Sunday, February 28, 2016

Wiley Wildcats clinch tournament berth with victory over Huston-Tillots

AUSTIN, Texas – The Wiley College men's basketball team guaranteed itself one more basketball game, as it clinched a spot in the Red River Athletics Conference Tournament with a 76-68 victory over Huston-Tillotson Saturday.

The Wildcats (16-11, 8-10 in RRAC) limited Huston Tillotson, which averages 93 points per game, to 37 percent shooting. Wiley held Shai Fields, who is the top scorer in the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics, to 14 points on 15 shot attempts.

"We made sure we knew where Fields was at all times," coach Jameus Hartsfield said. "He's a really good offensive player and the team feeds off him."

Wiley College made 48 percent of its field goal attempts and made seven of its 15 3-point attempts. The Wildcats led 37-28 at halftime. In the second half, Wiley led by as many as 19 and led by double digits most of the half.

Kevondric Davis (SO/Shreveport, LA) led all scorers with 17 points. Patrick Banks (JR/Jackson, MS) had his most productive game of the season, as he recorded a double-double with 16 points and 16 rebounds off the bench.

"Banks played as if it was do or die situation," Hartsfield said. "I've challenged him to bring that same energy through the tournament."

George Page (JR/Winnfield, LA), who is a RRAC First Team All-Conference candidate and Terrell Guy Jr. (SR/Houston, TX) finished in double figures with 16 and 12 points, respectively. Andre Jackson (SO/Natchitoches, LA) recorded a game-high eight assists.

The Wildcats will play in the first round of the Red River Athletics Conference Tournament on Thursday. Opponent and time is to be determined.

FULL STATS

COURTESY WILEY COLLEGE ATHLETICS MEDIA RELATIONS

Lincoln to Host Emporia State in MIAA Tourney First Round



2016 Senior Day Ceremony Photo Gallery

JEFFERSON CITY, Missouri --  The Lincoln men's basketball team earned the No. 7 seed in the 2016 MIAA Tournament and will host No. 10 Emporia State in a first round game on Tuesday (March 1) at 7:00 p.m. CST.

The Blue Tigers tied for fifth in the final MIAA standings with an 11-11 conference record, and finished the season 15-13 overall. Emporia State, meanwhile, ended the year 13-15 overall and 10-12 in MIAA play. Lincoln swept the regular season series, beating the Hornets 71-65 in Emporia, Kan. on Jan. 2 before winning a 76-70 decision against ESU on Feb. 13.

The winner of Tuesday night's game will advance to Kansas City to play No. 2 Nebraska-Kearney on Friday (March 4) at 2:15 p.m. CST.

Complete 2016 MIAA Men's Basketball Tournament Bracket

Tickets for Tuesday night's game in Jason Gym will cost $10 for adults and $5 for students, while children six and under will receive free admission. Due to this being a postseason contest, tickets for Lincoln students, with a valid ID, will cost $5. Normal regular season MIAA rules will apply to the contest, with the exception that media timeouts will occur every four minutes instead of every five. As usual, live stats and video will be available at http://portal.stretchinternet.com/lincoln/.

This will be the first postseason appearance of any kind for Lincoln since the 1986-87 season, and it will mark the first time either LU basketball team has hosted a playoff game since the MIAA began playing first round games at campus sites in 2012-13.



Dan Carr, Assistant AD for Media Relations
LINCOLN UNIVERSITY BLUE TIGERS ATHLETIC MEDIA RELATIONS

TSU Track and Field Places Third at OVC Indoor Championship

NASHVILLE, Tennessee – The Tennessee State men’s track and field team earned a third place finish at the Ohio Valley Conference Indoor Championship on Saturday at the Gentry Center. 15 different athletes scored points in individual events on the day for TSU.
 
With a score of 132.5, the Flying Tigers finished just 7.5 points behind first-place Eastern Illinois (140 points), while Southeast Missouri took second with 134 points.
 
Quamel Prince (Nashville, Tenn.) won gold in the 800m with a new OVC Indoor Championship record time of 1:49.80, finishing nearly three seconds ahead of the runner-up. The time beats the old meet record of 1:50.03 set by Murray State’s Stevon Roberts at the 1992 Championship. The time is also the best Prince has run indoors in his collegiate career.
The Flying Tigers added four individual silver medals on the day to go with a silver in the 4x400m relay.
 
Shawn Harris (Memphis, Tenn.) took second in the 55m hurdles (7.73), while Malik Wright (Tampa, Fla.) clocked in at 21.88 in the 200m to finish in second. In the field events, Marc McCoy (Tampa, Fla.) set a new personal record in the triple jump with a mark of 15.25m to take second, and Kyle Washington-Scott (St. Louis, Mo.) came up with a throw of 16.68m to earn a silver medal in the shot put.
 
TSU’s 4x400m relay squad comprised of Jason Griffin (Gallatin, Tenn.), Jontue McDowell (Jacksonville, Fla.), Prince and Wright put together the event’s second-fastest time of 3:15.87.
 
Tennessee State added three bronze medals on the day, good for six points apiece toward team scoring. Griffin clocked in third in the 55m hurdles (7.74), Shaquille Cragwall (Lebanon, Tenn.) took third in the triple jump (15.13m) and Roc-M Nesbitt (Atlanta, Ga.) threw the shot put 16.19m for a bronze medal.
 
In fourth place in their respective events on the day were Kareem Nicholas (Atlanta, Ga.) in the triple jump (15.13m), Wright in the 400m (48.93), Kenji Anderson (Cordova, Tenn.) in the heptathlon (4488) and James Stewart (Nashville, Tenn.) in the 200m (22.32).
 
OVC INDOOR CHAMPIONSHIP RESULTS
1) Eastern Illinois 140
2) SE Missouri 134
3) Tennessee State 132.5
4) Eastern Kentucky 99
5) SIU-Edwardsville 87
6) Belmont 64.5

COMPLETE RESULTS
PHOTO GALLERY - BY SAM JORDAN
PHOTO GALLERY - BY KATHERINE SEGHERS

COURTESY TENNESSEE STATE UNIVERSITY SPORTS INFORMATION

CHAMPIONS! TSU Tigerbelles Capture Fifth OVC Indoor Championship

NASHVILLE, Tennessee Powered by nine top three individual finishes on Saturday at the Gentry Center, the Tennessee State women’s track and field team earned its fifth Ohio Valley Conference Indoor Championship, besting the field with 124 points. TSU Head Coach Chandra Cheeseborough-Guice won her fifth OVC Indoor Coach of the Year award on the women’s side on the day.
 
The Tigerbelles, which also won the OVC Indoor Championship in 2002, 2003, 2008 and 2014, finished 25 points ahead of Eastern Illinois in second place with 99 points.
 


Amber Hughes (Atlanta, Ga.) won three individual gold medals on the day, posting first-place finishes in the 200m (24.16), 55m hurdles (7.62) and triple jump (13.35m). She tacked on a fourth-place performance in the 55m (6.96). 
 
Hughes set a new meet record in the triple jump with a distance of 13.35m, tying for the fourth-best in Division I this season. The effort tops her previous career best of 13.29m from the Gladstein Invitational. The previous meet record was 13.00m by SIUE’s Jatavia Wright in 2014.
 
In the Tigerbelles’ other top finish on the day, the 4x400m relay team turned in a record-setting first place time of 3:42.35. Hughes teamed with Clairwin Dameus (Boynton Beach, Fla.), Kayla Pryor (Ellenwood, Ga.) and Christian Pryor (Ellenwood, Ga.) to break the old OVC Indoor Championship record time of 3:42.73 set by TSU in 2014.
 
Dameus added crucial points to TSU’s total by winning silver medals in the 55m (6.95) and the 55m hurdles (7.68) to equal 16 points.
 
Helping the Tigerbelles complete the sweep in the triple jump, Amber Townsend (Atlanta, Ga.) captured the silver medal with a jump of 12.53m, while Cyra Beard (Jackson, Tenn.) took home the bronze in third place (12.43m). The jumps were both new personal records for Townsend and Beard.  
Crystal Williams (Gainesville, Fla.) added another medal, winning bronze in the 55m hurdles (7.95), while Christian Pryor gave TSU five points thanks to her fourth place finish in the 800m (2:13.40). The time was the best of Pryor’s indoor career.
 
COMPLETE RESULTS
PHOTO GALLERY - BY SAM JORDAN
PHOTO GALLERY - BY KATHERINE SEGHERS
 
OVC INDOOR CHAMPIONSHIP RESULTS
1) Tennessee St. 124

2) Eastern Illinois 99
3) Eastern Kentucky 74
4) Murray State 68
5) Austin Peay 63
6) SE Missouri 56
7) SIU-Edwardsville 53
8) Tennessee Tech 49
9) Jacksonville St. 47
10) Belmont 30
 
 COURTESY TENNESSEE STATE UNIVERSITY SPORTS INFORMATION

Virginia Union Wins CIAA Women's Basketball Championship with Late Rally Over Shaw, 70-66


CHARLOTTE, North Carolina -- Virginia Union used a late 10-2 fourth quarter rally to down Shaw 70-66 to win their second title in program history.

Virginia Union (25-2) held Shaw (24-7) in check for the final 3:30 of the contest, thanks to the Panther duo of Kiana Johnson and Lady Walker, who contributed all 10 VUU points on the championship-clinching run.

As a team, Virginia Union shot 34.6% (27-78) from the field and 28.1% (9-32) from three point range. Shaw returned a 32.4% (22-68) shooting percentage and the normally reliable Bears managed only a 15.0% (2-20) outing from long range.

Northern Division top seeded Virginia Union wasted no time in solidifying the early first quarter lead, as they vaulted to the early 10-3 lead capped by a Taylor White jumper. Shaw quickly erased the seven point deficit when Eboni Ross and Kaula Jacks scored on consecutive possessions to draw even at 10-10 at the 3:03 mark. Over the final stages of the first quarter, Shaw was able to take the 11-10 lead after a Tabatha Anderson free throw, but VUU's Kiana Johnson regained the lead for the Panthers at 13-11 when she cashed in from long range.

In the second quarter, the teams battled through three lead changes as neither team could pull away. Virginia Union gained a three point advantage at the 8:01 mark when Kiana Johnson nailed a three-pointer, but Shaw's Fantasha Tyson equaled that shot with one of her own with 6:18 left to again tie the score at 21-21. VUU would then take the lead on a Taylor White free throw and would made it a three point game at 26-23 when Johnson connected for another basket with 3:04 to play.

Shaw's Kaula Jacks would pull the Bears to within one (28-27) after a jumper at 2:08. After forcing a VUU turnover, Eboni Ross gave Shaw the 29-28 lead after a layup with 25 seconds left and was fouled on the play by Lady Walker. Ross would hit the free throw to extend Shaw's lead to 30-28, a mark that they would take into the halftime break, as Virginia Union could not get another shot off in the half.

After Ross extended the Shaw lead to 31-28 on a free throw at the start of the third quarter, the Panthers' Johnson would connect from long range to tie it once again, this time at 31-31.

Tied at 41-41 at the 4:52 mark, Shaw would go on a 6-0 run over the next 1:40 to take a 47-41 lead after Aaliyah Mercer converted a free throw. Virginia Union again made a big play, this time from Lady Walker, as she cut the Bear lead to 47-44, after knocking down a layup while getting fouled, and she added the free throw for the three-point play.

After a Shaw free throw on the other end, Kiana Johnson launched a deep three pointer that again trimmed the Bears' lead to 47-48 with 2:34 to play. Shaw again pushed the ball inside, earning a foul and Eboni Ross canned both free throws to go up 50-47. Following the free throws, Virginia Union connected from deep again, this time from Zana Godoy, tying the game again, at 50-50. Shaw would then get baskets from Jacks and Ross to close the quarter, with the Bears holding the 54-52 advantage.

Shaw kept the Panthers at bay through much of the fourth quarter, as they matched Virginia Union basket by basket until Kiana Johnson dropped in a three pointer at the 2:43 mark and was fouled. Her free throw rimmed out and Shaw clinged to the 64-63 lead. Following a media timeout with 2:30 to go, the Panthers turned it over with 1:43 left, giving Shaw a chance to extend their lead. After a missed three-pointer and an official's review, Virginia Union retained possession and Lady Walker gave VUU the 65-64 lead in traffic with 1:04 remaining.

In the midst of VUU pressure, they forced a turnover and foul with 50.3 left. CIAA Player of the Year Kiana Johnson splashed a huge three-pointer that gave VUU the 68-64 lead. Shaw then was able to get a layup from Eboni Ross to trim the lead to 68-66 with 7.0 seconds remaining. After the Bears called timeout, Virginia Union called timeout to set up their offense. After two Shaw fouls that put VUU in the bonus, Lady Walker stepped to the line and calmly hit both shots to make it 70-66, still with 7.0 seconds to play.

Following a full timeout by Shaw, the Bears three point attempt was short and VUU secured the rebound to earn their second CIAA Championship.

VUU's Kiana Johnson was named Tournament MVP while teammates Rahni Bell and Lady Walker earned All-Tournament honors. Shaw's Kaula Jacks, Eboni Ross, and Tabatha Anderson also received All-tournament plaudits.

With the win Virginia Union earns the CIAA's automatic bid to the 2016 NCAA Division II Tournament. The Official brackets will be unveiled on March 6 at 10:00 p.m. during the selection show at NCAA.com.

PHOTOS

BOX SCORE

2016 CIAA All-Tournament Team
Kiana Johnson Virginia Union - MVP

Shaw -  Tabatha Anderson
Virginia Union - Rahni Bell
Bowie State - Kiara Colston
Livingstone - Amber Curtis
Chowan - Alisha Mobley
Shaw- Kaula Jacks
JCSU - Asha Jordan
Shaw - Eboni Ross
VUU - Lady Walker

John B. McLendon Sportsmanship Award
Elizabeth City State University

COURTESY CIAA MEDIA RELATIONS

Virginia State Shuts Down Livingstone for CIAA Championship Title


CHARLOTTE, North Carolina --  Guard-forward Javon Moore scored 30 points and guard Kevin Williams added 24 points as Virginia State took charge in the second half to dethrone Livingstone 89-79 for the CIAA Tournament Men's Basketball Championship at Time Warner Cable Arena on Saturday, Feb. 27, 2016.

The Trojans used a 12-0 opening run in the second half to win their first title since claiming back-to-back championships in 1989 and 1988. They outscored the two-time defending champions 54-43 in the second half after trailing 36-35 at halftime.

"I'm just so proud of my guys," said Trojans' Head Coach Lonnie Blow, Jr., who became the first coach in history to lead two different teams to CIAA men's basketball titles. "We set a goal earlier in the season to be conference champions. In August, we were weightlifting and getting up early, conditioning and doing things like that with this day in mind."

The Trojans (22-5 overall), who earned the league's automatic bid to the NCAA Division II Tournament, were the best team in the CIAA during the regular season. They entered the CIAA Tournament ranked seventh in the Atlantic Region, and will await their national tournament seeding on the NCAA selection show, which will air March 6 on NCAA.com at 10 p.m.

The Trojans also proved they were the best team in the tournament, winning three games in three nights by an average of 11.7 points. They put the Blue Bears in a hole early in the second half, and the Blue Bears, playing their fourth game in four nights, never led again.

"For the most part [this season], we were consistent with our effort and consistent with our execution," Blow said. "We are one unit, and that's the way we play."

The Trojans appeared to be in control of the first half after taking a 30-24 lead, but a late run put the Blue Bears ahead 36-35 at halftime. Williams says the talk in the Trojans' locker room at halftime centered around one topic.

"Defense, Defense, Defense!" said Williams, the tournament MVP. "We didn't say nothing about offense."

Williams scored 19 points and Javon Moore scored 16 points in the second half as the Trojans knocked the Blue Bears off balance with a flurry of points. The Trojans led 47-36 at the 15:04 mark, and padded their lead to 64-49 with 8:45 remaining on Javon Moore's free throw off his steal.

Led by guard Daryl Traynham, the Blue Bears had some fight left. Traynham scored 10 points during a 12-2 run to get his squad within five points. His three-pointer pulled the Blue Bears within 66-61 with 5:57 left.

The Trojans responded with their own run to put the game out of reach. Williams made two free throws for an 84-71 lead with 58 seconds remaining, capping an 18-10 run. The Trojans connected on 10 of 13 free throws during that span.

BOX SCORE

The trio of Waymond Wright, Elijah Moore and Cyonte Melvin each scored eight points for the Trojans. Tyler Peterson chipped in seven points.

Traynham and forward Ty Newman both came off the bench to score 29 points and 21 points, respectively, for the Blue Bears, the No. 4 Southern Division seed whose season ended at 15-16 overall. Juwan Cole added 11 points.

The Blue Bears were playing their fourth game in four nights, but Newman says that wasn't the reason they fell to the Trojans.

"They were hungry," Newman said. "They looked like the best team in the conference in the second half."

The Trojans' trio of Williams, Javon Moore and forward Elijah Moore in addition to the Blue Bears' threesome of Traynham, Newman and guard Eric Debose were named to the All-CIAA Tournament team after the contest. The other All-Tourney players were guard Ray Anderson of Virginia Union, guard Ahmaad Wilson of Bowie State, guard Anthony Gaskins of Saint Augustine's and guard Joshua Dawson of Fayetteville State. Johnson C. Smith won the CIAA Men's Team Sportsmanship Award.

PHOTO GALLERY

CIAA Tournament MVP

Kevin Williams, Virginia State

CIAA All-Tournament Team

Ray Anderson, Virginia Union

Ahmaad Wilson, Bowie State

Daryl Traynham, Livingstone

Kevin Williams, Virginia State

Ty Newman, Livingstone

Elijah Moore, Virginia State

Eric Dubose, Livingstone

Anthony Gaskins, Saint Augustine's

Javon Moore, Virginia State

Joshua Dawson, Fayetteville State

CIAA Men's Team Sportsmanship Award

Johnson C. Smith

COURTESY CIAA MEDIA RELATIONS

Queens street will be named in honor of Knicks/TSU great Anthony Mason

NEW YORK, New York --  He’s some good news for Knicks fans.

A Queens street will be named in honor of late Knicks great Anthony Mason, who died nearly a year ago after suffering a massive heart attack.

A section of 147th St. between 123rd Ave. and Rockaway Blvd. will be co-named “Anthony Mason Way,” after the City Council last week approved a proposal to rename 42 streets throughout the city.



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Sawyer Betts & Brian Davis Shine as FAMU Baseball Splits with Jackson State

By: Florida A&M Sports Information  
JACKSON, Mississippi – Florida A&M (2-2) snapped a three-game losing streak by beating Jackson State (2-2) 15-2 in game two of Saturday’s doubleheader at Bob Braddy Field. JSU won game one by a score of 4-3. In game two, Brian Davis drove in seven runs while going 3-for-5 with two runs scored. Davis belted his first home run of the season in the ninth inning and had a three-run double in the seventh inning. Game 2 starting pitcher Sawyer Betts (2-0) worked eight strong innings and allowed just two runs (one earned) with seven strikeouts and no walks for the win. The last time FAMU had a player record seven RBI in a game was Brian Braxton against Coppin State on March 27, 2004.

Alec Wong scored two runs while going 2-for-3 with an RBI, while Marlon Gibbs also had a multi-hit performance going 2-for-5 with an RBI and two runs scored. Peter Jackson recorded two doubles in the win with two RBI and two runs scored as the Rattler offense tallied 12 hits.

Brandon Fleming (0-1) suffered the game one loss for FAMU after being responsible for the go ahead run in the eighth inning. Fleming allowed one run on one hit.

In game one, JSU scored first with a run in the bottom of the first inning. Bryce Brown led off with a walk on four pitches and stole second as Lamar Briggs went down swinging. Brown would score on Carlos Diaz’s RBI double to left. Tony Holton then grounded into a 5-4-3 double play to end the inning for the Tigers.

The Rattlers answered with two runs in the top of the second inning on Jacky Miles, Jr.’s two-run single to take a 2-1 lead. Davis and Dylan Dillard led off the Rattler second inning with back-to-back walks before Ben Ellzey moved both runners up a base with a sac bunt. Miles, Jr. then plated both runners with a two-run single back up the middle.

Florida A&M pushed its’ lead to 3-1 with a single run in the fourth inning. After a Davis groundout, Dillard and Ellzey were both hit-by-pitch in back-to-back at bats to put runners on first and second. Miles Jr. would reach on a fielder’s choice, off the glove of the shortstop, but Dillard was thrown out at third on a force out. Ellzey would later come around to score from second on Hutson’s RBI single to center.

Jackson State got a run back in the fifth inning to cut the FAMU lead to 3-2. Anthony Stricklin led off with a triple into left center and scored on Cornelius Copeland’s sac fly to left field.

In the sixth inning, the Tigers tied the game at 3-3. Jesus Santana drew a one-out walk and went to third on Holton’s single up the middle. CJ Newsome then reached on a bunt single back to the pitcher to load the bases and Santana later scored as Sam Campbell drew a bases loaded walk to tie the game at 3-3. With the bases still loaded, Stricklin grounded into a 4-6-3 double play to end the inning.

JSU would score the go ahead run in the bottom of the eighth inning in what proved to be the final score of 4-3. Holton reached on a bunt single and went to second on an errant throw to first from Brandon Fleming. Newsome was then hit-by-pitch and Campbell moved the runners up a base with a sacrifice bunt. Copeland then reached on a fielder’s choice which allowed Holton to score the go ahead run.

FAMU had a chance in the top of the ninth inning with the tying run on second and the go ahead run on first, but was unable to get the runs home. Ellzey led off the ninth with a single up the middle and Peter Jackson then came in to pinch run for Ellzey at first base. Miles, Jr. put down a sac bunt to move Jackson to second and with two outs, Cameron Johnson drew a pinch hit walk, but Gibbs went down on strikes to end the game.

Jackson State reliever Rene Colon (1-0) earned the win after closing out theseventh inning and pitching a scoreless eighth inning. Colon only allowed one hit with one strikeout.

In game 2, the Rattlers scored quick and often.  FAMU scored first for a two run lead, in the second inning, on Miles, Jr. two run double. Davis drew a leadoff walk and Ellzey was hit-by-pitch to put runners at first and second with no outs. Dillard advanced the runners with a sacifice bunt before Miles, Jr. roped a two-run double into left center that gave FAMU the early lead.

The Tigers picked up a run in the bottom of the second inning as Santana led off the inning with a solo home run to make the score 2-1.

Florida A&M increased its’ lead to 4-1 with two more runs in the third inning. Gibbs led off with a walk and Wong was hit-by-pitch as runners were on first and second with no outs for the second straight inning. Gibbs was then thrown out at third as Gordon reached on a fielder’s choice bunt trying to advance the runners. Davis then came through by scoring Wong from second on an RBI single through the left side. Gordon later scored the second run of the inning on Ellzey’s sac fly to center,

The Rattlers added two more runs in the fourth inning to make the score 6-1. Jackson doubled to right with two outs and Gibbs singled down the right line to score Jackson. Gibbs advanced to second on the throw, took third on a wild pitch and scored on Wong’s RBI single to give Florida A&M a five-run advantage.

FAMU’s scored for the fourth straight inning, this time with three runs in the fifth inning that made the score 9-1. Ellzey singled with one out, Dillard walked and Miles Jr. was hit-by-pitch to load the bases. AJ Elkins drove in Ellzey with a sacrifice fly to left and Jackson then recorded his second double of the game, in as many at bats, to plate two more runs and push the Rattler lead to eight.

JSU scored their final run of the game, to make the score 9-2, with an unearned run in the bottom of the fifth inning. Briggs reached on an error and a double down the right line from Campbell put runners on second and third with no outs. After a strikeout, David Burke grounded out to second to plate Briggs for the unearned run.

Florida A&M scored a single run in the sixth inning and three more runs in the seventh inning, on Davis’ three-run double to left, to put the game out of reach at 13-2.
The Rattlers added two final runs in the ninth inning as Davis blasted his first home of the season, a two-run shot to deep right, for the 15-2 final.

Tiger starting pitcher Miguel Yrigoyen (1-1) took the loss after giving up eight runs on six hits in 4.1 innings of work. Yrigoyen walked three batters and had two strikeouts.

Florida A&M and Jackson State close out the three-game series on Sunday at 1:00 PM at Bob Braddy Field.

As always, fans can follow Rattler Baseball on Twitter @BaseballFAMU and on Facebook, while live stats will be available via www.FAMUAthletics.com on the baseball schedule page.

Former coaches: Jackson State expects championships

JACKSON, Mississippi -- Only four days had passed since his introduction as Jackson State's head coach, but Tony Hughes was already well aware of what awaited him.

"At Jackson State, there’s nothing else acceptable except winning championships or playing for championships, that’s the standard. Getting this program back to that point is the only thing really acceptable," Hughes said. "If I was going to a program and the standard is a winning season, then it’s a different mentality. Or the standard of the program is let's be competitive every year, that’s a different standard. People around here don’t want to hear that. And I know that coming here, that’s why I took the challenge."

Hughes has yet to face the test of the regular season. He won't guide the Tigers, who went 3-8 in 2015 and have not won a SWAC championship since 2007, through their first day of spring practice until late March.

While Hughes waits to begin his first season, The Clarion-Ledger caught up with all of the living former Jackson State coaches who have coached the Tigers since 1964 — Rod Paige, Bob Hill, W.C. Gorden, James Bell, Rick Comegy and Harold Jackson. All but Comegy, who is currently rival Mississippi Valley State's coach, spoke with The Clarion-Ledger for this story.

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Gold Nuggets defeat Dillard, will get rematch Friday


NEW ORLEANS — Whitney Gathright's second double-double of the season and Jasmine Bush's three free throws with 53 seconds remaining helped Xavier University of Louisiana defeat Dillard 63-57 Saturday in Gulf Coast Athletic Conference women's basketball.
    
The Gold Nuggets (19-11, 7-5) and Lady Bleu Devils (9-17, 4-8) will be rematched Friday in the opening round of the GCAC Tournament at SUNO. Xavier is seeded third, and Dillard is sixth. The GCAC will announce game times Sunday.
    
Gathright, who had 17 points and 11 rebounds, made a 3-pointer with 2:53 remaining to put Xavier ahead to stay, 55-54. After three consecutive scoreless possessions, Bush extended the Gold Nuggets' lead to 58-54 when she drew a foul on a 3-point attempt with three seconds remaining on the shot clock. Bush made all the free throws, and they were her only points of the game.
 
 "I drew contact, and I played it well," Bush said. "I was calm, I was ready for it. I had been practicing free throws all week for it."
    
Dillard trailed 23-14 after one quarter and 31-28 at halftime but took a 42-36 lead on Shaelynn Moore's two free throws at 2:23 of the third quarter. Xavier rallied to lead 46-44 at the end of the period.
    
Trana Hopkins had 14 points, seven rebounds and three steals for Xavier, and Ariel Sneed had a career-high-tying seven points and a career-best nine rebounds in her first start for the Gold Nuggets.
    
Dillard outshot Xavier 39.3 to 27.3 percent from the floor, but the Gold Nuggets made 22-of-29 free throws to Dillard's 7-of-13. Xavier outrebounded Dillard 58-28 and used a season-best 26 offensive rebounds to produce an 11-0 advantage in second-chance points.
    
Alyssa Washington scored 15 points, Alena Evans 12, Moore 11 and Keona Favis 10 for Dillard. Shantrell Lumar had a career-high 11 assists. Dillard is 0-5, including two home losses, since winning 57-52 at Xavier Feb. 6.

BOX SCORE

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

www.facebook.com/xulagold 

Bleu Devils prevail 67-63 in OT against Gold Rush


NEW ORLEANS — Demetric Austin had 24 points and 14 rebounds, and Jesse Ward scored six points in overtime Saturday to help NAIA No. 25 Dillard edge Xavier University of Louisiana 67-63 in Gulf Coast Athletic Conference men's basketball at Dillard's Dent Hall.
    
The Bleu Devils (18-10, 8-4) secured No. 2 seed for the conference tournament, which will begin Friday. The Gold Rush (19-11, 6-6) will be seeded fourth.
    
Ward's basket at 4:40 of overtime put Dillard ahead to stay, 56-54. Xavier had two chances to tie in the final 20 seconds but missed a shot on one possession and committed a turnover on the other. Austin and teammate Dennis Hightower made 1-of-2 free throws apiece to close the scoring.
    
Austin also had four assists, a block and three steals, and the double-double was his GCAC-leading 10th of the season and second against Xavier. Ward finished with 12 points, and Dennis Reed had eight points and eight rebounds.
    
Morris Wright had 18 points, five assists and two steals for Xavier. Gary Smith scored 13 points, and RJ Daniels had seven points, seven rebounds and three assists. Chris Ward and Elex Carter grabbed seven rebounds apiece.
    
In the second half, Dillard rallied from a 44-35 deficit to take a 54-52 lead on a Montrey Thomas basket — his only points of the game — with 16 seconds remaining. Smith tied the score and forced overtime with a basket with 7.7 seconds remaining.
    
Xavier outshot Dillard 49 to 33.3 percent from the floor, but the Bleu Devils made 21-of-30 free throws to Xavier's 10-of-17. Dillard outrebounded Xavier 46-29 and had advantages of 23-4 in offensive rebounds and 16-0 in second-chance points. The Gold Rush limited Dillard to its fourth-lowest point total of the season and nearly 20 points below the Bleu Devils' season scoring average of 85.2.
    
Jesse Ward's basket at 9:24 of the first half gave Dillard a 20-13 lead, but a Kevin Murph 3-pointer in the 17th minute started a 10-2 run that gave the Gold Rush a 33-27 lead at halftime.
    
Dillard defeated its longtime city and GCAC rival for the first time since 2013 and the first time on its home floor since 2001. Xavier had won six straight overall and 11 straight at Dent Hall against the Bleu Devils. Xavier leads the series 84-50.
    
Xavier will return to Dillard to play fifth-seeded Tougaloo Friday in the opening round of the GCAC Tournament. The GCAC will announce starting times Sunday.

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Ed Cassiere, Sports Information Director
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XAVIER UNIVERSITY OF LOUISIANA 
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Jackson State toughs out win against MVSU

JACKSON, Mississippi -- Jackson State has never really concerned itself with winning pretty.

That was certainly the case against Mississippi Valley State, as Paris Collins played despite nursing a nagging shoulder injury and Chace Franklin sat out with a sling on his left arm.

Even with the wear and tear, the Tigers pulled out an 60-49 victory against the Delta Devils at the Lee E. Williams AAC on Saturday night.

"The biggest thing for us right now is just to survive and get through games," JSU coach Wayne Brent said. "You have Gator Worsham, who is banged up. We have Paris Collins, who has an (injured) shoulder. We played without Chace Franklin. Right now we're trying to survive, get through games and battle through them and be tough.

"The thing about it is we have tough guys and battle through injuries."

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Southern women’s win streak ends at five in 85-74 loss to Alcorn State

LORMAN, Mississippi — The Southern women had won five consecutive games to regain control of their fate in the Southwestern Athletic Conference race.

But on Saturday, the winning streak came to an end and the Jaguars title hopes diminished in an 85-74 loss to Alcorn State in the Davey L. Whitney Complex.
Southern couldn’t stop the Lady Braves from getting to the basket, never got into a rhythm offensively and couldn’t overcome foul trouble.

As a result the Jaguars (15-10, 12-4) are two games behind first-place Texas Southern, which comes to the F.G. Clark Activity on Thursday for the second-to-last game of the regular season.
Alcorn, which lost to Southern 66-57 four weeks ago, is 6-10 and 9-17 after winning for the fifth time in six games.

“We didn’t have any intensity whatsoever from start to finish,” said forward Briana Green, whose performance mirrored that of the team as she scored 21 of her 25 points during a frenzied fourth-quarter attempt to overcome an 18-point deficit.

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Texas Southern Lady Tigers inch closer to regular season title

HOUSTON, Texas -- The Texas Southern University Lady Tiger's basketball team looked like a well-oiled machine on Saturday night as they cruised to an easy 70-41 win over the Alabama A&M Bulldogs.

The win is the third straight for the Lady Tigers and pushes their overall record to 17-8.  More importantly, the victory inches the team closer to a regular season Southwestern Athletic Conference championship.  TSU is now 13-2 in SWAC play with three contests left in conference.

The Lady Tigers got contributions from a myriad of sources as three TSU players scored in double-digits and eight different players got on the board.  Keiana Vines led all scorers with 16 points.  She did much of her damage by way of the free-throw line as she hit 8-9 shots from the charity stripe.

Vines also added 8 rebounds.  She got lots of help from Brianna Sidney and Joyce Kennerson.  Sidney finished with 13 points and spaced the floor, going 3-8 on three-point attempts.  She also chipped in 5 boards.  Kennerson scored 14 points and knocked down two three-pointers of her own. 

While the team's offensive performance was impressive, the Lady Tigers also brought the intensity on the defensive side of the ball.  TSU's hard-nosed defense forced 27 Lady Bulldog turnovers.  The Lady Tigers finished the contest with 12 steals.  Vines made her presence felt down low as she rejected five Lady Bulldog shots.  Not to be outdone, Kennerson was pesky all night and came away with 4 steals. TSU held AAMU to 31.8 percent shooting from the field, and were even stingier in the second half as the Bulldogs only made 28 percent of their shots after halftime.

The Lady Tigers are in control of their own destiny in terms of winning the SWAC.  With the win, the team is now up 1.5 games over second-placed Southern University.

The Lady Tigers will try to expand that lead and close in on a conference championship in their next contest on Monday night when they welcome the Alabama State Lady Hornets to the HPE Arena.  Come cheer on TSU in their final home game of the season and show your appreciation for the hard work and dedication the seniors have invested during their time at the university.

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Saturday, February 27, 2016

Gold Nuggets beat Belhaven, Tougaloo on the road


JACKSON, Mississippi — Xavier University of Louisiana improved its women's tennis win streak to three Friday with victories against Belhaven and Tougaloo. The Gold Nuggets defeated the Blazers 5-3, then beat the Lady Bulldogs 6-0.

The Gold Nuggets (4-3), ranked 13th in the NAIA, have a three-dual win streak.
    
Xavier's Sha'Nel Bruins, Charlene Goreau, Tess Guarino and Dasia Harris went 2-0 in singles. After losing 2-of-3 doubles matches against Belhaven (4-2), the Gold Nuggets won 4-of-5 singles matches, and Bruins clinched with her 7-5, 6-4 victory against Mary Lichlyter.
    
Bruins is 5-1 in singles this semester and has a four-match win streak.
    
Guarino clinched against Tougaloo when she defeated Sakehenna Jones 8-0. Xavier and the Lady Bulldogs played pro-set singles matches, and Tougaloo (1-6) defaulted at the sixth flight. Doubles matches were not played.
    
Goreau and Jana van der Walt also won 8-0 against Tougaloo. Goreau's singles win streak is three.
    
The Gold Nuggets' next dual will start at 3 p.m. Friday at NAIA No. 6 William Carey in Hattiesburg, Miss. That will be the first of three duals in three days for the XU women.

Results vs. Belhaven  /  Tougaloo

Ed Cassiere, Sports Information Director
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XAVIER UNIVERSITY OF LOUISIANA 
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2015-16 SIAC Men's Basketball All-Conference Awards Announced

ATLANTA. Georgia – Stillman's Rodnerius Lewis was named the 2016 Southern Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (SIAC) Men's Basketball Player of the Year, as voted on by the league's head coaches and sports information directors.

Also earning top honors for Stillman were Ronald Singleton who was named the Newcomer of the Year along with head coach Donte Jackson who was selected as the Coach of the Year.

Austin Lawton (Claflin) was picked as the Defensive Player of the Year and Sawyer Glick (Spring Hill) was named Freshman of the Year.

Lewis, a 6-4 senior guard from Memphis, Tenn. leads the SIAC in scoring, averaging 19.4 points per game. He recorded 13 20-point games and has shot 48.9 percent from the field this season. Lewis has averaged 4.5 rebounds a game and finished the regular season with 48 assists, 43 steals, and 21 blocks.

In his first season in the SIAC, Singleton has averaged 13.7 points a game along with 6.9 rebounds per game. The 6-7 junior forward from Milwaukee, Wis., has also recorded 40 assists, 22 blocks and 20 steals.

Lawton, a 6-8 center from Eutawville, S.C. averaged 6.9 rebounds throughout the regular season. The redshirt-freshman is first in the conference in blocks (2.8) and is 10th in NCAA Division II Men's Basketball.

Glick led Spring Hill in scoring with 15.8 points a game which is ninth in the league. A, 6-4 small forward from Columbus, Ind., Glick finished the season with 51 assists, 22 steals, and nine blocks. He also led the Badgers in 3-pointers (62) and averaged 4.3 rebounds a game.

Jackson led Stillman to a 22-5 overall record and a 16-1 mark in the SIAC. The Tigers who are the 2016 SIAC West Division Champions, enter next week's conference tournament on a 13-game winning streak. Stillman leads the SIAC in scoring offense (85.9), scoring margin (13.9), field goal percentage defense (40.2), 3-point field goal defense (29.3), assists per game (15.1), and defensive rebounds (29.19).

Joining Lewis, Singleton, and Glick on the all-conference first team are Terrance Bridgeman (Lane) and Arnis Libazs (Paine).

Highlighting the all-conference second team are Lawton, Maiscel Grier (Miles), Larry McGaughey (LeMoyne-Owen), Kendarius Ash (Lane), and Justin Street (LeMoyne-Owen).

The 2016 SIAC Basketball Tournament is scheduled for Monday, Feb. 29 – Saturday, March 5 at Bill Harris Arena in Birmingham, Ala. For tickets, events, and more,
CLICK HERE.

Player of the Year
Rodnerius Lewis (Stillman)

Defensive Player of the Year
Austin Lawton (Claflin)

Newcomer of the Year
Ronald Singleton (Stillman)

Freshman of the Year
Sawyer Glick (Spring Hill)

Coach of the Year
Donte Jackson (Stillman)

2015-16 All-SIAC Men's Basketball First Team
NameSchoolPos.Ht.Yr.Hometown
Rodnerius LewisStillmanG6-4Sr.Memphis, Tenn.
Terrance BridgemanLaneG6-3Jr.South Bend, Ind.
Ronald SingletonStillmanF6-7Jr.Milwaukee, Wis.
Sawyer GlickSpring HillF6-4R-Fr.Columbus, Ind.
Arnis LibazsPaineC6-8Sr.Riga, Latvia

2015-16 All-SIAC Men's Basketball Second Team
NameSchoolPos.Ht.Yr.Hometown
Maiscel GrierMilesG6-1Jr.Las Vegas, NV
Larry McGaugheyLeMoyne-OwenG6-5Sr.Memphis, Tenn.
Kendarius AshLaneF6-7R-Fr.Decatur, Ga.
Justin StreetLeMoyne-OwenF6-6Jr.Memphis, Tenn.
Austin LawtonClaflinC6-8R-Fr.Eutawville, S.C.

2016 SIAC Women's Basketball Bracket Released

ATLANTA, Georgia – The 2016 Southern Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (SIAC) women's basketball tournament bracket was released on Friday with Benedict and Kentucky State earning the top seeds in their respective divisions.

Benedict (24-2), the 2015-16 east division champion finished with a 14-2 record in the SIAC. The Lady Tigers are currently ranked 12th in the Women's Basketball Division II Media Poll, sponsored by D2SIDA and 14th in the latest USA Today Sports Division II women's basketball poll. Additionally, Benedict is ranked second in the NCAA Division II regional rankings. The Lady Tigers earned a first-round bye and will face the winner between No. 4 Lane (5-21, 5-11) or No. 5 Paine (9-18, 6-10) on Wednesday, March 1 at 1 p.m.

WOMEN'S BRACKET
 
Kentucky State (21-3) won the west division title with a 14-2 mark in the conference. KSU is ranked second in the NCAA Division II regional rankings and is currently on a 14-game winning streak. KSU received a bye will meet either No. 4 Fort Valley State (10-16, 9-7) or No. 5 Stillman (10-15, 5-11) on Wednesday at 5:30 p.m.

Albany State (14-12, 12-4) also earned a first-round bye and was seeded second in the east division. The Lady Rams will play the winner between No. 3 Central State (13-13, 6-10) or No. 6 Clark Atlanta (6-20, 4-12).

Miles (15-11, 9-7) earned the No. 2 in the west and will take on No. 7 Tuskegee (5-20, 4-12) in an opening round game. Claflin (16-10, 11-5) was seeded third and is set to face No. 6 LeMoyne-Owen (7-18, 5-11) on Tuesdsay, March 1 at 10 a.m.

The 2016 SIAC Basketball Tournament begins on MondayCLICK HERE.
, Feb. 29 and will conclude on Saturday, March 5 with the women's championship game scheduled to start at 4 p.m. For more information, tickets, and events please

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2016 SIAC Men's Basketball Tournament Bracket Released

ATLANTA, Georgia – The 2016 Southern Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (SIAC) men's basketball tournament bracket was released on Friday with Stillman and Benedict earning the top seeds in their respective divisions.

Stillman (23-5) won the west division with a 17-1 mark and enters next week's conference tournament at Bill Harris Arena in Birmingham, Ala. on a 14-game winning streak. The Tigers who are 19-1 in their last 20 games, earned a first-round bye and will play either No. 4 Clark Atlanta (9-19, 7-12) or No. 5 Tuskegee (13-12, 9-9) on Wednesday, March 2 at 7:45 p.m.

In the east, Benedict (16-11, 11-7) claimed the divisional title and also received a first-round bye. Benedict will face the winner between No. 4 LeMoyne-Owen (13-14, 10-8) and No. 5 Fort Valley State (6-22, 4-14) on Wednesday, March 2 at 3:15 p.m.

Miles (16-12, 14-5) was seeded second in the west and will face Paine (7-21, 3-14) who garnered the seventh seed on Tuesday, March 1 in the opening round. Claflin (14-12, 10-8) earned the No. 2 seed in the east and play No. 7 Central State (11-14, 9-9) on Tuesday.

Lane (16-12, 12-6) was seeded third and will meet No. 6 Albany State (5-21, 4-14) in its opening game. Morehouse (13-9, 9-8) also claimed a third seed and will face No. 6 Kentucky State (11-14, 9-9) on Tuesday.

The 2016 SIAC Basketball Tournament begins on Monday, Feb. 29 and will conclude on Saturday, March 5 with the men's championship game scheduled to start at 7 p.m. For more information, tickets, and events please  CLICK HERE.

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Virginia State Edges Out Bowie State, Trojans Advance to CIAA Championship Game

CHARLOTTE, North Carolina – Virginia State built a big lead with its suffocating defense, then held off a late Bowie State rally to win 81-70 in the CIAA Tournament men's semifinals at Time Warner Cable Arena on Friday, Feb. 26, 2016. With the victory, the Trojans advance to the finals for the first time since 1991.

The Trojans, who are the Northern Division champions, will aim for their first conference title since 1988 when they face either Virginia Union or Livingstone in Saturday's championship game, which will be held Saturday, Feb. 27, at 7:00 p.m. The contest will be televised live on ESPN3 and shown on tape delay at 10 p.m. on ESPNU.

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"It is exciting about where our program is right now," said Trojans' Head Coach Lonnie Blow, Jr., who is leading his second team to the CIAA finals after guiding Saint Augustine's to the 2010 title.
Forward Elijah Moore scored 18 points and guard Kevin Williams, the Food Lion MVP, added 17 points for the Trojans (22-5 overall), who held the Bulldogs to 36.1 percent shooting. The Trojans entered the contest ranked ninth nationally in Division II in field-goal percentage defense.

The Trojans relied on its defense to take a commanding lead. A 19-8 run erased a one-point deficit and put the Trojans ahead 34-24 at halftime. They extended the score to 49-33 in the second half when guard-forward Cyonte Melvin canned a three-pointer.

"We did a really nice job of getting off to a good start both halves, especially on the defensive end of the floor," Blow said. "We contained them early and got ourselves a little working margin. We were able to be consistent enough to maintain the lead throughout the game. I am proud of my guys."

The Bulldogs, the No. 3 Northern Division seed, threatened late in the contest. Down 72-56 with 2:48 remaining, they outscored the Trojans 12-4 to close within 74-66 on forward Andre Jackson's three-pointer with 1:31 remaining.

"We were able to pressure them and started driving the ball," Bulldogs' Head Coach Darrell Brooks said. "We really wanted to drive the basketball most of the game. We felt if we could attack them, we could have some success offensively. Unfortunately, we didn't do that for 40 minutes."

The Trojans fended off the Bulldogs with key stops and timely free throw shooting. Moore and guard Tyler Peterson, who finished with 13 points and 11 rebounds, both made 3 of 4 free throw attempts down the stretch to preserve the win.

Guard Ahmaad Wilson scored 17 points for the Bulldogs, who had four players score in double figures. Forward Enuoma Ebinum added 14 points, guard Justin Beck chipped in 13 points and Jackson had 12 points for the Bulldogs, who ended their season at 17-13 overall.

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CIAA Tournament: Two-Time Defending Champion Livingstone Tops Virginia Union 75-70, Advances to Finals


CHARLOTTE, North Carolina  — Guard Daryl Traynham swished a huge three-pointer to break a tie with 38 seconds left and hit two free throws with one second left to ice the game as Livingstone outlasted Virginia Union 75-70 in the CIAA Tournament semifinals to reach their fourth consecutive men's basketball final at Time Warner Cable Arena on Friday, Feb. 26, 2016.

The two-time defending CIAA champions will take on Virginia State in Saturday's championship game at 7 p.m. The contest will be televised live on ESPN3 and shown on tape delay at 10 p.m. on ESPNU.

Traynham's three-pointer snapped a 69-69 tie after guard Ray Anderson made a free throw with 54 seconds left. John Mitchell of the Panthers sliced the Blue Bears' lead to two points after Traynham's trey with a free throw, but Traynham answered with a free throw with five seconds left. Traynham put the game away with his final two free throws after the Panthers committed a turnover.

Traynham scored nine of his game-high 19 points in the final two minutes. His free throw at the 1:55 mark broke a 66-66 tie and his jumper with 1:23 left put the Blue Bears (15-16 overall) ahead after the Panthers led 68-67 on guard Timonne Whatley's basket.

"Like coach [James Stinson] says, if it doesn't go in, I'm going to fuss you out," Traynham said. "If it does go in, then it's a good shot. I shot the ball with confidence and it went in."

Forward Ty Newman added 17 points for the Blue Bears, who had six players score seven or more points. Guards Juwan Cole and Eric Dubose both scored nine points for the Blue Bears, seeded No. 4 in the Southern Division.

Guard Kory Cooley of the Panthers (16-14 overall) led all scorers with 29 points. Anderson added 18 points and 12 rebounds and forward Tavon Mealy chipped in 10 points for the Panthers, the No. 2 Northern Division seed.

The Blue Bears, playing their third game in three nights including a double overtime win over Johnson C. Smith Thursday, led much of the contest but could not pull away from the Panthers, who stayed close by controlling the boards. They outrebounded the Blue Bears 47-38 which led to a 20-15 edge in second-chance points.

With nine reserves playing 10 or more minutes, the Blue Bears prevailed by outscoring the Panthers in bench points 40-21. While the Blue Bears substituted often, only seven Panthers logged 17 or more minutes.

"They were kind of tired [after the Smith victory] but did everything they were supposed to do that night," Stinson said. "That's a credit to our coaching staff. I want to thank them from the bottom of my heart."

The Blue Bears led 43-39 in a high-scoring first half. Dubose sparked a balanced scoring attack with nine points and Traynham added eight points. Cooley scored 16 first-half points and Anderson added 11 for the Panthers.

Both teams were scorching hot in the first 20 minutes. The Blu
e Bears shot 53.1 percent and the Panthers made 51.5 percent of their attempts. They cooled off considerably in the second half with the Blue Bears shooting 28.1 percent and the Panthers shooting 33.3 percent.

But the Blue Bears made the clutch shots during crunch time.

"I want to congratulate Livingstone College and Coach Stinson," Panthers' Head Coach Jay Butler said. "There is a reason why they are two-time champions. They are a very experienced team. They made plays down the stretch."

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Friday, February 26, 2016

CIAA TOURNAMENT: Shaw beats Chowan in ladies semifinals

CHARLOTTE, North Carolina -- Shaw University secured a spot in the CIAA Championship game with an 86-77 victory over Chowan University on Friday afternoon. The Lady Bears entered the contest as the No. 1 seed out of the CIAA Southern Division while the Hawks were the No. 2 seed from the Northern Division. Shaw advances with a 24-6 overall record while the Hawks move to 20-8 on the year after Friday's setback.

Jacques Curtis, Head Coach at Shaw University noted, "We got off to a good start. We knew it was going to be a tough game for us as Chowan is one of the stronger teams in the conference. We pride ourselves on playing good defense and the team did a good job tonight, especially in the first half despite us giving second chances in the second half."

Head Coach Patrick Mashuda added, "Today was a tale of two halves for sure. The team that played with the greatest energy won each half…Hats of to Shaw, they shot the ball very well. We gave Shaw everything we had in the second half and really just ran out of time…This is a great learning experience for the younger players on our team. I thought they handled the adversity of the first half well in the second half."

Kaula Jacks paced Shaw with a team-high 19 points while Aaliyah Mercer added 16 points in the win. Laquisha Taylor and Eboni Ross both notched 13 points for the Lady Bears with Ross grabbing a game-high 12 rebounds (three offensive, nine defensive).

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CIAA TOURNAMENT: Johnson scores 41 points for Virginia Union in semis

CHARLOTTE, North Carolina -- Virginia Union's Kiana Johnson lit up Livingstone to the tune of 41 points as the Northern Division top-seed rolled over the Blue Bears 93-63. The win puts Virginia Union into the CIAA Championship game for their fourth appearance and their first time since 2004. The Panthers will take on Southern Division top-seed Shaw for the league crown on Saturday afternoon at 4:00 p.m.

First quarter play saw Virginia Union (24-2), the top seed from the Northern Division, fall down early 4-0 as Livingstone connected on its first two attempts before Kiana Johnson nailed a three-pointer, her first points of a 27-point first half performance. VUU would then stretch their lead to as many as 11 at 19-8, after an Ashley Smith converted a layup at the 4:08 mark. Livingstone would trim the lead to six points after Amber Curtis drained a three-pointer to pull the Blue Bears to within 23-17. The Panthers got a jumper and a three pointer from Johnson to extend their lead back to 11 points at 28-17 at the end of the quarter.

In the second quarter, Livingstone again cut the Panther lead to six points (35-29) with 4:08 to go, but VUU went on a 12-3 run to boost their lead to 44-32 at the half. During that stretch, Johnson scored nine points, including a three pointer to stake VUU to the halftime margin.

The third quarter started much of the same, with the Panthers able to extend their lead to 51-34 following a 10-2 run. During that stretch of play, Johnson had the first two baskets followed by free throws from Ashley Smith and a three pointer from deep in the corner by Rahni Bell.

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Niagara Baseball Topped By N.C. Central

DURHAM, North Carolina -- The Niagara baseball team was defeated by North Carolina Central, 7-3, on Friday.

"We didn't play well today and they did," said Purple Eagles' head coach Rob McCoy. "We've got to limit free 90's, throw more strikes and simply play better pitch to pitch. It's something we've been working a lot on and we will have good days at it and bad days. As the season progresses, so will our game process."

Niagara (1-4, 0-0 MAAC) got out to an early 1-0 lead in the top of the first. With Michael Fuhrman already on base, Greg Rodgers hit a triple, sending Fuhrman home for the Purple Eagles' first run of the day. North Carolina Central (1-3, 0-0 MEAC) answered quickly, scoring three runs in the bottom of the first to take a 3-1 lead.

Over the bottom of the fourth and fifth innings, North Carolina Central scored a total of four more runs, taking a 6-1 lead over Niagara . Fuhrman led off in the top of the sixth, doubling to left center. He later scored on a wild pitch. With Christian Vangeison and Joel Brophy on base, Geoff Seto singled down the right field line, sending home Vangeison for Nigara's final run of the game.

Fuhrman led the Purple Eagles, going 2-for-5 at the plate and scoring a team-high two runs. Rodgers and Seto both recorded one RBI. In the field, Brophy led with 11 putouts. He also had two assists. James Walker pitched 3.2 innings and took the loss.

The Purple Eagles are back in action with a doubleheader against North Carolina Central on Saturday, Feb. 27.

Stay connected with the Purple Eagles through social media. Follow Niagara Athletics on Twitter @NUPurpleEagles and @NiagaraBASE. Check in with the Purple Eagles on Facebook/PurpleEagles and on Instagram @NUPurpleEagles.

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Thursday, February 25, 2016

NCAA to Lift Florida A&M’s APR Postseason Ban

Rattler Basketball Will be Eligible for the 2017 MEAC Tourney; Spring Practice Restrictions Lifted for Football

TALLAHASSEE, Florida -- Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University (FAMU)
announced Thursday afternoon that the NCAA has lifted its Academic Progress Rate
(APR) postseason ban on Men’s Basketball beginning with the 2016-17 season.
The postseason ban, which had been in effect since spring 2014, made FAMU Men’s
Basketball ineligible for both the NCAA and Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference
Tournaments in 2015 and 2016.

FAMU Director of Athletics Milton Overton made the official announcement, saying:
“I’m ecstatic for our student-athletes and Coach Samuels. ‘Building Champions’ is our
charge, and now we will have an opportunity to work towards a championship goal for
the 2016-17 academic year. This could not have been possible without the support of
president (Elmira) Mangum and her staff. The administrative support allowed this to be
successful, while assisting in the building of a championship academic culture at FAMU.
This is a positive step toward our mission of building champions in the classroom, on the
field and in life. ”

Overton elaborated further on the news explaining that the lifting of the ban was due to
positive reviews from the NCAA on the improved academic performance of the
basketball team; the implementation of a number of measures to more effectively monitor
the academic progress of student-athletes; the providing of increased academic support
by bolstering the department’s advisement and counseling services; and the University
putting into operation a more aggressive, strategic approach to both academics and rules
compliance to head off potential concerns in the future.

FAMU Head Men’s Basketball coach Byron Samuels, who was reached as he and the
team were traveling back from Washington, D.C. Thursday, was extremely delighted at
the news.

“We are thankful that for the great news that the APR ban has been lifted from our Men's
Basketball Program,” Samuels said. “There are so many people to thank. First and
foremost, I want to thank our University Administration and Athletics Administration. A
major thumbs up also goes to our academic advisor and our academic support staff and tutors.” Samuels added, “Most of all I want to thank our basketball student athletes
who've proven themselves in the classroom, and who committed to FAMU and our
basketball program during this rebuilding stage. I am especially proud of
two graduating seniors, Mario Karailiev and Jerran Foster, for their leadership example.”

FAMU also announced Thursday that APR appeals on behalf of the Rattler Football
Program were successful in getting the NCAA to lift the 2017 spring practice restrictions.
“This accomplishment is a major step forward in eventually getting the FAMU Football
Program reinstated to full postseason eligibility in the near future,” Overton said.

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