CIAA nets big gains in Charlotte

CHARLOTTE, N.C. - After six years in Charlotte, the Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association has made one thing clear: It’s a slam dunk for local hotelsand restaurants.

Economic impact grew to $44.3 million for the CIAA this year, a 19% increase over 2010, according to figures compiled by the Charlotte Regional Visitors Authority. The 2011 tournament ended March 5.

“This is a great time for the CIAA,” CIAA Commissioner Leon Kerry said in prepared remarks. “Not only have we reached the goals we set for this year’s tournament, but we’ve continued to raise the bar to provide our alumni and fans with a new and exciting experience each and every year.”

CIAA Tournament Soars to New Heights 

HAMPTON, Va. – The Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association’s (CIAA) 66th annual men’s and women’s basketball tournament soared to new heights in 2011 by breaking previous economic impact and attendance records.

According to the Charlotte Regional Visitors Authority (CRVA), the 2011 CIAA Tournament accounted for a total economic impact of $44.3 million* over the six-day Tournament period; a 19 percent increase from 2010. Overall attendance for official CIAA and Uptown functions increased to over 190,000** as the multitude of event options continued to bring fans to the area. The Tournament is unique in its ability to draw loyal fans from across the country who continue to support the Conference, as well as, those who just want to be “part of the scene” – much like the Superbowl or NBA All-Star Weekend.


Videographer: SportsGrooveTV

The CIAA increased its ticket revenue to $2 million, a five percent increase from 2010, maintaining the momentum through its loyal fans that view the Tournament week as an absolute must-attend annual event.

“Year-after-year we have seen the validation of Charlotte as a destination for the CIAA men’s and women’s basketball tournament and the reunion of its alumni, friends and family. Charlotte has embraced the CIAA, its history and its importance in the lives of those who attend,” said Tim Newman, CEO of the Charlotte Regional Visitors Authority. “We are so fortunate to have grown this not only into a $44 million record year in 2011 in terms of economic impact to the Charlotte region, but one that we can truly say has initiated lifelong friendships and memories.”

The week-long Tournament made Charlotte its home in 2006 and together the CIAA and the city of Charlotte have produced a series of successful tournaments for the member schools, its fans and sponsors, and the local community. The CIAA’s marquee event showcased its rich tradition and prestige as the Conference celebrated 99 years of existence in 2011 as a prelude to the CIAA’s 100th anniversary celebration – February 27 through March 3, 2012 in Charlotte.

“This is a great time for the CIAA. Not only have we reached the goals we set for this year’s Tournament, but we’ve continued to raise the bar to provide our alumni and fans with a new and exciting experience each and every year, none of which is possible without the help of our corporate sponsors and our partners in Charlotte,” says Leon Kerry, CIAA Commissioner. “The CIAA is excited with the momentum we have generated leading into the CIAA’s 100th anniversary celebration in 2012. We have the support of our loyal fans, member institutions and sponsors. As a team, we’re constantly enhancing the Tournament and affiliated activities to ensure the ‘CIAA Experience’ is as strong as ever.”

The CIAA generated $1.55 million in scholarship dollars, which will be split amongst the 13 member institutions providing educational opportunities for students to attend any CIAA school.

The CIAA welcomed back Winston Salem State University and Lincoln University (PA) during the 2011 Tournament. The Tournament also proved successful from a corporate standpoint, as sponsor support and activation programs remained active with the addition of Toyota as the CIAA’s new automotive partner.

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Hunt for national glory: CIAA champion Shaw, Johnson C. Smith aim for women’s title

Winning the CIAA women’s basketball championship is old hat for Shaw’s Bears.

Winning the national title, now that’s a prize that’s worth chasing.

“Shaw’s won the CIAA championship,” said Bears coach Jacques Curtis, who has earned six since 2003. “What we’re trying to do is a little bit different.”

Shaw (21-11) and fellow CIAA member Johnson C. Smith (24-4) are in the Division II tournament, which starts March 11 with the Atlantic Regional in Edinboro, Pa. Shaw will face top-seeded and region host Edinboro (26-3) while the No. 2 Golden Bulls Bulls will play No. 7 Glenville State (23-8).


Videographer: UrbanSportsITG; Inside The Game: Johnson C. Smith vs. Shaw- Women's CIAA Championship

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Livingstone celebrates success in tourney

The atmosphere was electric in Varick Auditorium Wednesday as Salisbury Mayor Susan W. Kluttz was on hand for a celebration honoring Livingstone College’s men’s basketball team for its historic performance at last week’s CIAA Tournament.

The Blue Bears made it to the championship game of the CIAA Tournament for the first time in school history after pulling off three consecutive victories against St. Paul’s College, Virginia Union University and Fayetteville State University. Livingstone was defeated by Shaw University 72-69 in the final game, but on Wednesday that hardly mattered to administrators, faculty, students and staff.

The pep band played, the cheerleaders cheered and numerous times throughout the 90-minute assembly the audience was on its feet showering the men’s basketball team and its coaches with much-deserved applause.

But the men’s basketball team wasn’t all Livingstone officials celebrated on Wednesday, as the Blue Bears women’s team and a few individual students were also recognized for their accomplishments.


Videographer: UrbanSportsITG; Inside The Game: Livingstone vs. Shaw - CIAA Men's Championship

City of Salisbury Proclaims March 9, 2011 as Livingstone College Men's Basketball Day

SALISBURY, NC – The Livingstone women’s and men’s basketball teams were honored Wednesday at a special assembly hosted on campus.

Dr. Jimmy R. Jenkins, Sr., Livingstone President and Salisbury Mayor, Ms. Susan W. Klutz recognized both teams for their achievements throughout the season.

The women’s basketball team was recognized for its numerous individual honors, its NCAA regional ranking for three consecutive weeks and for being awarded the 2011 John B. Mclendon award for sportsmanship at the CIAA Tournament.

The men’s basketball team who reached the CIAA Championship for the first time in the school’s history was also recognized for their many achievements. Mayor Klutz gave a special presentation, presenting a proclamation that proclaimed March 9, 2011 as Livingstone College Men’s Basketball Day in the City of Salisbury.

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2011 CIAA Tournament Championships: CIAA LIVE STREAM

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March 5, 2011 Games at Time Warner Cable Arena, Charlotte, N.C.
CIAA Tournament Finals

March 5, 2011 Women's Championship

Shaw University 62 --CIAA Champions
Johnson C. Smith University 56

March 5, 2011 Men's Championship

Livingstone College 69

Shaw University 72 --CIAA Tournament Champions

(Television: ESPNU Delayed Broadcast at 12:30 AM, Sunday)



Videographer: FWithers

March 4, 2011 Women's Games

Saint Augustine's College 65
Shaw University 74

Bowie State University 64

Johnson C. Smith University 69

March 4, 2011 Men's Games

Johnson C. Smith University 69
Shaw University 82

Fayetteville State University 71
Livingstone College 81

March 3, 2011 Men's Scores

Elizabeth City State University 48
Shaw University 71

Livingstone College 59
Virginia Union University 58

Fayetteville State 66
Winston-Salem State 63

Johnson C. Smith 82

Bowie State 66

March 2, 2011, CIAA Men's Basketball Tournament Scores

Lincoln (Pa.) 43
Shaw University 67

Fayetteville State University 74
Virginia State University 58

Saint Augustine's College 51
Elizabeth City State University 65

Chowan University 60
Johnson C. Smith University 67

Saint Paul's College 52
Livingstone College 71

FOR LIVE CIAA ACTION, CLICK HERE: theCIAA.com

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Livingstone Blue Bears Advance to CIAA Semi-Finals in Thrilling 59-58 Upset Victory Over Virginia Union

CHARLOTTE, NC – For only the second time in school history the Livingstone men’s basketball has advanced to the semifinals of the 2011 CIAA Basketball Tournament after a thrilling 59-58 upset victory over the Panthers of Virginia Union University, the second-seeded team out of the CIAA’s Northern Division.

“This win says a lot about our program with a victory over a team like Virginia Union,” CIAA Coach of the Year James Stinson said. “It shows our players that we are not second-rate to anyone.”

Livingstone, the third seed out of the Southern Division, advances to Friday’s semifinals against the winner of the Winston-Salem State/Fayetteville State contest. The semifinal contest is scheduled for a 9 p.m. tip on Friday at Time Warner Cable Arena in Charlotte, NC. This is Livingstone’s first trip to the semi-finals since 1998.

Livingstone Shocks VUU in CIAA Tourney 59-58

Virginia Union University's Braxton Byerson scored 21 points while teammate Gregory Redford grabbed 11 rebounds, but Livingstone College downed VUU 59-58 in the quarterfinals of the 2011 CIAA Tournament on March 3 in the Time Warner Cable Arena in Charlotte, N.C.

The loss ended VUU's season and gave the Panthers a final record of 15-9.

VUU trailed by 10 at halftime, 39-29, but fought back in the second half to take a three-point lead with 1:15 left in the game, but Livingstone was able to hit the shots to win the game.

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Shaw Defense Shuts Down Elizabeth City State 71-48

CHARLOTTE, NC – The Shaw defense shut the door on Elizabeth City State, holding them to only 13 points and 21 percent shooting in the first half on the way to a convincing 71-48 victory.

The Vikings (18-10) missed 13 of their first 15 shots and connected on only six field goals in the first half en route to a 71-48 defeat to Shaw University in the quarterfinals of the CIAA Tournament Thursday afternoon. Shaw shot 52% from the floor in the first half, including 12 points from Tony Smith (Jr., Greenville, NC).

Shaw's defense never allowed Elizabeth City State, the #3 seed out of the North, to get into an offensive groove. The Vikings were forced into taking nine three-pointers and were outrebounded 24-15 in the first half. They shot only one free throw in the stanza, while Shaw (20-8) went to the line 10 times.

Raheem Smith Perfect As Shaw Rolls Over Lincoln, 67-43

CHARLOTTE, NC - A perfect day from Raheem Smith led Shaw to a 67-43 victory over Lincoln (PA.) Wednesday in a CIAA men's basketball first-round game at Time Warner Cable Arena.

With the victory, the Bears - the No. 2 Southern Division seed - heads to the quarterfinal round to square off against the winner of the Saint Augustine's College-Elizabeth City State game Thursday at 1:00 p.m. Lincoln (PA) - the No. 7 Northern Division seed - ended its season at 4-23 with its second-lowest scoring output this season.

Smith, a 6-2 senior All-CIAA guard from Greenville, NC, scored 25 points by connecting on nine of nine shot attempts from the floor, including four for four from the three-point line. He also was three for three from the free-throw line and added nine rebounds for the Bears, who upped their record to 19-8 overall.

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2011 CIAA Men's Tournament Championships: CIAA LIVE STREAM

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March 2, 2011, CIAA Men's Basketball Tournament Schedule

Lincoln (Pa.) 43
Shaw University 67

Fayetteville State University 74
Virginia State University 58

Saint Augustine's College 51 
Elizabeth City State University 65

Chowan University 60
Johnson C. Smith University 67

Saint Paul's College
Livingstone College
@9 PM

FOR LIVE CIAA ACTION, CLICK HERE: theCIAA.com
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Quick Start Holds Up for No. 23 JCSU Women in 71-52 Quarterfinal win over Chowan

Charlotte, NC – The Johnson C. Smith University women's basketball team advance to the semifinals of the 2011 CIAA Women's Basketball Tournament with an opening round 71-52 victory against Chowan University on Tuesday evening inside Time Warner Cable Arena. JCSU improves to 23-3 overall and play Bowie State University on Friday, March 4th at 3:00 p.m. in the TWC Arena.

Junior guard Terran Quattlebaum (Mitchellville, MD) was open on the wing. She got the pass, and didn't think twice. Quattlebaum let the 3-point shot fly and only drew net.

Eleven seconds into the game, the Johnson C. Smith Lady Golden Lions were ahead 3-0, and the rest of the game seemed almost as effortless as Quattlebaum's first jump shot as the Southern Division champion ran away from Chowan for the entire contest.

“I'm extremely proud of our team effort,” said Golden Bulls coach Vanessa Taylor, the CIAA Coach of the Year. “We just shot the ball extremely well in the first half.”

Chowan Falls to Johnson C. Smith in CIAA Tournament

CHARLOTTE, NC – After five minutes of play, the Lady Golden Bulls of Johnson C. Smith University held a 13-0 lead over Chowan in the second round of the CIAA Tournament. That early lead, paired with 16 first half turnovers, proved to be the difference in the game, as the Hawks could not mount another second half comeback in a 71-52 loss to the Lady Golden Bulls.

Chowan missed their first five shots and committed six turnovers in those opening five minutes, leading to the early deficit. Ransheda Jennings put Chowan on the board at the 14:54 mark with a layup to cut the JCSU lead to 13-2. At the 12:43 mark of the half, the Lady Golden Bulls held a 17-2 advantage. The Hawks, as they have done many times before, did not panic and mounted a furious comeback.

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NEXT GAME: 3 P.M. FRIDAY, VS. BOWIE STATE UNIVERSITY
VIEW GAME LIVE AT: theciaa.com -- or CLICK HERE

Saint Augustine's Lady Falcons Rally For 70-68 Win Over ECSU!

CHARLOTTE, N.C. - Saint Augustine's College advanced to the CIAA Tournament semifinals for the second time in three years Tuesday because the Lady Falcons never quit.

Down 13 points late and seemingly headed for defeat, the Lady Falcons staged a spectacular comeback to pull out a 70-68 victory over Elizabeth City State at Time Warner Cable Arena. The win avenged last year's first-round defeat to the Lady Vikings in the tournament. More importantly, the victory sends the Lady Falcons (19-10 overall) against arch nemesis Shaw in a 1 p.m. semifinal game Friday between the two Raleigh, N.C., schools.

It is a good thing the semifinals start later in the week because the Lady Falcons need a day or two to enjoy the win over the Lady Vikings, who led 63-50 with 7:08 left in the game. The game left the Lady Falcons exhausted but exhilarated. This was the second victory over ECSU this season.

That was a very tough game, ECSU played a very tough game,” Lady Falcon first-year head coach Rachel Bullard said. “We played very resilient at the end and I am very proud of the girls. They didn't give up on me.”

Boxscore

Saint Augustine's upsets Elizabeth City State

Mallard Creek High graduate Umeka Benson's free throw with 7.4 seconds left lifted St. Augustine's to a 70-68 win against North No.1 seed Elizabeth City State and a semifinal date against cross-town Raleigh rival Shaw.

Benson, the CIAA's rookie of the year, converted the second of two free throws after stealing a pass in the final seconds to push St. Augustine's (No. 4 South, 19-10) in front. She scored 11 points on 4-of-7 shooting and pulled down nine rebounds. Three other Falcons scored double-digits, paced by Crystal McCaffity (6-of-13 from the field) and player-of-the-year Allison Sikes with 19 each. Le'Keisha White tossed in 12 points and a game-high 14 rebounds for St. Augustine's, which overcame a 35-28 halftime deficit.

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NEXT GAME: 1 P.M. FRIDAY, VS. SHAW UNIVERSITY
VIEW GAME LIVE AT: theciaa.com -- or CLICK HERE

Jordan Lifts Bowie State Past Winston-Salem State and into CIAA Semifinals

CHARLOTTE, N.C. - Named the CIAA Defensive Player of the Year, Bowie State junior Chanita Jordan (Philadelphia, PA, University City, North Carolina State) is known for blocking a multitude of shots.

But she changed this game on offense.

Jordan, who averages just 8.3 points per game, scored seven in a span of 50 seconds midway through the second half in Bowie State’s decisive run to lift the Lady Bulldogs past Winston-Salem State 63-56 on Tuesday evening and into the CIAA Tournament semifinals.

Jordan finished with just two rebounds, though she did record four blocked shots – more on those in a minute -- but the 6-foot-4 junior center led the No. 2 seed from the CIAA North with 15 points on six-of-13 shooting. Her seven points in less than a minute fueled a 13-3 Bowie State run that gave the Lady Bulldogs a 52-40 lead with 8:31 to go.

“I just had to make sure I had the right form,” said Jordan, “and fortunately, they went in today.” But don’t think for a moment that Jordan is thinking about changing her game.

When Winston-Salem State (17-11) managed to trim the deficit under 10 points with less than six minutes remaining, Jordan swatted away back-to-back shots from the Lady Rams’ Jazmine Wilson deep in the paint as the Lady Bulldogs (18-9) were able to stem the Winston-Salem State comeback attempt.

Lady Rams take Heartbreaking 63-56 Loss in CIAA Quarterfinals

CHARLOTTE, NC - The Winston-Salem State Lady Rams (17-11) gave it their all, but the team fell short in a heartbreaking 63-56 loss to the Bowie State Lady Bulldogs (18-9) in the quarterfinal round of the 2011 Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association (CIAA) tournament, Tuesday afternoon. The Lady Rams played a great game, but could not overcome a big second half effort by the Lady Bulldogs.

"It was a hard fought ballgame for us. I really think we had a three-minute stretch during the second half where we really lost the ballgame," WSSU head women's basketball coach Stephen Joyner, Jr. said. "I think outside of that three-minute stretch, we actually played pretty even with them and actually had them in the ballgame that we wanted. But nevertheless, we didn't finish out what we came here to do and Bowie [State] moves on."

Box Score | Photo Gallery

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NEXT GAME: 3 P.M. FRIDAY, VS. Johnson C. Smith University
VIEW GAME LIVE AT: theciaa.com -- or CLICK HERE

Shaw Shows No Fatigue As They Down Virginia State

CHARLOTTE, NC - After playing less than 24 hours earlier, Shaw showed no signs of fatigue in a 72-53 CIAA Tournament women's quarterfinal victory over Virginia State Tuesday at Time Warner Cable Arena.

Demaria Liles, a 6-1 forward, produced a double-double with 17 points and 14 rebounds for the Lady Bears (19-11), who scored 34 points off 31 VSU turnovers for the win. Jackie Sanders, a 6-3 forward, came off the bench to score 12 points while Kyria Buford and Brittney Spencer added 11 and 10 points, respectively, for the Lady Bears, the No. 2 Southern Division seed.

The Lady Bears advance to Friday's semifinal where they will play the Saint Augustine's College-Elizabeth City State winner at 1 p.m.

VSU LADY TROJANS ELIMINATED FROM CIAA TOURNAMENT

CHARLOTTE, N.C. - After playing less than 24 hours earlier, Shaw showed no signs of fatigue in a 72-53 CIAA Tournament women's quarterfinal victory over Virginia State Tuesday at Time Warner Cable Arena.

Demaria Liles, a 6-1 forward, produced a double-double with 17 points and 14 rebounds for the Lady Bears (19-11), who scored 34 points off 31 VSU turnovers for the win. Jackie Sanders, a 6-3 forward, came off the bench to score 12 points while Kyria Buford and Brittney Spencer added 11 and 10 points, respectively for the Lady Bears, the No. 2 Southern Division seed. The Lady Bears advance to Friday's semifinal where they will play the Saint Augustine's College-Elizabeth City State winner at 1 p.m.

The Lady Bears were coming off a first-round victory Monday against Lincoln (Pa.) which started at 7 p.m. Despite beginning at 1 p.m. Tuesday, the Lady Bears had enough energy to dispatch the Lady Trojans. In the only meeting against VSU this season, the Lady Bears came up short 74-68 in overtime on Jan. 8. This time, the Lady Bears led mostly the entire way mainly because of Liles, a 6-1 forward, and Sanders, a 6-3 forward.

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NEXT GAME: 1 P.M. FRIDAY, VS. SAINT AUGUSTINE'S COLLEGE
VIEW GAME LIVE AT: theciaa.com -- or CLICK HERE

2011 CIAA Tournament Championships: CIAA LIVE STREAM

Watch live streaming video from ciaa at livestream.com

March 1, 2011 CIAA Women's Basketball Evening Schedule 

Virginia State University 53
Shaw University 72

Winston-Salem State University 56
Bowie State University 63

Saint Augustine's College 70
Elizabeth City State University 68

Chowan University 52.
Johnson C. Smith University 71

@Time Warner Cable Arena - Charlotte, NC CIAA Tournament - Quarterfinal


FOR LIVE CIAA ACTION, CLICK HERE: theCIAA.com

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CIAA Tournament: WSSU women rip Saint Paul's

CHARLOTTE, N.C. -- The Winston-Salem State women opened the CIAA Tournament with a convincing 66-33 victory over Saint Paul's on Monday night at Time Warner Cable Arena. The Rams (17-10) took an early lead and never let up. The Tigers (3-23) lost to the Rams for the third time this season.

In earlier first-round games: Chowan, playing in its first CIAA Tournament game, defeated Livingstone 56-52; Saint Augustine's defeated Virginia Union 69-53; Virginia State upended 2010 champion Fayetteville State 65-44; and Shaw rolled to a 95-63 win against Lincoln (Pa.).

Lady Rams Cruise in 66-33 Win Over Saint Paul's at CIAA Tournament

CHARLOTTE, NC - Judging by the numbers at the half, the Winston-Salem State Lady Rams seemed vulnerable in the opening round of the CIAA Tournament on Monday night. Except for one thing: the Lady Rams had Jasmine Newkirk.

Newkirk scored 14 of her game-high 15 points in the first half to lead Winston-Salem State to comfortable edge at the half as the Lady Rams took care of St. Paul's 66-33 to advance to the quarterfinals of the tournament.

The victory sets up a heavyweight matchup in the next round when the CIAA South's third-seeded Lady Rams (17-10) will face Bowie State (17-9), the number 2 seed from the CIAA North, which received a first-round bye. Tipoff is scheduled for 5 p.m.

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CIAA Tournament: Lincoln women fall in first CIAA tourney game

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Sharay Dubose scored 27 points -- her second highest total of the year — but it wasn't enough as Shaw spoiled Lincolns' debut in the CIAA conference tourney, turning back the Lady Lions by a score of 95-63.

The Bears (18-11) came into the tourney as the number two seed in the South Division, while the Lions (3-24) were the seventh seed.

Lincoln came out of the gate strong, paced by the hot hand of DeJuana Mosley, who scored eight of Lincoln's first 13 points, and the Lady Lions either led or were tied for the lead for the first ten minutes of the game.

Shaw Offensive Firepower Rolls Over Lincoln 95-63
CHARLOTTE, N.C. - The inside trio of Demaria Liles, Kyra Buford and Aslea Williams combined to score over half of Shaw's points in a 95-63 first-round women's basketball win over Lincoln (Pa.) Monday in the first day of the CIAA Tournament at Time Warner Cable Arena.

"It felt good to get our feet wet and get that first win," Shaw Head Coach Jacques Curtis said.

Liles, a 6-1 senior forward, led the Lady Bears (18-11 overall) with 21 points on 9 of 11 shooting and snatched 12 rebounds for her fifth straight double-double for the Lady Bears. Buford, a 6-1 senior forward, added 20 points and Williams, a 6-1 junior center, added 15 points for the Lady Bears, the No. 2 seed in the Southern Division. The Lady Bears square off against No. 3 Northern Division seed Virginia State Tuesday in a CIAA quarterfinal game at 3 p.m.

2011 CIAA Women's Basketball Tournament Scoreboard

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CIAA Tournament: Lady Trojans, led by Taylor, pick up 65-44 win in CIAA Tournament's opening round

CHARLOTTE, NC - There will be a new CIAA Women's champion. Fayetteville State, the defending CIAA Tournament champion, was defeated 65-44 by Virginia State in the opening round of the 2011 CIAA Tournament on Monday.

The Lady Trojans (18-8), led by All-CIAA selection Rhon'Neshia Taylor's 20 points, 10 rebounds and four assists, got a measure of redemption by knocking off the Lady Broncos, who had beaten the Lady Trojans in the semifinals of the tournament a year ago. And this one wasn't close.

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WATCH LIVE ACTION FROM THE CIAA TOURNAMENT - CLICK HERE
Women's Basketball: Wedensday, Mar. 1st at 3pm, Virginia State vs. Shaw

CIAA Tournament: McCaffity steps up for Saint Augustine's Falcons

Falcons 6-2 Freshman F/C Umeka Benson

CHARLOTTE, N.C. -- Saint Augustine's College has relied on seniors Allison Sikes and Le'Kiesha White all season, but it was another senior who helped the Falcons win their first-round game in the CIAA women's basketball tournament Monday afternoon.

Crystal McCaffity scored 14 points on 5-for-6 shooting, including a perfect 4-for-4 from the 3-point line, in a 69-53 victory over Virginia Union at Time Warner Cable Arena. Freshman forward Umeka Benson, the CIAA rookie of the year, added 13 points and 13 rebounds. Benson, who came off the bench, was named Food Lion MVP of the game.

The victory sends the Lady Falcons (18-10 overall), the No. 4 Southern Division seed, to Tuesday's quarterfinal round. They face Elizabeth City State, the top Northern Division seed, at 7 p.m. The Lady Falcons defeated the Lady Vikings in their only matchup 69-64 on Jan. 20 in Elizabeth City, N.C.

Saint Augustine’s College beats Virginia Union in CIAA first round

Senior guard Crystal McCaffity from Havelock, NC led the Lady Falcons of Saint Augustine’s College over Virginia Union University 69-53 in the first round of the CIAA Tournament. McCaffity scored 14 points to lead the Lady Falcons.

Saint Augustine’s College maintained control of the game and only trailed once to Virginia Union University in the game. The Lady Falcons led at halftime 32-20.

Charlotte native and CIAA Rookie of the Year, Umeka Benson added 13 points and 13 rebounds for the Lady Falcons in their victory. Her efforts won Benson the Food Lion MVP of the Game honor.

Photo Gallery: 2011 CIAA Basketball: Opening Day 

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CIAA Tournament: Chowan gets first-ever CIAA tournament win‎

Chowan wrote a new chapter in its women's basketball history at the CIAA tournament.

The Hawks recovered from a 19-point deficit to beat Livingstone 56-53 in a first-round game at Time Warner Cable Arena, the program's first tournament win since joining the CIAA last year. Chowan (15-12) didn't panic after falling behind, calling on previous experience to climb ahead.

"For us it was another challenge on the road," Hawks coach Pat Mashuda said. "We were in this situation earlier this year playing Bowie at home when we were down 20 with four minutes to play and came back to win that game. Having this experience from before, unfortunately then but fortunately as well, helped us today."

Photo Gallery: 2011 CIAA Basketball: Opening Day 

Livingstone College Women Out of CIAA Tournament

Livingstone’s women’s basketball team ended its season with a 56-53 loss against Chowan in the first round of the CIAA Tournament on Monday afternoon in Charlotte.

Livingstone held Chowan to 10 points in the first 15 minutes and led 33-14 late in the first half. Livingstone still led by 13 points at halftime, but a cold-shooting second half doomed the Blue Bears (16-10).

Chowan (15-12) advanced to play Johnson C. Smith tonight. Talaya Lynch led the Hawks with 17 points.

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CIAA commissioner fell into job he loves

Leon Kerry never set out to be the commissioner of the Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association. It just kind of happened.

But as he and the rest of the CIAA settle in this week in Charlotte for the annual women's and men's basketball tournaments, Kerry will be in his element. He loves tournament week because it's the culmination of the conference's long-standing commitment to putting on a good show.

And as the tournaments have grown, Kerry, as much as anybody, knows it's about more than just basketball.

"We've changed the way people envision sports at Division II," Kerry said of the CIAA Tournaments, which will start today with women's games. "Everybody is trying to do what we do with having an event, having functions around the event and getting the fans and alumni involved.

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CIAA crowds, dollars are flowing in

But experts question whether week's events bring in as much money as authority estimates.

Taxpayers will spend more than $500,000 to support the CIAA tournament that starts today - more than any other sporting event in Charlotte this year.

Backers say the incentives make sense because the CIAA brings in thousands of visitors who fill area restaurants, hotels and bars. This year, more than 100,000 are expected to descend on uptown for a week of parties, a beauty pageant, social gatherings and basketball.

In all, the Charlotte Regional Visitors Authority predicts the event will pump $40 million into the local economy. But experts question whether that number is inflated.

Local roots show at CIAA

CIAA equals entertainment with countless parties and performances taking place throughout the week. Some of that entertainment just happens to be homegrown, with three of next Friday's concerts featuring stars with Charlotte roots.

We spoke to performers Anthony Hamilton and Sunshine Anderson, who play the Fillmore, and Godfather of Go-Go Chuck Brown, who plays Amos' Southend - about CIAA, Charlotte, music and sports.

CIAA Women's Tournament Digest

ELEVATOR

St. Augustine's has won five games in a row against top-tier rivals that include Virginia State and J.C. Smith. UP

J.C. Smith had lost two of its past four before a victory Saturday at Livingstone. Not a good way to close the regular season. DOWN

Virginia State's Trojans have won four of five, including victories against Bowie State and Elizabeth City State. UP

Thousands Descend Upon The Queen City For The CIAA Tournament

CHARLOTTE, N.C. -- Thousands of people are descending on Charlotte for the start of the 2011 CIAA basketball tournament.

The first game in the tournament begins Monday at 1 p.m., but many who will attend have already arrived in Charlotte. Signs for the tournament have popped up all around the Queen City advertising the tournament. Organizers said ticket sales are up from last year.

Tom Grabowski, a CIAA organizer, said this year the tournament could bring in about $38 million to the local economy and 175,000 visitors to Charlotte.

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CIAA Basketball: Livingstone 82, J.C. Smith 65

The Livingstone men’s basketball team picked up a crucial divisional victory Saturday, downing the Johnson C. Smith Golden Bulls 82-65 and earning the third seed out of the Southern Division for the 2011 CIAA tournament.

Trone Jackson led the Blue Bears with 17 points off the bench accompanied by Nasir Austin who scored 15 points and had five rebounds. Greg Henry was the leading scorer among the starters with 12 points to go with his seven rebounds.

Livingstone (14-11, 9-8) will open the conference tournament on Wednesday at 7 p.m. against St. Paul’s College who is the sixth seed out of the CIAA Northern Division.

Livingstone victory leaves Bulls blue

SALISBURY, N.C. - Saturday was Senior Night at Livingstone, but the Blue Bears' subs were the heroes. Livingstone's bench poured in 51 points during an 82-65 win against Johnson C. Smith at Trent Gym. Livingstone (14-11, 5-5) earned the CIAA South Division's third seed for this week's league tournament at Time Warner Cable Arena and dropped arch rival J.C. Smith (15-10, 4-6) to fourth.

"Before the game even started, coach (James Stinson) told us to come out and play 40 minutes of basketball and execute," said Livingstone reserve forward Nasir Austin, who scored 15 points with 6-for-11 shooting. "If we do that, it's easy for us to win."

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