Coach Gilbert and Coach Blow Named CIAA Basketball Coaches of the Year

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 2018 Men's & Women's Coaches of the Year. These outstanding coaches were formally recognized today during the annual Tip-Off Awards Luncheon.

After finishing No. 1 in the Northern Division, Coach AnnMarie Gilbert of Virginia Union University has earned her third consecutive Coach of the Year honor. This season Coach Gilbert has led her team to a 15-1 record in conference play while marking an overall record of 25-2. Coming into this year's tournament ranked No. 1 and being ranked No. 1 in the Atlantic Region, Coach Gilbert and her Lady Panthers are picked to be the top contenders for this year's tournament. Coach Gilbert is looking forward to a comeback the 2017 CIAA Tournament when her team was eliminted, yet went on to finish Runner-Up in the NCAA Division II Women's Basketball Championship. The Lady Panthers are set to play Wednesday, February 28, 2018 versus the winner between Saint Augustine's University and Chowan University. Tip-off is set for 2:20 PM in Charlotte, NC at Bojangles' Coliseum.

In his fourth season with Virginia State University, Coach Lonnnie Blow, Jr. has earned his third Coach of the Year honor. Coach Blow led his program to a 13-3 record in conference play and a 23-3 overall record this season. The Trojans have had some major victories this season including wins over Norfolk State University, Pitt-Johnson University, and Indiana (PA) University. Coming into this year's tournament ranked No. 1 and being ranked No. 2 in the Atlantic Region, Coach Blow and the Trojans are picked to be the top contenders in this year's tournament. The Trojans are set to play Wednesday, February 28, 2018 versus the winner between Saint Augustine's University and Chowan University. Tip-off is set for 6:40 PM in Charlotte, NC at Bojangles' Coliseum.

For more information regarding the 2018 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.

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