Alcorn State opts for next best thing to the Wiz

Provine's Riley makes the leap

Lorman, MS - When Alcorn State University decided recently to make a basketball coaching change, one columnist - blush - suggested only partly in jest the school should re-hire 81-year-old Alcorn legend Davey Whitney, the Wiz.

The theory: It worked twice before, why shouldn't it work again?

Turns out, Alcorn has done the next best thing. In Luther Riley, the 38-year-old Provine High School coach, the Lorman university has hired a Whitney clone, a guy who admittedly patterns himself after the elfish, but demanding man who made Alcorn basketball famous.



Riley takes over ASU basketball

LORMAN — Luther Riley saw first hand that Alcorn State men’s basketball could be successful while he was a graduate assistant coach under Davey Whitney.

Now, Riley said he’s looking to take the Braves’ hoops program back to that successful level of play. Riley, who has coached at John W. Provine High School in Jackson for the past 11 seasons, was introduced as the Braves’ new basketball coach Monday at the Jackson Convention Complex.

“We are extremely pleased and excited to welcome Coach Luther Riley back home to Alcorn State University,” said Alcorn President Dr. M. Christopher Brown.

Braves raid JPS for proven winner

Luther Riley entered from the right, walking across the platform before a half-full third-floor theater in the Jackson Convention Complex. Provine High's basketball coach for the last dozen years, Riley's face was unmistakable to the mostly Jackson-based Alcorn State fans before him.

Upon seeing Riley wearing a silver and purple-striped tie and a pinstripe suit, the group gave a standing ovation to the man they hope will turn around their basketball program - three years after being passed over for the job.

"This will be a daunting task," Riley said to the crowd moments later after being introduced as the university's new coach Monday in downtown Jackson.

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Jackson State University: "Talent Has No Color"

It was a frustrating afternoon for Jackson State golfer Tim O'Neal. He was having one of his best days striking the ball from tee to green. Just one thing was missing.

"I couldn't putt it in the ocean," the 37-year-old former PGA and Nationwide Tour golfer says of his frustrating performance at a tournament at SMU roughly 15 year walked over to Coach Payton and said, `Coach I cannot make a putt.' He thought a moment the offered: `Hit it closer to the pin.'"

The instance illustrates Eddie Payton's practical blend of coaching skill, task mastering and sense of humor. Since 1986, the former NFL punt and kick returner has been forging men's and women's championship golf teams at Jackson State University, the Historically Black College in Jackson, Miss.



Outside the Lines: Eddie Payton

His younger brother, Walter, was perhaps the greatest running back ever, but Eddie Payton has devoted his life to a sport in which the only thing that gets hit is a dimpled ball.

For the past quarter century, Payton has been the head golf coach at Jackson State University in Jackson, Miss., where he has led the historically black school to 24 conference titles in 25 years. He's the Eddie Robinson of college golf.

Yet Payton says he feels like a failure. Every time he turns on the television, he sees only one African-American representative on the PGA Tour.

["I've been coaching 25 years," he says, "and I have not turned out one."

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PV baseball looking better in '11

Prairie View, TX - Prairie View A&M baseball coach Waskyla Cullivan was accustomed to success while serving as an assistant under Michael Robertson from 2003-08, helping the Panthers make back-to-back NCAA Tournament appearances in 2006-07.

But when Robertson departed for Texas Southern after the 2008 season, Cullivan was promoted to head coach and proceeded to preside over two of the program’s worst seasons in recent memory.
The Panthers went 21-25 in Cullivan’s first season and followed that up with a dismal 12-35 campaign in 2010. They failed to qualify for the SWAC tournament in both seasons.

Thus, pressure was building on Cullivan to right the ship in 2011.

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Southern gets back-to-back wins over UAPB Golden Lions

Baton Rouge, La. - The Southern Jaguars baseball team improved to 13-8 overall and 6-2 in the SWAC after taking a doubleheader from Arkansas-Pine Bluff, beating the Golden Lions 6-5 and 11-1. The Jaguars came back from a 5-1 deficit to beat the Golden Lions 6-5 in game one. Wilmy Marrero drove in Taylor Roy for the game-winning run in the bottom of the ninth.

Frazier Hall knocked out his fifth home run of the season when he drilled a two-run shot off the scoreboard in the fifth inning. The Jaguars won game two with ease, beating the Golden Lions 11-1 behind three hits and three RBI by Marrero. Jaguars pitcher Jesse Holiday picked up the win going 4 2/3 innings, striking out five batters, while allowing only one run on one hit.



SU sweeps Pine Bluff

As it turned out, a day like this was just what Wilmy Marrero needed. Marrero, who spent much of this season starting at third base and batting cleanup for the Southern baseball team, woke up Saturday morning, had a little breakfast, then took a seat in the dugout as the Jaguars began their doubleheader sweep of Arkansas-Pine Bluff at Lee-Hines Field.

Marrero, a junior from Houston, had been 2-for-12 in his last four games. But by the end of Saturday’s first game — in which SU rallied for two ninth-inning runs and a 6-5 win — Marrero found himself back on the field, shortly after SU coach Roger Cador made a double switch.

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ONE TEAM, ONE VALLEY: Update on MVSU Weight Room Project

Delta Devils Head Football Coach Karl Morgan

PDF of Coach Morgan's Letter • PDF of Weight Room Expenses • Diagram of Proposed Weight Room

March 16, 2011

Dear Valley Alumni and Fans,

I trust everyone and their families are doing well. It's been about three and a half months since the initial letter requesting your support was written. A lot has happened and I want to take this time to get everybody up to speed on where we are. First of all, I've included the actual proposal and design layout from Power Lift.

Power Lift, the company we are going to use is considered the best in the field. As you can see, their estimated cost for this project is $49,170.05. That doesn't include flooring to cover the roughly 2,000 square foot metal building we are seeking to equip. The building is located right next to our practice field. It's an ideal place for a weight room and it has air/heat, restrooms and a shower area.

Over $25,000 had been raised before Valley alum, Mrs. Ennis Rucker, came by the office and asked to personally help. In our first meeting, she said, "Coach I'm tired of losing. How can I be of assistance?" Since Mrs. Rucker's affiliation, The Friends of MVSU Football initiative has raised an additional $16,000. We have received donations from $5.00 to a high of $5,000. (Some recent donations to the football program have been earmarked for specific areas such as recruiting and will not be used to meet our goal.)

This past Monday, a purchase order in the amount of $3,571.08 was generated and sent to a rubber flooring company in Atlanta. I was amazed at the number of flooring options that are available. We searched far and wide trying to find the best fit for our need and bank account. Eventually, we decided on 4 foot by 6 foot by 3/4 inch rubber mats. Eighty-nine (89) 100-pound mats were ordered and should be here within a week.

That's the very latest, we are close and the finish line is in sight. I want to greatly thank everyone who has contributed to the cause. However, our goal has not been completed and we are still in search of donations to reach the desired outcome. I really appreciate your help and the fact that you care about Mississippi Valley State University. I will periodically keep everyone informed about our progress. In the meantime, take care.

Let's Work to Win,

Karl Morgan

Courtesy MVSU Media Relations
VISIT: MVSU Delta Devils
Mississippi Valley State University

ASU debuts new $3.9 million baseball complex

MONTGOMERY, Alabama-- For the first time in 15 years, the Alabama State University baseball team will play on Hornet territory at the ASU Baseball Complex inaugural game this Saturday.

The first pitch of Saturday's game against Alcorn State will be preceded by a special pregame ceremony beginning at 12:30 p.m. followed by an introduction of former Hornet baseball players in attendance between the first and second games of the doubleheader.

The baseball complex is the first of several athletics construction projects that will come on line at Alabama State, including a new on-campus football stadium and softball complex currently under construction.



ASU Baseball set for return to campus

MONTGOMERY, AL - For the first time since the 1996 season, Alabama State baseball has returned home to the ASU campus. This Saturday, March 26th, the Hornets will play the inaugural game at the ASU Baseball Complex at 1 p.m. vs. Alcorn St.

The splendor of what will be a grand event will commence with a special pregame ceremony beginning at 12:30 p.m. leading right up to the first pitch of Saturday's doubleheader. Other special events for the complex opening include an interactive area for kids and the introduction of former Hornet baseball players in attendance between the first and second games of the doubleheader.

The baseball complex is the first of several athletics construction projects that will come on line at Alabama State. The football team is scheduled to move into its new football complex building later this spring and the initial phases of the new on-campus football stadium and softball complex are underway.

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NCAA grants Jackson State full waiver from academic penalties

Jackson State University has received good news from the organization that had threatened to level harsh penalties against the school's football program.

The National Collegiate Athletic Association has agreed to waive, for now, penalties the team faced for poor academic performance, according to documents obtained by The Clarion-Ledger.

Without the waiver, JSU likely would have been banned from post-season participation this fall and faced other punishment, including the loss of scholarships and even expulsion from Division I, the NCAA's highest classification for athletics. JSU's football program is in trouble because it has routinely fallen below the NCAA's benchmark score of 900 for Academic Progress Rate (APR)...


Videographer: JSUTigers1877; JSU Day at the Capitol w/ the Sonic Boom of the South

NCAA gives Jackson State more time to improve football team's academics

JACKSON, Miss. — The NCAA has given Jackson State University more time to improve the football team's academic performance.

The Clarion-Ledger reports documents it obtained through a public records request shows Jackson State will not be banned from postseason play this season and will get a break on scholarship reductions. Earlier reports were the academic performance rate by JSU was below — for a third straight year — what the NCAA required.

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Hall on roll for Southern University

Baton Rouge, La. - Frazier Hall knew he’d been swinging a pretty strong bat lately, but he didn’t know exactly how strong. Frankly, the Southern first baseman liked it that way. Wednesday night, however, his dad ruined the blissful ignorance for him, shortly before a game at McNeese State.

“He comes up and he’s like, ‘You know you’ve got a hitting streak going, right?’ ” Hall recalled. At the time, it was at nine games. “I was like, ‘Yeah. Thanks, Dad. ... If I go 0-for, it’s your fault,’ ” Hall said.

The good news was that there was no jinx. Hall went 3-for-4 with a double and two RBIs. His hitting streak stands at 10 games as Southern (11-7, 4-2 Southwestern Athletic Conference) prepares to face Arkansas-Pine Bluff (6-10, 3-3) in a three-game series that begins with a doubleheader at noon today at Lee-Hines Field.

McNeese holds off SU, 10-8

LAKE CHARLES — McNeese State scored early and held off a late Southern University rally to claim a 10-8 nonconference baseball victory Wednesday night. The Cowboys (13-9) scored four runs in the bottom of the first inning and led 10-3 lead after five innings.

Southern (11-8) rebounded with two runs in the sixth and three in the seventh before McNeese held the Jaguars scoreless over the last two innings. SU left the bases load twice, according to coach Roger Cador, who was not totally disappointed with the effort of his team even though a four-game winning streak came to an end.

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Spring Football Practice Underway for 2010 SWAC Champion Tigers

The Texas Southern Tigers took their first step in preparation for the 2011 SWAC Championship Title. The defending champions started spring practice on Wednesday. About 70 players hit the field for conditioning and to run through drills. 2010 SWAC Coach of the Year, Johnnie Cole and his staff know it’s going to be a hard fought season to repeat as champions, but they believe the Tigers are up for the challenge.

“We know the target is on our backs,” Cole said. “So we must work harder and smarter than everyone else. Champions are built in the off season and it starts now.”

Over the next four weeks, the Tigers will practice three days and scrimmage once at TSU’s Durley Stadium. The Maroon and Gray game is schedule for Saturday, April 16th at Durley Stadium.

Practice starts at 4:00pm. There will be a Coaches Clinic on April 9th and the Johnnie Cole Golf Tournament on April 14th. The Football Championship Ring Banquet is on April 17th.

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Alcorn Head Men's Basketball Coach Search Committee Announces Finalists

The Alcorn State University Head Men’s Basketball Coach Search Committee has narrowed the list of candidates for head men’s basketball coach down to three finalists. The finalists are Richard Horton, David Ponton and Luther Riley.

Horton, a Belzoni native and former Braves standout player under the legendary Davey L. Whitney, was named 1982 All SWAC and All Tournament for Men’s Basketball is currently Head Boys and Girls Basketball Coach and Athletic Director for the Humphreys County School District. Horton was a graduate assistant for Lady Braves Basketball team under the legendary Shirley Walker from 1983-1985 and is also a professional scout for College sports to the NFL, NBA and MLB under James “Bus” Cook. Horton is a 1982 graduate of Alcorn State University.

Ponton, is a Monroe, Louisiana native and former Grambling State Lady Tigers coach and three time SWAC Coach of the Year with over 25 years of experience. He was ...

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Williams, Grambling expect to win

Philadelphia, PA - He's only an internet search away, but Doug Williams laughs that some of his Grambling State football players may not know a lot about what he has accomplished within the storied program or during his NFL career.

"Those young guys, sometimes they don't keep up with stuff. They might not," he said, chuckling. "They don't have to embrace me. I think it's important they embrace Grambling - the legacy and the history of Grambling."

There's no escaping that Williams has been a big part of the program that legendary coach Eddie Robinson built, first as a player from 1973-77 and then as Robinson's successor during a six-year coaching tenure from 1998-2003.

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MVSU Unveils Stadium Highlights, Construction Phases

Valley Head Coach Karl Morgan

ITTA BENA – Mississippi Valley State University President Donna H. Oliver unveiled on March 18 an artist’s rendering of the new East Side Grandstands that will be ready for the 2011 Delta Devils football season.

Surrounded by University officials and representatives of the JBHM Architects of Jackson and the Mississippi Bureau of Building, Grounds & Real Property, President Oliver discussed the more than $5.5 million Phase I project, which includes new stadium seating and restrooms.

Evan Johnson & Sons was awarded the bid on March 3. The Brandon company’s total bid is $5,542,400.00 for Phase I completion of the grandstands and restrooms on Aug. 26, a week before the first home game on Sept. 3. The project is funded with bond money provided by the Bureau of Building, Grounds and Real Property Management.

The company will begin major construction on April 4. The overall Phase I project completion date is March 2012.

"This design allows for the opportunity for adding scope to the project in future phases," said Dr. Oliver. "Components of the new design include larger restroom facilities, chairback seating, and a club level deck."

Preplanning and the removal of the existing East Side Stands is near completion, she said.

The East Grandstand will have 5,000 seats, including 500 chairbacks. The seating will have more spacious depth and width as well as improved viewing angles. There will be two circulation aisles in the grandstand.

The concourse under the grandstand will include restrooms, a first aid room, vendor “stalls”, circulation and gathering space, dedicated storage areas and areas for food/merchandise kiosks.


A feature new to the University will be a club-level deck atop the grandstand allowing for a 360-degree view of the Itta Bena campus.
Other improvements include an entrance plaza with signage, dedicated service areas and electrical improvements, including emergency power.

Future projects include an estimated $2 million Phase 2 East Grandstand improvements for the addition of an elevator for ADA use and service access for audio visual and broadcast equipment, the addition of ramp towers at both ends of the grandstand in lieu of stairs, the addition of a roof canopy above the club-level deck, addition of permanent concession stands and ticket booths, and facade improvements of tilt-up concrete panels (to enclose the bleachers), including gates and decorative steel grilles.

 Rice-Totten Stadium Upgrades

Rounding out the Phase 2 would be the addition of high performance epoxy coatings at all structural steel and non-slip concrete walking surfaces.

Other future phase improvements include stadium lighting, scoreboard and audio visual, landscaping and West Side Grandstand improvements.

President Oliver announced the University is seeking an estimated $2 million in private funding to replace west side electrical elements and a new scoreboard with 22’ wide x 12’ high videoboard screen capability, and new public announcement and sound system.

The scoreboard carries an estimated $485,000 price tag. Future stadium lighting improvements carry a nearly $700,000 price tag, which will replace all field lighting and upgrade west-side electrical, including a new service entrance, new transformer and new emergency generator for the lights.

The University unveiled the future Fannie Lou Hamer Way

(GS# 106-235), a pedestrian corridor. The initial pre-planning design phase has been funded and is under way.

The pedestrian corridor will be a mixture of paving materials to include pavers and concrete which will feature “nook” spaces throughout to provide each fraternity and sorority a designated location. Axial focal points will be positioned at each end for sculptures or other “honorary” elements.

In addition to landscaping, Fannie Lou Hamer Waywill feature benches and seat walls, the continuation of new campus lighting with a tie-in to the football stadium’s entrance plaza. “This will allow for a beautiful game day event and tailgating area,” Oliver said.

PHASE 1 HIGHLIGHTS:
Key Components of Design:

• 5,000 seats, including 500 chairbacks.

 More spacious depth and width.

 Improved viewing angles.

• Concourse Under Grandstand:

 Restrooms (64 Toilets, 20 sinks total in 4 restrooms (2 women, 2 men)

 First Aid Room

 Vendor ‘Stalls’

 Circulation and Gathering Space

 Dedicated Storage Areas

 Area(s) for Food/Merchandise

Kiosks

• Club Level Deck atop Grandstand.

• 2 circulation aisles in Grandstand.

• Entrance Plaza with signage.

• Electrical Improvements, including

emergency power.

• Dedicated ‘Service’ Areas.

PHASE 2 PROJECTED COSTS

1. $120,000.00 Add one Elevator.

Accessibility Requirements (ADA) and Service Access for A/V and Television

equipment.

2. $560,000.00 Add Roof Canopy Above Club Level.

Includes lighting for canopy.

3. $1,175,000.00 Add Tilt-Up Concrete Façade panels, including Gates

and Decorative steel grilles.

Add permanent Concession Stands and Ticket Booths.

Add High-Performance Epoxy Coatings at all Structural

Steel and Concrete Walking Surfaces.

Rough-ins for the Façade, Concessions, and Ticket Booths are included in the

current ‘Phase 1’ project.

4. $200,000.00 Add Ramp Towers at both ends of Grandstand (in lieu of

stair access).

$2,055,000.00 Estimated Grand Total of all ‘Phase 2’ Improvements

By MVSU News

---

Baylor sets NCAA record in blowout basketball win over PVAMU

WACO, TX — Brittney Griner and top-seeded Baylor took Prairie View to a record-breaking NCAA tournament low. Griner and Brooklyn Pope each had 17 points as the Lady Bears opened the NCAA tournament at home with the expected lopsided victory, 66-30 Sunday night when Prairie View's miserable shooting translated into the lowest-scoring half ever in the tournament.

Things couldn't have gone any worse for SWAC champion Prairie View (21-12), which missed its first 12 shots before Waco native Robin Jones finally made a layup more than 9 minutes into the game. Baylor (32-2), which plays West Virginia (24-9) on Tuesday night, already had a 16-0 lead by then.

The Lady Bears, who went to the Final Four last season when the 6-foot-8-inch Griner was a freshman, led 34-8 at halftime.

Top-seeded Baylor women pound Prairie View 66-30

WACO - The Prairie View A&M Panthers knew they faced a tall task - literally and figuratively - in the first round of the NCAA Women’s Basketball Tournament. Not only were the SWAC champions the No. 16 seed taking on a No. 1 seed (Baylor), led by 6-8 Nimitz product Brittney Griner, but they’d have to do so on the Bears’ home floor. What the Panthers didn’t expect was to struggle hitting shots - and that ultimately squashed any hopes of an upset.

The Bears eliminated the Panthers with a dominating 66-30 win before 8,368 on Sunday at the Ferrell Center. Baylor (32-2) will meet West Virginia in the second round of the Dallas Region at 8:45 p.m. on Tuesday at the Ferrell Center.

Prairie View's 8 first-half points fewest in NCAAs

WACO, Texas - Prairie View has scored the fewest points ever in a half of an NCAA women's tournament game. The SWAC champion Lady Panthers trailed top-seeded Baylor 34-8 at halftime in the first-round game Sunday night. Prairie View was 3-of-27 shooting in the first half and missed its first 12 shots before Waco native Robin Jones scored on a layup for the Lady Panthers to make it 18-2.

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Bracing for Brittney, Prairie View A&M takes the challenge

PVAMU Coach Toyelle Wilson

WACO, TX — Prairie View A&M had some fun at practice this week trying to simulate what it will take to get off a shot against the Big 12 champion Baylor Lady Bears and 6-8 center Brittney Griner. Assistant coach Rob Amboree, who is 6-5, held up a hitting pad to make the Lady Panthers shoot over it.

PVAMU vs. #1 Baylor
Time: 7:30 p.m. E.T.
TV: ESPN2
Internet: ESPN2 - Click Here

“She alters the game,” first-year Prairie View coach Toyelle Wilson said. “You’ve got to prepare for that.”

Ready or not, 16th-seeded Prairie View will take on No. 1 Baylor on Sunday at 6:40 p.m. in the first round of the NCAA women’s basketball tournament. Going into the unveiling of the bracket earlier this week, Wilson said she was hoping to see her Southwestern Athletic Conference champions matched against a team other than Baylor because of Griner’s potential to make it so difficult to score.

Top-seeded Baylor very good _ and still very young; Griner among 9 Lady Bears’ underclassmen

WACO, Texas — Baylor went to the Final Four last season when Brittney Griner was a freshman. This time, the Lady Bears are a No. 1 seed for the first time with freshman starting point guard Odyssey Sims.  The Big 12 champions are very good — and still very young.

The 6-foot-8 Griner is among seven sophomores for the Lady Bears (31-2), who open the NCAA tournament against SWAC champion Prairie View (21-11) on Sunday night at home, where they are 19-0 this season.

Gifted Griner Wants to Do Even More for Baylor

Brittney Griner has already had an impact on women's basketball like few players before her. The 6-foot-8 Griner can dunk, rebound, block shots and alter games with her imposing presence in the lane. Yet as dominating as she has been in her two seasons for the Baylor Lady Bears, she isn't so sure she has lived up to the billing.

"I don't think I'm as good as what everybody says I am," Griner said. "I think I'm alright."

Baylor has already been to a Final Four with Griner, making it last year when she was a freshman on a team that had lost its top four scorers from the previous season. This year, the Lady Bears were Big 12 regular season and tournament champions and are a No. 1 seed in the NCAA tournament for the first time.

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Different looks highlight final scrimmage for Southern

Baton Rouge, LA - This was a good way for Casey Narcisse to announce his grand return. Friday night, long after sunlight had disappeared from A.W. Mumford Stadium, the Southern football team had one more play left in its final spring scrimmage.

Narcisse, a short-but-large defensive tackle who takes pride in playing with passion, suffered a torn knee ligament last October in a loss to Prairie View — one of many losses in Stump Mitchell’s first season as the Jaguars coach.

Back in action after surgery and rehab, Narcisse found himself in the flat, near the sideline, where a pass from quarterback Dray Joseph was zeroing in on tailback Dallas Fort. All at once, the ball, Fort and Narcisse met.

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Alabama A&M hoops coach Vann Pettaway out after 25 years

Coach Vann Pettaway ends AAMU
era with a 453-279 record

HUNTSVILLE, Alabama -- Vann Pettaway is expected to resign early next week, ending his 25-year tenure as Alabama A&M's men's basketball coach, The Times has learned.

Attempts to confirm Pettaway's resignation with A&M president Dr. Andrew Hugine, athletics director Betty Austin and Pettaway were unsuccessful by The Times.

Sources say Pettaway asked school officials to allow him to talk to his team before an official announcement is released. That meeting is expected to take place Monday night. An official announcement is expected to be made Monday or Tuesday.

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Scrimmage to wrap up Southern U. spring

The Southern University football team will wrap up spring practice with its final scrimmage at 6 p.m. Friday in A.W. Mumford Stadium, and make no mistake:

The Jaguars have plenty of questions to answer if they plan on improving.

They’re coming off a 2-9 record in their first year under Stump Mitchell, finishing last in the Southwestern Athletic Conference Western Division.

They came into the spring with two new assistants — offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach Gerald Carr and defensive line coach Tayrone Odums.

SU set for final scrimmage of spring

The Southern football team will wrap up spring practice with its final scrimmage at 6 p.m. Friday in A.W. Mumford Stadium.

The Jaguars, coming off a 2-9 record in their first season under Stump Mitchell, started spring practice Feb. 21 with two new assistants: offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach Gerald Carr and defensive line coach Tayrone Odums.

Southern has also practiced without several veterans, including quarterback Jeremiah McGinty, who’s nursing an injury to his left (nonthrowing) shoulder.

SU opens its schedule next season Sept. 3 in Nashville, Tenn., against Tennessee State.

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Videographer: AaronMychael; 2011 NFL Draft Prospect Jordan Miller - DT - Southern U. Pro Day

ASU can't battle back from slow start in NCAA tournament game

DAYTON, Ohio -- Ala­bama State was hoping to make history on Wednes­day night.

Those dreams fell apart quickly against Texas-San Antonio. The Roadrunners roared out to a 27-point halftime lead to earn the team's first NCAA Tour­nament victory, hanging on for a 70-61 win over the Hornets in the "First Four" at the University of Dayton Arena.

Texas-San Antonio (20-13) will face the tour­nament's No. 1 overall seed, Ohio State, on Fri­day in Cleveland.

Texas San Antonio wins 'First Four' game

DAYTON, Ohio — Shot by shot, Melvin Johnson III played up to his penmanship. The smooth guard with "SWISH" scrawled on the side of each orange shoe scored a career-high 29 points Wednesday night, putting on the most scintillating show so far in the NCAA tournament while leading Texas San Antonio to a 70-61 victory over Alabama State in the "First Four" round.

The Roadrunners (20-13) and their smooth guard head to Cleveland for a game Friday against top-seeded Ohio State, which won't allow all those open shots.  Against Alabama State (17-18), Johnson took advantage of...

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Top-seeded Buffaloes slam Texas Southern Tigers 88-74

BOULDER, Colo. — If there was going to be a chance for Texas Southern to sneak up on Colorado, it came with five minutes left in the first half Wednesday night.

The Tigers trailed by three points, the crowd of 6,299 at the Coors Event Center was mostly quiet and the Buffaloes looked every bit like a team snubbed for a spot in the NCAA Tournament.

“We thought we had the game,” TSU forward Travele Jones said. Colorado pulled away just before halftime and cruised to an 88-74 victory over TSU in the first round of the National Invitation Tournament.

Snubbed Buffaloes pick up NIT victory

BOULDER - Alec Burks had 27 points and seven rebounds, Cory Higgins scored 25 points and the top-seeded Buffaloes beat Texas Southern 88-74 in the first round of the National Invitation Tournament on Wednesday night.

Freshman Andre Roberson had 15 points and eight rebounds for the Buffaloes (22-13), who will face California - a 77-74 winner over Mississippi on Wednesday - in Boulder on Friday night.

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Today's NCAA Tournament: Alabama State vs. UTSA

No. 16 Texas-San Antonio (19-13) vs. No. 16 Alabama State (17-17)
WHEN/WHERE: 5:40 p.m.CDT, Dayton, Ohio
TELEVISION: truTV Channel



A CLOSER LOOK: Texas-San Antonio likes a fast pace; Alabama State tries to keep games low-scoring. The winner will be the team that imposes its will. Alabama State was an upset winner of the SWAC Tournament. The Hornets have an RPI of No. 257 but have won 11 of 12 games. The Roadrunners upset McNeese State in winning the Southland tournament title. Area hoops fans might remember Texas-San Antonio coach Brooks Thompson, who played at Oklahoma State in the early 1990s before a short NBA career. The winner meets top-seeded Ohio State in the East Region.

Alabama State has tourney's worst record

Alabama State reached the NCAA tournament with a lousy record and a remarkable turnaround. The Hornets (17-17) have the worst record in the 68-team field. Everyone else has more wins than losses.

Alabama State must win its first-round game on Wednesday night against Texas-San Antonio (19-13) to improve to a winning record. Their reward? Heading up to Cleveland to try to knock off top-seeded Ohio State.

Roadrunners battle Hornets in "First Four" encounter

Dayton, OH (Sports Network) - Day two of the inaugural "Field of 68" play-in format for the 2011 NCAA Tournament has the champions of the Southland Conference, Texas-San Antonio, squaring off against the Southwestern Athletic Conference champs, Alabama State, from Dayton, Ohio.

Dubbed the "First Four", Wednesday's matchup is the third of four games over two days at UD Arena as part of the NCAA's re-formatted expansion of the traditional 64-team field. The winner of this matchup moves on to face the tournament's top overall seed, Ohio State, in the East Region Friday in Cleveland, Ohio at Quicken Loans Arena.

ASU basketball: White works to get job done for Hornets

Ivory White spends the first few minutes of every basketball game trying to figure out how he can help his Alabama State team­mates. Need an offensive spark? White is your guy. Looking for someone to shut down the high-octane perimeter offense of your opponent? Call on White.

Hoping someone can bol­ster your inside game with a few rebounds and help speed up the transition game? Then the junior guard from Greensboro is the perfect answer to your problems.

Duncan sparks Hornets' streak

Chris Duncan came to Alabama State with one thing on his mind.

And while he has excelled at defense in his two years with the Hornets, he has started to understand his value to the team as an offensive performer. The Hornets have won six consecutive games, transforming from a team that had underachieved and showed little chemistry to one that has dreams of earning an NCAA tournament bid.

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