, 57-36, after Haywood made two free throws with 5:16 remaining.

The Gold Rush outshot William Carey 37 to 28.2 percent from the floor. It was the second time this season the Gold Rush limited the Crusaders to less than 30 percent. The XU defense allowed less than 50 points for the second straight game and the fifth time this season. Xavier made 8-of-14 3-pointers for a season-best 57.1 percent.

William Carey has lost seven straight on opponents' courts.

Xavier will play the University of New Orleans at 7 p.m. Wednesday at The Barn. It will be the final Gold Rush non-conference game of the regular season.

Box Score

By Ed Cassiere, Sports Information Director

VISIT: XULAATHLETICS

VISIT: XAVIER UNIVERSITY OF LOUISIANA

Carey wins 62-59 in another Monday malaise for Xavier

HATTIESBURG, Mississippi -- Monday road games continue to be a losing proposition for the Xavier University of Louisiana women's basketball team this season.

The Gold Nuggets are 0-3 in those scenarios after their 62-59 defeat at William Carey.

Reserves Erica Moore and Ciera Sibley scored 14 points apiece for the Lady Crusaders (9-10). They gained a split of their two-game season series with the Gold Nuggets (17-7), who are ranked 17th in NAIA Division I.

William Carey outdueled Xavier at the free-throw line, making 5-of-6 in the final 54 seconds. The Gold Nuggets made 2-of-7 free throws in the final two minutes after making 17 of their first 21.

Keldra Hall scored 12 points for Xavier, and Jasmine Grant and SiMon Franklin had 11 apiece. Grant, whose 3-pointer with nine seconds remaining gave the Nuggets a one-point victory at Shorter on Jan. 4, missed with one second remaining on a 3-pointer which could've forced overtime.

Xavier missed another late chance to tie when Jazmoné Kelly scored a basket and was fouled with 20 seconds remaining, cutting Carey's lead to 60-59. Kelly missed the free throw and Franklin grabbed the rebound -- but Kendria Young stole the ball from Brandi Young with six seconds remaining. Grant then fouled Young, who made 2-of-2 free throws with three seconds to play.

Franklin's 3-point play with 5:17 remaining gave Xavier its final lead, 52-50. The Lady Crusaders scored seven of the next eight points but did not take the lead for good until TeAnna Carter made the first of two free throws for a 58-57 advantage with 54 seconds remaining.

Xavier, which led 32-29 at halftime, shot 38 percent from the floor. William Carey shot 47.2 percent. The Lady Crusaders made 25-of-37 free throws, and Xavier made 19-of-28. Xavier, led by Kelly's eight rebounds, had a 34-30 advantage on the boards.

The Nuggets' next game will start at 5:30 p.m. next Monday at Gulf Coast Athletic Conference opponent SUNO. Xavier is 7-1 in the GCAC and leads the conference by a half-game over SUNO.

Box score 

By Ed Cassiere, Sports Information Director

VISIT: XULAATHLETICS

VISIT: XAVIER UNIVERSITY OF LOUISIANA

Howard Dominates SCSU in a 23 point Victory

ORANGEBURG, South Carolina  --  Four players finished in double figures to lead the Howard Women’s basketball team (15-7 overall, 7-2 MEAC) to a 23 point victory (69-46) over the South Carolina State on Jan 30.

With the absence of Tamoria Holmes, HU was led by the leadership of Cheyenne Curley-Payne who finished with a game-high 20 points, shooting 7-9 from the field, while dishing out seven assists and collecting three swipes. Saadia Doyle dominated in the paint, recording her 10th double-double of the season with 19 points and 11 rebounds. Kara Smith tallied a season high 14 points, shooting 6-7 from the field, and pulled down four off the glass. Zykia Brown chipped in with 10 points while Nicole Deterville pitched in with eight boards.

SCSU opened up the first half with a bucket inside the lane by Tracey Flowers. HU responded with a tip-in by Curley-Payne to tie the score at 2-2 at the 18:31 mark.

From there, Howard went on an 8-0 run to capture its first lead of the match (10-2) by the 15:26 mark. The Bulldogs ended the run with a jumper by Cabriel Duren, however.

SCSU climbed its way back into the match to knot the score at 13-13 at 10:04.

Intensity began to pick up as both teams went toe-to-toe to try and capture the lead. HU held on until the Bulldogs took their second lead of the half with a trey from downtown at the 1:33 mark to make it 26-25.
HU’s Smith quickly responded with a layup to put the Bulldog’s on their heels going into halftime break. The Bison ran into the locker room with a one-point lead over SCSU, 27-26.

To jump into the last 20 minutes of the ball game, Doyle hit a jumper from inside the paint to spread HU’s lead to 29-26. The Bulldogs held on and scored a basket to put them down by one, 29-28.

By the 17:51 mark, the score was tied at 31-31.

From there, HU went on a 21-0 spurt over a 7:48 stretch to break the game open at 52-31. Curley-Payne accounted for 12 of the points during the run and assisted on two baskets.

SCSU ended the run with a three-pointer by Lauren Johnson with 9:51 left in the game.

The Bulldogs tried to decrease the margin, but could not manage to recover from the deficit. There was no coming back for SCSU, as Howard ran away with their second consecutive win on the road.

HU outscored the Bulldogs 42-20 in the second half.

The Bulldogs were led by Tracey Flowers who tallied 11 points and six rebounds in 34 minutes of action. Tiara Knotts contributed nine points.

Howard will travel to Maryland Eastern-Shore in Princess Anne, Md. on Feb 4. The game is slated for 6 p.m.

Follow Coach G's fan page on facebook to get a behind the scenes look at the team as they make their push toward the Big Dance. http://www.facebook.com/NikiGeckeler.

Box Score

Written by Julee O'Neal, W. Basketball, Broadcast Journalism '13

Jamilah Corbitt, Asst. Director of Sports Information
VISIT: HOWARD-BISON
VISIT: HOWARD UNIVERSITY

Norfolk State Spartans' slow start leads to first MEAC loss

NORFOLK, Virginia - This is Norfolk State's finest Division I season. It was not its finest first half. A dismal opening 20 minutes for Norfolk State sentenced the Spartans to their first MEAC loss of the season, an 87-82 defeat to visiting Coppin State (11-11, 6-3) that kept NSU (16-7, 8-1) from breaking its school-record for Division I wins in a season.

Even so, Norfolk State remained in first place in the MEAC by 1-1/2 games over Bethune-Cookman and Savannah State, and it has eight more chances to set a school record.

Red hot Spartans conference streak ends: wavy.com

"It doesn't take away any of our wins, it doesn't take away our lead," senior center Kyle O'Quinn said. "Almost no one makes it through undefeated. You build a lead in case this happens. This is why you play so hard early."

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Wakulla's Godbolt elated to be joining Taylor, FAMU; Rattlers expect to sign CHAMPIONSHIP class

TALLAHASSEE, Florida  -  Marshane Godbolt knew for several weeks that he would commit to playing the next level in his college football career at Florida A&M. But Godbolt said his face-to-face meeting with Rattlers coach Joe Taylor sealed the deal during a weekend visit.  Godbolt said he saw all he wanted to see in the coach's eyes when they talked.

"I felt like it was going to happen because we were looking at each other the whole time," Godbolt said Sunday afternoon. "I knew then he was dead serious about wanting me to come. "When I got there, some of the players and coaches sat down and we talked. I felt like I was home. They showed us a lot of love over there."

Godbolt said he also had offers from Tennessee State as well as South Carolina State and Bethune-Cookman. He settled on FAMU because ...

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CB/RB/WR Marshane Godbolt

FAMU RATTLERS EXPECTING A CHAMPIONSHIP SIGNING CLASS

Fans... here is what we have been able to confirm so far regarding the 2012 verbal commitments expected to sign with the Florida A&M Rattlers on National Signing Day -- February 1. The Division I FCS Rattlers have ten (10) talented Sunshine State players that have made non-binding verbal commitments to come to the Hill and be a part of an expectant championship program.

Coach Taylor and staff are awaiting decisions on the 41 offers issued to high school football players during the recruiting season. Five Florida players in this pool have given non-binding verbal commitments to Division I FBS programs like North Texas, Kent State, Kentucky, Buffalo, and Utah State.  If you didn't know it, Florida is feeding the nation in football talent -- not just the state's big 7 -- FSU, UF, Miami, USF, UCF, FIU and FAU.   It appears the Rattlers are winning the battle with outsiders like Tennessee State, South Carolina State, North Carolina Central, and Hampton that like to recruit Florida talent (speed) over the local talent in their back yards.

Only one player from out-of-state was offered by FAMU -- Chris Jones, a 5'-11" 200 pound running back from Laural High School, Laurel, Delaware.

The talented 10 that have confirmed their commitments to the Rattlers and are expected to sign with FAMU are:

1. Marshane Godbolt Jr., CB, Wakulla H.S., Crawfordville, FL 5'10" 175 (see video above). (Click on each player's name for related Article/Story).

2. Timmy Caffey, QB, Port St. Lucie West Centennial H.S., Port St. Lucie, FL, 6'3" 210, 4.7 40.



3. Neal Cunningham, WR, Pompano Beach H.S., Pompano Beach, FL, 6'1" 186, Rivals 2 Stars.



4. Lakeif Daniels, WR, Largo H.S., Largo, FL, 6'1" 172, Rival 2 Stars.  Daniels catches the ball very well and has pretty good footwork. He gets in and out of breaks very well and has good size.

5. Ignacio Escandon, OL, Hialeah H.S., Hialeah, FL, 6'5" 260, Rivals 2 Stars.



6. Zerrie Patterson, OL, Fort Pierce Central H.S., Fort Pierce, FL,
6'3" 320.



7. Ivan Rios Jr., OL, Orlando East River H.S., Orlando, FL, 6'5" 280, Rivals 2 Stars.



8. David White, DE, Tampa Jefferson H.S., Tampa, FL, 6'3" 210.

9. Lee Williams, WR, Tallahassee Maclay, Tallahassee, FL, 5'7" 160.



10. Zi’Aire ‘Zay’ Williams, LB, Apopka Wekiva H.S., Apopka, FL, 6'1" 225.

Here is a link (below) to the listing of the other 41 players that were offered by FAMU. Don't expect all to come aboard on National Signing Day, but these are the players on the Rattlers radar. You can find out your MEAC or SWAC program targeted players, by plugging in the name of your school on this linked site:

2012 Florida A&M Football Offers & Commitments

The Rattlers coach Joe Taylor has become the hardest working man in Florida, as he has the state covered from Homestead to Panama City. Go Rattlers!

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XU coach pleasantly surprised despite loss to Tulane

NEW ORLEANS — Not all 7-0 losses are created the same.

That's why Xavier University of Louisiana women's tennis coach Alan Green wasn't feeling badly Sunday about his team's season-opening loss at Tulane.

A year ago the Gold Nuggets opened their spring semester with the same opponent, won just one game in singles and lost by the same team score. But this time XU's singles players won 23 games. And at the No. 1 flight Kourtney Howell split sets with Emma Levy before dropping the super-tiebreaker in a 6-2, 2-6, 1-0 (10-4) decision.

"I didn't have any expectations for this match," Green said. "I just wanted to see where we were in this match compared to our last match last season. I was pleasantly surprised by the way we played. We put up a lot more numbers on the scoreboard than we did against Tulane a year ago. We have a lot to look forward to."

Looking forward is understandable for the Nuggets, who were 4-18 a year ago and played the entire regular season with five players. They saw their top-25 poll streak end at 44 weeks, lost in the semifinals of their NAIA unaffiliated group tournament and failed to qualify for the NAIA National Championship for just the second time in seven seasons.

Howell, a sophomore who was ineligible a year ago after transferring from Navy, made her Xavier debut Sunday. So did freshmen Amanda Materre, a 6-4, 6-4 loser to Hila Elster at No. 3 singles, and Jordyn Goody, a 6-0, 6-1 loser to Jessica Lange at No. 5.

Xavier did not win a game in any of its three doubles matches against the NCAA Division I Green Wave (2-0).

"Tulane has a good and very deep team," Green said.

Green announced that his teams' next dual matches have been pushed back two days by mutual agreement. So the XU women and men will play the University of New Orleans at 4 p.m. Friday at City Park/Pepsi Tennis Center.

Xavier - Tulane Box Score

By Ed Cassiere, Sports Information Director

VISIT: XULAATHLETICS
VISIT: XAVIER UNIVERSITY OF LOUISIANA

Successful Day at TSU Invite

NASHVILLE, Tennessee  -  The Tennessee State men's and women's track and field teams completed a successful day on Sunday at the TSU Invite. The Tigerbelles claimed ten first place finishes of the 16 events and had 25 individuals medal. The Flying Tigers had 23 individuals stand on the podium, including six on the top step.

Ashontae Jackson led the way with four victories. The redshirt-freshman opened the day jumping 5.53 meters in the long jump. The Tigerbelles would go 1-2-3 in the event as Felicia Oladakun finished second with a leap of 5.14 meters and Daniecce Ward claimed third at 5.11 meters.

Jackson then hit the track and claimed back-to-back season best wins in the 50 meter dash (7.15) and the 200 meter (24.87). The Gordonsville, Va. native closed out the day by running the anchor leg for the Tigerbelles winning 4x400 meter relay team. Jackson was teamed with Gabrielle Todd, Kya Riley, and Breanna Adams in the final event of the day.

Todd claimed the title in the 400 meter with a winning time of 56.89. Oladakun would finish third in the same event at 59.53, marking the first time the freshman would break the one-minute mark in the event.



In the jumps, Ward captured titles in the high jump with a leap of 1.63 meters and in the triple jump with a mark of 11.32 meters. Oladakun finished second in the triple jump after reaching 11.07 meters..The freshman would then team with Diera Taylor, Brielle Moore and Charita Harris for a third place finish in the 4x400 meter relay.

Moore posted an individual best 8.52 as she won the 55 meter hurdles. LaTia Carney followewd with a second place finish in the same event with a career best 8.56.

Taylor would again reach the podium with a third place in the 200 with a time of 25.93. Adams received her second medal finishing second in the 800 with a career best 2:16.99.

In the 5000 meter run, sophomore Tiffany Harris finished first in a time of 22:27.46.

Brittani Logan finished on top of the weight throw with a toss of 14.54 meters.

The Flying Tigers finished 1-2-3 in the 400 led by Michael Johnson who crossed the line at 50.33. Freshmen Tamorron Key (51.61) and Osafa Hippolyte (52.39) completed the trio as both finished with career best times.

TSU also went 1-2 in the 800 meter as Jamill Jackson won in a time of 1:54.73, while Jonathan Owens was second crossing at 1:57.24. Owens added a second place finish in the mile to his accomplishments on the day. The junior finished recorded a personal best 4:38.58.



Jackson teamed with Jahleel Michael, Lamonte Burton and LeQuinn Davis to win the 4x400 in a time of 3:20.48. The Flying Tigers also claimed third in the relay with the team of Avian Hughes, Royce Dates, Arthur Combest and Adrien Hill who crossed at 3:26.82.

Hughes jumped 6.37 meters in the long jump, finishing second, while Combest claimed third place in the 55 meter hurdles in a time of 7.68.

In the sprints, Davis finished second in the 55 meter dash in 6.48. Burton earned the same position in the 200 with a time of 22.37. Both were career best times.

Freshman Sean Jenkins cleared the bar at 1.93 meters for a career best in the high jump.

Redshirt freshman Adrian McDaniel claimed the title in the 5000 meter run with a time of 19:02.64.

Alex Griffin grabbed two second place finishes in the throws. The freshman reached 12.92 in the shot put and bested his previous toss in the weight throw by over 1.4 meters, as he checked in at 11.46.

Both teams will be back in action on Saturday, February 11, as they travel to Murfreesboro, Tenn. to take place in the MTSU Valentine Invitational.

TSU INVITE RESULTS

Courtesy: Tennessee State University Sports Information
VISIT: TSUTIGERS
VISIT: TENNESSEE STATE UNIVERSITY
VISIT: OVCSports 

2012 Honda Battle of the Bands

Henderson Guides FSU Lady Broncos To Historic 600th Win

FAYETTEVILLE, North Carolina  -  There was little fanfare. While they briefly stopped play to acknowledge the achievement with a team picture and some words of congratulations, the moment soon passed as the games resumed.  To the relief of head coach and program architect Bobby Henderson, the Fayetteville State Lady Broncos recorded their 600th victory on Sunday. Then they went out and did what they always do.

Win some more.

Fayetteville State (25-1), the defending CIAA Bowling Champion and the first CIAA program to reach 600 wins, finished the three-day Southern Division meet in much the same way it has done in so many other divisional competitions. Clear and utter domination.

The Lady Broncos, who have won 10 CIAA division titles in 11 years and two league championships in the last four seasons, completed the meet at their home B&B Bowling Lanes with a perfect 15-0 mark. Needing 12 wins coming into the weekend to hit 600, Fayetteville State reached that lofty perch with a dominant win over Johnson C. Smith during Sunday's second Baker match.

"I can rest now," said a breathless Henderson, who built the program from scratch in 2001. "I can sleep now, because I didn't sleep at all last night."

After that, it was on to wins 601, 602 and 603.

Not that there wasn't some minor trepidation. The Lady Broncos, who romped through play with a 10-0 mark the first two days, only managed to slip past Winston-Salem State in the first Baker match on Sunday, clipping the Lady Rams by a mere eight pins.

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Watch live streaming video from fsubroncos at livestream.com

Fayetteville State Broncos bowling coach builds titles, legacy

FAYETTEVILLE, North Carolina – Bobby Henderson came to Fayetteville State nearly 40 years ago with dreams of making his name as a basketball player. If he ever leaves FSU, he’ll go out as a bowling legend.

Ranked as the No. 1 youth bowler growing up and the son of a professional bowler who is in the North Carolina Bowling Hall of Fame, it should’ve seemed logical all along Henderson would leave his mark on one hardwood rather than the other.

But Henderson didn’t see it that way. “I gave bowling up to be a basketball player,” Henderson said. “I wanted to be a basketball player. There was no money in bowling.” Maybe not. But there was something more.

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St. Aug's ends WSSU's win streak

RALEIGH, North Carolina -- The sense of urgency that Winston-Salem State had during its eight-game winning streak was missing Saturday against St. Augustine's. Playing in Emery Gym, which seats about 750 but held about 800, the Falcons took it right to the Rams, winning the CIAA game 61-55 and stopping the streak.

"A lot of things didn't go right," said point guard Marcus Wells, one of the many Rams who struggled. "I feel like we took a break. The same thing happened when we were on the floor; we took a break for some reason. We kind of got all caught up in our record and waiting for the second half to pull it out, but now it's about bouncing back."

The Rams (15-3, 1-1 Southern Division) had a season-high 24 turnovers, shot 32 percent and had little offensive flow against the Falcons (11-7, 1-1) and their zone defense.



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Mississippi Valley moves to 8-0 for first time in SWAC play

ITTA BENA, Mississippi — Eight and oh-my. Mississippi Valley State reached a SWAC milestone Saturday, but point guard Kevin Burwell refuses to talk about it and forward Cor-J Cox briefly mentions it.

And to their coach, Sean Woods, this is no big deal. "What we're doing," he said, "is not a surprise." The Delta Devils - focused as ever - beat Jackson State 60-54 to reach a historic mark and set off a wild celebration in their tiny gymnasium.

Valley (9-11) is 8-0 in the Southwestern Athletic Conference for the first time in school history, claiming that feat while snapping a four-game losing streak to the rival JSU Tigers (5-15, 3-5 SWAC).

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Xavier men shut down Dillard, 64-37

WANTO JOSEPH #3
5' - 9" GUARD, JUNIOR
HOMETOWN: NEW ORLEANS
PERRY O. WALKER HIGH SCHOOL

NEW ORLEANS -- Wanto Joseph scored 11 points Saturday to lead Xavier University of Louisiana in a stifling 64-37 Gulf Coast Athletic Conference men's basketball victory against Dillard in the Crosstown Classic.

A capacity crowd of 1,300 at The Barn saw the Gold Rush (15-6 overall, 6-2 GCAC) allow its fewest points to the Bleu Devils (1-19, 1-6) since the first meeting of series in the 1947-48 season -- a 66-35 XU victory. Xavier leads the series 75-47.

Xavier also scored the largest winning margin in the series since its 102-72 decision in 1971-72.

Joseph, a junior guard, did not start but was 5-of-9 from the floor in 19 minutes. Another reserve junior guard, Nick Haywood, scored 10 points and ended his shooting slump by making 3-of-4 3-pointers. Haywood was 0-of-9 from long range the previous seven games.

Lorenzo Mitchell scored 10 points for Dillard.

Denzell Erves, Kevin Miller and Cordell Hadnot scored all the points for Xavier in a 12-0 run in the first eight minutes. Dillard did not score until Terry Church made the second of two free throws at 11:57. The Gold Rush led 32-15 at halftime and by at least 20 points for the final 11:52.

Xavier shot a season-best 58.1 percent from the floor -- 7-of-10 on 3-pointers -- and limited Dillard to 25 percent. The Gold Rush, led by Anthony Simmons' nine rebounds, had a 33-28 advantage on the boards. Xavier blocked a season-best seven shots, with Erves and Miller swatting two apiece.

Xavier has beaten Dillard five straight times and in 12 of the past 13 meetings. They'll meet again Feb. 25 at Dillard.

By Ed Cassiere, Sports Information Director
VISIT: XULAATHLETICS
VISIT: XAVIER UNIVERSITY OF LOUISIANA

TSU Outlasts EKU in 91-85 Double OT Thriller

NASHVILLE, TENNESSEE - Fans enjoyed a thrilling contest on Saturday evening, which saw 19 lead changes, as Tennessee State battled and captured a 91-85 double-overtime victory over Eastern Kentucky Saturday evening at the Gentry Center.

TSU (13-10, 6-4 Ohio Valley) trailed by as many as 12 points in the second half before making a late surge. Eastern Kentucky (12-11, 5-5 OVC) built a five point lead in regulation with 2:44 left, but the Tigers never stopped. TSU used a Kenny Moore three pointer and a Jordan Cyphers layup to tie the game at 67.

From there, EKU's Mike DiNunno inked one of his seven three-pointers to regain the lead. TSU fought back with three free throws to tie the game, 70-70. TSU led on three occasions in the first OT period, but EKU knotted it up with free throws.

In the second overtime, the Tigers used a layup from M.J. Rhett and two free throws from Patrick Miller to take the go-ahead lead. Saturday's win gave TSU a 19-3 mark at home during the past two seasons and extended the home winning streak to seven games over OVC opponents.

Five Tigers reached double-figures as TSU shot 48 percent (31-of-64) for the game. The Tigers out-rebounded EKU 37-to-34 and dished out 18 assists, while recording 11 steals.


Tennessee State head coach John Cooper's post-game comments after a 91-85 double-overtime victory over Eastern Kentucky on Saturday, Jan. 28.

Robert Covington notched a team-best 22 points and eight points. The Bellwood, Ill., product dished out two assists, swatted away two shots and stole two passes in 40 minutes played.

Moore had 15 points, two assists and a career-high five steals against EKU. Kellen Thornton added 14 points, knocking down 6-of-7 from the field.

Rhett managed a season-best 11 points and five rebounds with an assist and a block. Also making 11 was sophomore Patrick Miller. The Chicago native tied a career-high with eight rebounds, making four assists and totaling three steals.

Wil Peters added nine points and five assists, while Cyphers scored seven in 20 minutes. EKU's DiNunno and Jaron Jones finished with 33 and 30 points, respectively.

The Tigers trailed by six, 38-32, to EKU in the first half. The Colonels shot 60 percent (15-of-25) from the field. TSU was held to 44 percent, knocking down 12 out of 27 shots. Thornton led the Tigers with 10 points and three rebounds.


Kenny Moore and Robert Covington talked about TSU's thrilling 91-85 double-overtime win over Eastern Kentucky on Saturday, Jan. 28, 2012.

Tennessee State and Eastern Kentucky battled back and forth with both teams trading baskets in the first 10 minutes. EKU used a triple and layup by Jones to take a 21-17 lead with 8:35 on the clock.

TSU reset the game at 24-24, but the Colonels again used a triple and a basket to stretch the advantage at five.

To close the half, Eastern Kentucky used a 14-to-8 run, taking a 38-32 lead in the locker room.

Keeping the iron hot, EKU extended their lead to 12 until TSU roared in a comeback to take a 54-48 advantage. EKU went back up and took a five point lead with less than three minutes remaining.

However, TSU used momentum to tie the game, 70-70, at the end of regulation. The Tigers battled with EKU in the first overtime, taking the lead three times. However, EKU managed to tie the game with a pair of free throws forcing a second frame.

In the final stanza, the Tigers used a six point run to close the game and pick up their third consecutive win.

On Monday, TSU welcomes rival Austin Peay for a 7 p.m. tip. The first 500 fans in attendance will receive a rally towel courtesy of Pepsi.

Box Score

Courtesy: Tennessee State University Sports Information

HU Bison Roll Over SSU Tigers with 13-point Victory

 SAADIA DOYLE RECORDS NINTH DOUBLE-DOUBLE OF SEASON
WITH GAME HIGH 22 POINTS, 10 REBOUNDS

SAVANNAH, Georgia -- Saadia Doyle and Tamoria Holmes finished with a combined total of 35 points to lead the Howard Women’s basketball team (14-7 overall, 6-2 in MEAC) to a 64-51 win over the Savannah State (8-12, 2-6) in Tiger Arena on Jan. 28.

Doyle recorded her ninth double-double of the season with a game-high 22 points and 10 boards. Holmes tallied 13 points in 40 minutes of action. Nicole Deterville ended the match with a career-high 13 rebounds and tied Zykia Brown with eight points.

“I’m pleased with the overall interior play,” said head coach Niki Geckeler. “Saadia and the Deterville twins had a combined 32 points and 26 rebounds. Anytime we can get a 13-point win on the road, I’m happy.”

“Howard is a very well coached team,” says Savannah State’s head coach Cedric Baker. “They are very disciplined in what they want to do on defense. We had problems with their length and athleticism.”

To start the first 20-minute segment, Ezinne Kalu scored the first basket to put Savannah St. ahead 2-0. Doyle responded with a bucket of her own to knot the score 2-2 at the 17:42 mark. A Kara Smith layup ignited an 8-0 run for HU to take the lead, 13-4, by the 12:55 mark. SSU answered with six straight points to decrease the margin to 13-10. Holmes ended the run with a traditional three-point play at the 10:39 mark.

The Tiger’s Smiljana Cuk, quickly scored a bucket to place the score at 16-12 with 10:23 left in the first half.

HU outscored SSU 19-13 for a 10 point lead heading into the lockerroom (35-25).

To open up the second period, Savannah’s Jasmine Kirkland hit a jumper in the paint to decrease the lead to 35-27 in the opening minute.

With the Tigers trailing 40-27 at the 17:31 mark, they picked up their intensity and outscored the Bison 14-10 over the proceeding seven-plus minutes for a 50-41 spread. With nine minutes left in the ball game, the Tigers made a layup decreasing the margin to just six points, 50-44. Howard held its composure and pulled away with the double-digit victory, however.

Kirkland paced the Tigers with 15 points in 32 minutes of action. Kalu chipped in with 11 points in 37 minutes.

HU will travel to Orangeburg, South Carolina to face South Carolina St. on Jan. 30 for its second-straight MEAC win. Tip-off is set for 5:30pm.

Follow Coach G's fan page on facebook to get a behind the scenes look at the team as they make their push toward the Big Dance. www.facebook.com/NikiGeckeler

Box Score
Written by Julee O'Neal, W. Basketball, Broadcast Journalism '13

Jamilah Corbett, Assistant Sports Information Director
VISIT: HOWARD-BISON

VISIT: HOWARD UNIVERSITY

2012 Honda BOTB

ATLANTA, Georgia - The 10th annual Honda Battle of the Bands attracted thousands to the Georgia Dome on Saturday to see precision marching and dance moves from eight colleges.  The high-stepping began with a sobering moment of silence for a Florida A&M University marching band member who died Nov. 19 after a brutal hazing incident.

A Florida medical examiner said drum major Robert Champion, a Southwest DeKalb High School graduate, was so severely beaten during a FAMU Marching 100 band trip to Orlando that he died within an hour of being attacked. The Lithonia 26-year-old's death was declared a homicide.

Photo Gallery: Honda Battle of the Bands

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Videographer: Cassfl - The opening performance at the 2012 Honda Battle of the Bands was a Drumiine exhibition by the eight HBCU marching bands. The order of the drumline performances was in inverse order of the full marching bands, e.g. Bethune Cookman was first here, and will be last in the Invitational Showcase. Tennessee State University Aristocrat of Bands is the third to perform here, and will be the sixth of the eight in the Showcase.



Videographer: Cassfl - All eight marching bands collaborated for the grand finale of the Honda Battle of the Bands in a Mass Band performance, which was a medley of various songs, lasting about four minutes. The bands were from Albany State, Bethune Cookman, Jackson State, South Carolina State, Tennessee State, Virginia State, and Winston-Salem State Universities.

Xavier Nuggets defeat Dillard 74-60, regain GCAC's top spot

NEW ORLEANS -- Jasmine Grant had 17 points Saturday to lead four Xavier University of Louisiana scorers in double figures in a 74-60 Gulf Coast Athletic Conference women's basketball victory against Dillard in the Crosstown Classic.

The Gold Nuggets (17-6 overall, 7-1 GCAC) won for the 10th time in 11 games and regained first place in the conference. They ended the season-best six-game win streak of the Lady Bleu Devils (9-7, 6-1).

Xavier also assured itself of an 11th consecutive winning season, which extends a program record. The Gold Nuggets will finish above .500 for the 19th time in 20 seasons.

Keldra Hall had 15 points and eight rebounds for Xavier. Jazmoné Kelly scored 11, and Paige Gauthier had a season-high 11.

Grant made four 3-pointers, two during a 26-6 run which extended the Nuggets' 36-24 lead to 62-30 with 8:55 remaining. Also during the burst Dalila Robinson and Gauthier made 3-pointers, and Brandi Young had four of her five assists.

SiMon Franklin's streak of five games in double figures for Xavier ended, but she had a career-high-tying five assists and a career-best seven steals.

Ariel Mitchell scored 23 points for Dillard, 11 after the Nuggets built their 32-point lead. Lauren Daniel scored 10 points, and Keylantra Taylor grabbed a season-high 10 rebounds, But the Nuggets limited Jazzmin Smith, the Lady Bleu Devils' No. 2 scorer this season, to a season-low four points in 35 minutes.

Hall's basket in the third minute put Xavier ahead to stay. The Gold Nuggets led 31-21 at halftime.

Dillard outshot Xavier 45.7 to 43.8 percent from the floor, but the Nuggets tied a season high with eight 3-pointers made. Grant raised her career total to 173 treys, third best in Gold Nuggets history. Xavier outrebounded Dillard 38-33, committed 16 turnovers and gained 23 with the help of 15 steals.

Xavier has beaten Dillard six straight times and in 15 of the past 16 meetings. The Nuggets lead the series 56-19.

By Ed Cassiere, Sports Information Director
VISIT: XAVIER UNIVERSITY OF LOUISIANA
VISIT: XULAATHLETICS

Scores That Matters!!

January 28, 2012

MEN'S BASKETBALL

OVC
Tennessee State 91, Eastern Kentucky 85 (2O.T.)

SWAC
Mississippi Valley State 60, Jackson State 54
Southern 65, Alcorn State 54
Texas Southern 73, Alabama A&M 61
Prairie View A&M 64, Alabama State 57
Grambling State 60, Arkansas Pine Bluff 55

MEAC
Norfolk State 76, Morgan State 59
Savannah State 71, Howard 50
Florida A&M 68, Bethune-Cookman 62
Coppin State 73, Hampton 70
North Carolina A&T 91, Maryland Eastern Shore 66
Delaware State 76, North Carolina Central 70

CIAA
Bowie State 84, Lincoln Pa.76
Johnson C. Smith 83, Fayetteville State 75
Morris SC 61, Livingstone 59
St. Augustine's 61, Winston Salem State 55
Virginia Union 79, Chowan 75
Elizabeth City State 87, Virginia State 55

SIAC
Stillman 87, Paine 79
Albany State 68, Morehouse 59
Central State OH 81, Kentucky State 57
Tuskegee 76, Benedict 71
Clark Atlanta 73, Fort Valley State 69
Miles 55, Claflin 54

GCAC
Fisk vs. Oakwood
Tougaloo 55, Edward Waters 42
Xavier 64, Dillard 37
Talladega 96, Philander Smith 79

OTHERS
Our Lady of the Lakes TX  96, Wiley TX 88
Texas College 77, Bacone OK 62
Harris-Stowe State MO 81, Williams Baptist AR 68
Morris SC 61, Livingstone 59
Paul Quinn TX 85, Langston OK 74
St. Thomas TX 72, Huston-Tillotson TX 54
Warner FL 82, Florida Memorial 74
Point GA 81, Bluefield VA 80

WOMEN'S BASKETBALL

OVC
Tennessee State 82, Austin Peay 77

SWAC
Southern 67, Alcorn State 62
Mississippi Valley State 66, Jackson State 56
Alabama A&M 56, Texas Southern 36
Alabama State 67, Prairie View 53
Grambling State 69, Arkansas Pine Bluff 56

MEAC
Florida A&M 65, Bethune-Cookman 51
Coppin State 69, Hampton 66 (O.T.)
Howard 64, Savannah State 51
North Carolina A&T 53, Maryland Eastern Shore 50
Delaware State 66, North Carolina Central 55
Morgan State 75, Norfolk State 68

CIAA
Bowie State 63, Lincoln Pa. 44
Winston Salem State 100, St. Augustine's 67
Shaw 101, Livingstone 72
Elizabeth City State 62, Virginia State 52
Johnson C. Smith 80, Fayetteville State 55
Virginia Union 67, Chowan 59

SIAC
Kentucky State 51, Central State OH 44
Miles 65, Claflin 58
Clark Atlanta 86, Fort Valley State 77
Paine 75, Stillman 54
Tuskegee 67, Benedict 51

GCAC
Xavier 74, Dillard 60
Fisk , Oakwood
Tougaloo 71, Edward Waters 47
Talladega 65, Philander Smith 49

OTHERS
Jarvis Christian TX 83, Southwest TX 73
Wiley TX 74, Our Lady of the Lake TX 73
Texas College 75, Bacone OK 66
Williams Baptist AR 76, Harris-Stowe State MO 50
Huston-Tillotson TX 66, St. Thomas TX 58
Roberts Wesleyan NY 92, Wilberforce OH 46
Florida Memorial 49, St. Thomas FL 45
Bluefield VA 69, Point GA 61

MEN'S TENNIS
Florida A&M 4, Florida Gulf Coast 3
Belhaven MS 9, Mississippi Valley State 0
Tulane 5, Xavier University of Louisiana 0

WOMEN'S TENNIS
Tulane 5, Xavier University of Louisiana 0

BASEBALL
Florida Memorial 4, Edward Waters 4*
(Game stop due to darkness)
Edward Waters 8, Florida Memorial 3
Point GA 9, Fla. Christian College 4
FL Christian College 4, Point GA 0
Texas College 1, Science & Arts 0
Science & Arts 4, Texas College 1
Texas College 1, Science & Arts 0

Track & Field Hosts TSU Invite on Sunday

NASHVILLE, Tennessee  -  The Tennessee State University track & field program hosts its final regular season home indoor meet, the TSU Invite, on Sunday, Jan. 29 at the Gentry Center. The meet officially kicks off with field events at 8 a.m.

The TSU Invite is the second to last regular season indoor meet for the Big Blue. Seven other programs will participate in the one day event, which includes Alabama A&M, Fisk and Lipscomb.

Tigerbelles' Ashontae Jackson and Daniecce Ward have several top-5 marks in the Ohio Valley Conference.

2012 TSU Invite Meet Information

TSU Invite Meet Program

Jackson, a redshirt freshman, is fourth in the long jump (5.56m/18-3) and 200-meter dash (25.13). The Gordonville, Va., native also has a time of 7.75 in the 60-meter dash recorded at the UNC Dick Taylor Invitational, ranking fifth in the league.

Ward has two of the league's top marks. Ward is first in the long jump with a distance of 18-9 ¼ (5.72m) notched at the Ed Temple Classic earlier this month. The Milwaukee product is also first in the triple jump, leaping 38-8 ¾ (11.80m) at the MTSU Christmas Invitational on Dec. 10.

For the Flying Tigers, sophomore Royce Dates leads the OVC with the top mark in the men's long jump. The Memphis product leapt 24-1 ¾ (7.36m) at the UNC Dick Taylor Invitational. He is also fourth in the high jump, clearing 6-5 (1.96m).

Arthur Combest has the league's best high jump, clearing 6-8 (2.03m) at the Ed Temple Classic. Combest is fourth in the 60-meter hurdles, running a time of 8.24 seconds at the Illini Classic.

Lamonte Burton's registered time of 22.18 seconds in the 200-meter dash is the fifth best mark in the league. Freshman Tamarron Key's cleared height of 11-1 ¾ (3.40m) in the pole vault currently sits fifth in the OVC.

Admission to the meet is free and open to the public. Fans can follow Sunday's action via a live blog at TSUTigers.com and through Twitter (@TSU_Tigers). Official results will be online at TSUTigers.com following the conclusion of the meet.

Courtesy: Tennessee State University Sports Information