TSU's Covington Scores 30 in Victory over Morehead State

NASHVILLE, Tennessee - Robert Covington set a career-high 30 points to help Tennessee State snap a three-game losing skid with a 77-72 victory over Morehead State on Wednesday evening at the Gentry Center.

The Tigers (9-9, 2-3 Ohio Valley) and Eagles (8-10, 2-3 OVC) played back-and-forth in the first half. But TSU scored 13 points down the stretch to improve their OVC win streak at the Gentry Center to five games.

The Tigers shot 49 percent (23-of-47) for the game, out-rebounding the Eagles 30-to-27. TSU dished out 18 assists and tied a season-high with 13 triples.

Nashville native Wil Peters blocked a shot and proceeded to hit a trey at 6:18 to give the Tigers some momentum. Covington added a triple and Kenny Moore tallied two free throws to put the Tigers ahead of Morehead State in the final two minutes.

Covington finished with 30 points and eight rebounds. He added a block, a steal and an assist in 35 minutes of action. From the field, the junior finished 9-of-12. He set a career-high with seven made triples, surpassing his previous total of five against Siena on Nov. 13, 2009.

The 30 points by Covington was the most for a Tiger since Parker Smith managed 30 on Jan. 17, 2009.

Freshman guard Jay Harris had a breakout performance, tallying 12 points, an assist and a steal in 21 minutes. The Philadelphia product was 3-of-4 from the field.

Peters managed several milestones after draining three triples and scoring 12 points in the win. The senior's 115 made triples is two shy of reaching TSU's top-10 list for career made 3-pointers.

Peters played a game-high 37 minutes and eclipsed over 3,000 minutes played in his four-year career. In the assists column, Peters dished out a game-best six balls. He also recorded a career-best two blocks.

Patrick Miller and Jordan Cyphers each had seven points against the Eagles. Miller set a career-high with eight rebounds and dished out five assists.

At the half, the Tigers took their first lead in the locker room since the UT Martin game. TSU's 34-32 lead was helped by a 46 field goal percentage (13-of-28). TSU forced 10 Morehead State turnovers.

FINAL STATS



Covington led the Tigers with 14 points and Miller had four boards and four points in the first half.

The game went back-and-forth with the Tigers and Eagles within two during the first 12 minutes. TSU expanded its' lead to five after Covington drained a triple to put up TSU 30-25 with 5:09 left.

Milton Chavis added a layup for Morehead State to narrow the Eagles' deficit to 32-29 with 1:33 left. In the final seconds, Marsell Holden drained a triple to make it a 34-32 game at the half.

In the second half, the game again started out back-and-forth with the two squads trading jabs. Holden's triple tied the game at 41-41 with 15:12.

The lead changed on 16 occasions during the game and did so quite frequently in the second half. The Tigers' felt momentum swing their way when Peters blocked a shot and then drove down the court to drain a triple, making it a 64-60 game.

Morehead State would tie the contest again, but TSU used 13 points down the stretch to snap a current-three game losing skid and improve to 17-3 at the Gentry Center during the past two seasons.

TSU remains at home this Saturday when the Tigers host SIUE at 7:30 p.m. Saturday is Kid's Day at the Gentry Center and all kids K-12 will receive free admission to the game.

VISIT: TENNESSEE STATE UNIVERSITY

VISIT: TSUTIGERS

VISIT: OVCSPORTS

Courtesy: Tennessee State University Sports Information

WSSU's Monger has torn ACL

LAMAR MONGER
6-0/185 GUARD, SENIOR
HOMETOWN: AHOSKIE, N.C.
HERTFORD COUNTY H.S.

WINSTON SALEM, North Carolina - If Winston-Salem State hopes to compete for the CIAA title, it will have to do it without its leading scorer and emotional leader.

Lamar Monger, who is averaging a team-best 16.4 points a game, has a torn right-knee ligament and will likely be lost for the rest of the season. Monger had an MRI on his knee on Monday afternoon. It was discovered that he has a torn ACL, which will require surgery later this month.

"Everything happens for a reason," coach Bobby Collins of the Rams said. "A lot of people have stepped up in the absence of Lamar and now they'll have to continue to do that."

Monger hurt his knee in Saturday's win over Virginia State, when he was fouled hard going to the basket early in the game and landed heavily on his right knee.

READ MORE

Attorney: Victim of fatal FAMU band hazing attack was gay

ORLANDO, Florida - Florida A&M University drum major Robert Champion was gay, which may have been one reason why he was beaten so severely during a hazing attack in Orlando last semester, the Champion family’s attorney said Tuesday.

Attorney Christopher Chestnut, speaking at a news conference with Champion’s parents in Orlando, said the parents came forward to discuss their son’s sexuality because rumors had been swirling that the 26-year-old student was hazed specifically because of his "alternative lifestyle."



Though Champion’s sexual orientation may have been a factor, Chestnut said, his own investigation indicates that it was probably one of several that caused students to beat him so violently that he died.

He insisted, however, that the overriding motivation that likely led to such a brutal attack was Champion’s outspoken resistance to hazing within FAMU’s famed marching band.

READ MORE 

FAMU Drum Major Targeted Because He Opposed Hazing, Lawyer Claims 

ORLANDO, Florida - The parents of Florida A&M University drum major Robert Champion, who police believe died after a violent hazing, said today that their son may have been hazed more severely than other students because of his opposition to the practice.

"Robert Champion was the poster child of anti-hazing. He threatened the very institution of hazing in this band," said attorney Christopher Chestnut, a lawyer for Champion's family.

During their investigation into what happened to their son, Champion's family discovered that he was gay, but also concluded that was not a reason for his alleged hazing.



"This is not a hate crime," Chestnut said during a news conference today. "This is a hazing crime. That is what we are here to say today."

READ MORE

Witnesses: FAMU drum major was targeted due to sexuality

ATLANTA -- Was sexual orientation a factor in the hazing death of a Florida A&M University drum major? It depends on who you ask. Nearly two months after his death, the parents of FAMU drum major Robert Champion said Tuesday morning that although their son was gay, that's not why he was targeted.

The Decatur native died November 19 after collapsing on a bus following a band performance. Officials have ruled his death a homicide caused by hazing.



During Tuesday's news conference, attorney Christopher Chestnut said after speaking with more than 15 witnesses, many reported that Champion was subjected to more severe hazing than other students.

Some witnesses said they believed Champion was hazed harder because he was gay.

READ MORE

Questions Swirl Over What Led to Florida Drum Major’s Death

ATLANTA — Almost two months after the beating death of a Florida A&M University drum major, new questions have arisen over why he might have been singled out for violence.

On Tuesday, the parents of the student, Robert Champion, revealed that their son had been gay. But they said they believed that did not play a big role in the beating the authorities say he sustained at the hands of bandmates on a bus after a football game on Nov. 19.

“Robert’s being gay may have been a reason for his hazing, but it wasn’t the main reason,” said Christopher M. Chestnut, the family’s lawyer, who said he had conducted a private investigation. “This was a hazing crime, not a hate crime.”

That Mr. Champion was gay was “a private thing, not something he advertised publicly,” his mother, Pam Champion, said in an interview.

READ MORE

Xavier Gold Nuggets delay King's quest for his 200th victory

KELDRA HALL
6-0 CENTER, SENIOR
DALLAS, TEXAS
Molina H.S. (Angelina JC)

NEW ORLEANS — Keldra Hall scored 10 of her 14 points in the second half Tuesday to lead NAIA No. 17 Xavier University of Louisiana to a 56-47 Gulf Coast Athletic Conference women's basketball victory against SUNO at The Barn.

The Gold Nuggets (12-5 overall, 2-0 GCAC) have won 31 in a row against GCAC opponents — 26 in the regular season. They denied Elston King his 200th victory at SUNO (3-7, 1-2).

King is 199-147 in 13 seasons.

Hall grabbed seven rebounds, but her streak of consecutive double-doubles ended at three. Jasmine Grant scored eight points, all in the second half, for Xavier, and Brandi Young and Jazmoné Kelly scored seven apiece. Young had a career-high nine assists and zero turnovers in 36 minutes.

Kelly Stewart scored nine points for SUNO. No teammate had more than six points.

Stewart's basket with 13:48 remaining gave SUNO its only lead, 30-28. Then Xavier took control with a 14-2 run during the next five minutes. Grant scored all her points during that time, including a pair of 3-pointers, and Hall's layup on a pass from Paige Gauthier capped the burst and gave the Nuggets a 42-32 lead with 9:07 remaining. The Lady Knights never came closer than six points thereafter.

Young passed to Gauthier for a basket which gave Xavier a 21-12 lead at 3:48 of the first half, but SUNO scored the next eight points — including 3-pointers by Blake Holliwell and Stewart — to cut the margin to 21-20 by halftime.

Xavier outshot SUNO 36.8 to 28 percent from the floor and outrebounded the Lady Knights 45-32. It was the second straight game that the Nuggets limited an opponent to less than 30 percent, and it was the fourth time in five games that their rebound margin was 10 or more.

It was Xavier's first home game since Dec. 3, its season-high fifth consecutive victory and its 12th straight victory in a GCAC home opener. The Nuggets are 59-8 all-time against SUNO and have won six straight and 10 of the past 11 in the series.

SUNO has dropped six of seven games after winning two of its first three.

The Gold Nuggets will continue their five-game home stand at 5:30 p.m. Friday against GCAC opponent Edward Waters.

By Ed Cassiere, Sports Information Director

VISIT: XAVIER UNIVERSITY OF LOUISIANA

VISIT: XULAATHLETICS
VISIT: GCACSPORTS

SUNO is White-hot in overtime victory at Xavier

NEW ORLEANS — SUNO's Devin White scored 25 points Tuesday and made the go-ahead 3-pointer with 43 seconds remaining in overtime in a 67-64 Gulf Coast Athletic Conference men's basketball victory against NAIA No. 18 Xavier University of Louisiana at The Barn.

White, in his second game with the Knights (6-7, 2-1) after playing two seasons at NCAA Division I Northwestern State, also had 12 rebounds and blocked eight shots, one less than the record for a GCAC game. His 3-pointer with three seconds remaining in regulation tied the score at 56.

White scored 20 points, made 3-of-3 3-pointers and blocked six shots after halftime to help the Knights win two in a row for the first time this season. He had 28 points, nine rebounds and five blocks Saturday at Dillard.

SUNO never trailed in overtime and gave Xavier (10-5, 1-1) its third loss in its past 28 home games. SUNO is responsible for two of those losses, including a 55-54 decision this past season. The Knights also knocked Xavier out of first place in the GCAC; through 10 league games none of the eight teams is unbeaten.

Kevin Dukes and Clyde Moore scored 12 points apiece for SUNO. Dukes made his first three field-goal attempts in overtime, and Moore scored the game's final two points with 14 seconds remaining. From that point Xavier missed two shots and grabbed two rebounds but was unable to get a third shot on a frontcourt inbounds play with two-tenths of a second remaining.

Anthony Simmons scored 15 points for Xavier. Denzell Erves had 10 points and 11 rebounds — his first double-double since opening night — and Jamaan Kenner scored 10 points and made a season-best three 3-pointers in four attempts.

The Gold Rush led for approximately 36 minutes and held a 28-17 advantage after Kenner's 3-pointer at 4:41 of the first half. But Merlin Walker's 3-pointer and Moore's 3-point play helped SUNO close the gap to 31-28 by halftime.

Xavier shot better than 50 percent than from the floor in its previous two games but made 34.8 percent against SUNO, including 1-of-8 in overtime. Kenner's 3-pointer from the left corner tied the score at 62 at 2:29 of overtime, but the XU men missed two ensuing shots which would have given them the lead.

SUNO shot 41.8 percent from the floor and outrebounded Xavier 40-35. The Gold Rush committed a season-low eight turnovers and gained 15.

It was the third time in six games that Xavier played overtime.

The Gold Rush will continue a five-game home stand at 7:30 p.m. Friday against Edward Waters.

By Ed Cassiere, Sports Information Director

VISIT: XAVIER UNIVERSITY OF LOUISIANA

VISIT: XULAATHLETICS  

VISIT: GCACSPORTS

Howard University Men's and Women's Tennis Teams Picked First in MEAC Northern Division

WASHINGTON, D.C. - The Howard University men's and women's tennis teams have been picked first in the MEAC Northern Division. All honors were voted on by the conference's head tennis coaches and sports information directors.

On the men's side, the Howard Bison were picked to win the northern divisional crown for the fourth straight year. The Bison posted an undefeated conference record (4-0) and were 5-10 overall a year ago.

On the women's side, Howard, winners of last year's women’s northern divisional crown, was picked to repeat in 2012. The Lady Bison posted a 5-0 mark in MEAC play and a 14-8 overall record last season.

WOMEN'S TENNIS

Northern Division

1. Howard (21)....................... 297 pts.

2. Hampton (3)....................... 227 pts.

3. Delaware State (2)............. 218 pts.

4. Morgan State..................... 177 pts.

5. Maryland E. Shore............. 150 pts.

6. Coppin State...................... 146 pts.

Southern Division

1. South Carolina State (25).. 309 pts.

2. Florida A&M (1)....... 235 pts.

3. Bethune-Cookman............ 213 pts.

4. North Carolina Central....... 171 pts.

5. Norfolk State..................... 163 pts.

6. North Carolina A&T....138 pts.

7. Savannah State................... 123 pts.

MEN'S TENNIS

Northern Division (Points)


1. Howard (13)....................... 217 pts.

2. Hampton (4)....................... 184 pts.

3. Morgan State (3)................ 175 pts.

4. Maryland E. Shore............. 136 pts.

5. Coppin State..................... 128 pts.

Southern Division (Points)


1. South Carolina State (13).. 219 pts.

2. Florida A&M (7)....... 201 pts.

3. Bethune-Cookman............ 149 pts.

4. Norfolk State.................... 137 pts.

5. North Carolina Central ......134 pts.

VISIT: HOWARD UNIVERSITY
VISIT: HOWARD-BISON

Courtesy: Howard University Sports Information

Paul Quinn Part of MLK Basketball Classic featuring Grambling & Prairie View

DALLAS, Texas - The Prairie View A&M Panthers will take on the Tigers of Grambling State University in an all around competition featuring both the Men’s and Women’s basketball teams in the Martin Luther King Jr. Basketball Classic – 4 The Love of Basketball sponsored by Farmers Insurance Group, McDonald’s, United States Marines, Williams Chicken and ALWE.com. The classic will also feature a game between the Paul Quinn College Tigers Men’s basketball team taking on the University of St. Thomas Celts.

Monday, January 16, 2012 - Doors open at 1 p.m.
Paul Quinn College vs. University of St. Thomas – 2 p.m.
Prairie View A&M vs. Grambling State University – Women 4:30 p.m. and Men 7 p.m.

“We are thankful to the Southwestern Athletic Conference and the Red River Athletic Conference for bringing great HBCU basketball to Dallas,” said Dallas Deputy Mayor Pro Tem Tennell Atkins. “The games provide wholesome family entertainment for our community on a day when we celebrate the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. throughout our city. The Classic is one of many ways we are working to showcase our city and provide economic development in Southern Dallas.”

READ MORE

TSU, PV coaches 'go way, way back'

HOUSTON, Texas - Newly hired Texas Southern football coach Darrell Asberry ran into a good friend — and new rival — while walking toward the podium before Tuesday's introductory news conference at TSU's H&PE Arena.  Asberry had a warning for his colleague: "Heish, you're on the clock now."

Prairie View A&M coach Heishma Northern smiled back at him. Asberry and Northern will have plenty of time to match wits while battling for recruits in the coming weeks and preparing to face each other in the season-opening Labor Day Classic, but the two put competition aside on Tuesday as Northern congratulated a comrade on landing his first Division I head coaching job.

"Heish is one of my best friends," Asberry, 39, said. "We go way, way back."

READ MORE

Tray Rabon switches to Grambling State

DALLAS, Texas - Per a team official, three-star wide receiver Tray Rabon (Dallas, Texas/Skyline) has switched his commitment from Kansas State to Grambling State.

Jason R. Garrett, the recruiting coordinator at Skyline, said Rabon and Kansas State parted ways shortly after the Texas Class 5A Division I state semifinal in mid-December. Rabon, a 6-foot-2, 195-pound receiver, will get a chance to show off his skills for a Grambling team that won the Southwestern Athletic Conference (SWAC) championship last season.

“Tray hadn’t heard from [Kansas State], and he basically was preparing for the worst,” Garrett said. “They said they were going a different direction, but Grambling saw some film on him. [Head coach Doug] Williams called and talked to me, Tray and [Skyline] Coach [Reginald] Samples. Now, it’s official.”

READ MORE

Spots Still Available for TSU Softball Camp

NASHVILLE, Tennessee - Head Coach Jeff Dabney and Tennessee State softball are hosting two clinics for players eight years old and up. The All Skills Winter Exposure will be held on Saturday, January 14, from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. at the Tiger Softball Complex. The Hitting and Slapping Clinic will be from 1 p.m.-4:30 p.m. on Sunday, January 15.

The All Skills Exposure will feature instruction on all phases of the game. They will participate in defensive and offensive training. Coach Dabney and his staff will break it down into infield, outfield, pitchers and catchers in the defensive areas. They will also have base running instruction along with hitting and short game instruction.

The Hitting and Slapping clinic is a one day session where campers will focus on all the main points of hitting and slapping. They will be exposed to drills and live hitting that can be used in everyday practice and help in becoming a better all around hitter. There will be plenty of hitting going on so batting gloves are recommended.

For more information contact assistant coach Samantha Buckner at 615-963-1883 or sbuckner@tnstate.edu.

TSU Softball Winter Camps Registration Form
VISIT: TENNESSEE STATE UNIVERSITY
VISIT: TSUTIGERS

Photo and Article Courtesy Tennessee State University Sports Information

HBCUFanNation releases “Memorable Moments of 2011”

From former Southern University Athletic Director Greg Lafluer’s arrest for soliciting prostitution from an undercover police officer to Maryland-Eastern Shore's two national bowling championships, HBCU sports
provided a variety of memorable moments last year.

The HBCUFanNation staff has prepared a list of the most remembered news stories in 2011 and is encouraging fans to rank their top 10 choices.

Recaps of the top stories are available on HBCUFanNation.com and rankings are conducted through HBCUPollNation.com

The poll will close on January 15, 2012.

Scores That Matters!

GAME DAY: January 9, 2012

MEN'S BASKETBALL

MEAC
North Carolina A&T 85, Florida A&M 82 OT
Savannah State 57, Morgan State 55
N.C. Central 69, Bethune-Cookman 64
Coppin State 82, S.C. State 64
James Madison 74, Hampton 67
Norfolk State 68, Howard 48

GCAC
Edward Waters 63, Talladega 59
Tougaloo 88, Fisk 59
Philander Smith 97,   Lyons 71

SWAC
Alabama State 62, UAPB 56
Southern 68, Jackson State 37
Grambling State 72, Alcorn State 71
MVSU 81, AAMU 69

SIAC
Stillman 77, Tuskegee 74
Paine 80, Lane 77
FVSU 64, Claflin 58
Benedict 75, Kentucky State 70
Miles 71, Clark Atlanta 70
Morehouse 56, LeMoyne-Owen 51

CIAA
Shaw 63, Virginia Union 60
Fayetteville State 79, ECSU 78
JCSU 80, Lincoln (Pa.) 63
St. Augustine's 68, Virginia State 54
WSSU 70, Bowie State 69

WOMEN BASKETBALL

SIAC
Claflin 56, FVSU 52
Benedict 71, Kentucky State 63
Miles 50, Clark Atlanta 49
Paine 80, Lane 77
Stillman 64, Tuskegee 57

CIAA
WSSU 59, Bowie State 52
Shaw 86, Virginia Union 61
St. Augustine's 75, Virginia State 57
Elizabeth City 63, Fayetteville State 50
JCSU 64, Lincoln (Pa.) 54

GCAC
Tougaloo 83, Fisk 34
Talladega 76, Edward Waters 49
Lyon 99, Philander Smith 57

OVC
Tennessee Tech 80, Tennessee State 71

SWAC
Alabama State 66, UAPB 58
MVSU 69, AAMU 67
Grambling State 55, Alcorn State 44
Jackson State 49, Southern 42

MEAC
Howard 73, Norfolk State 50
FAMU 70, North Carolina A&T 68
Savannah State 69, Morgan State 60
Bethune Cookman 64, NCCU 54
Coppin State 57, S.C. State 39

Xavier's Simmons chosen GCAC Player of the Week

NEW ORLEANS — Xavier University of Louisiana's Anthony Simmons, whose resurgence helped the Gold Rush win two road games, is the Gulf Coast Athletic Conference Player of the Week in men's basketball for Jan. 2-8.

Simmons, a 6-foot-8 junior forward from Rochester, N.Y., and a graduate of Allendale Columbia School, averaged 16.5 points, nine rebounds, two blocked shots and shot 75 percent from the floor during the Gold Rush's 2-0 week. He scored 17 points in a 79-70 victory at New Orleans to help the XU men earn their first victory against the Privateers since 1974. Then he produced his first double-double of the season — 16 points, a career-high-tying 13 rebounds and a career-high four blocked shots — in a 76-70 victory against Philander Smith. Simmons had 10 points and 11 rebounds in the first half against the Panthers.

Simmons is averaging 9.9 points and 5.3 rebounds and shooting 67.6 percent from the floor this season. He has played in 12 games and started seven. He scored in double figures in the past three games after averaging 4.6 points in the previous five games.

Simmons is the fourth XU player this season to be named GCAC Player of the Week and the second in a row. Simmons also won the award as a sophomore.

Xavier, 10-4 and tied for 18th in the NAIA Division I coaches poll, will play GCAC and city rival SUNO at 7:30 p.m. Tuesday at The Barn.

By Ed Cassiere, Sports Information Director

VISIT: XULAATHLETICS

VISIT: XAVIER UNIVERSITY OF LOUISIANA

VISIT: GCACSPORTS

Fayetteville State's John Herrington hits halfcourt shot to beat Elizabeth City State 79-78

FAYETTEVILLE, North Carolina  -  John Herrington had never taken a 3-point shot for Fayetteville State before Monday evening. As a 6-foot-7 frontcourt player for the Broncos, Herrington doesn't even take practice shots from beyond the arc.

Recently, however, Herrington has been dreaming about sinking a game-winning 3-point basket. But not even his wildest dreams turned out as dramatic as the real thing Monday when Herrington sank a desperation shot from near midcourt that lifted the Broncos to a heart-pounding 79-78 victory against Elizabeth City State at Capel Arena.

"When the shot went in, I really didn't know how to act," Herrington said. "My heart stopped. I couldn't believe. That was my first 3 ever. I couldn't believe the shot went in. That was the biggest shot of my career."



It was a pretty big one for the Broncos, too, who battled through some tough stretches against the Vikings with sheer hustle and success at the foul line to wipe out an eight-point deficit over the final 6:54.

READ MORE

HERRINGTON'S 55-FOOTER BEATS BUZZER - AND VIKINGS

FAYETTEVILLE, N.C. -- John Herrington  had never taken a 3-pointer at Fayetteville State.  On Monday night, he had to. And it couldn't have come at a better time.

Herrington's 55-foot heave from behind halfcourt as time expired rattled off the backboard, in and out of the basket, and then fell in to lift Fayetteville State to a thrilling 79-78 victory over Elizabeth City State in a raucous Felton J. Capel Arena.

"I never shoot 3s - not even in practice," said Herrington, the CIAA's leader in field goal percentage at 64.7 percent. "It's just not me. Not at all."

Standing 6-foot-8 and a chiseled 230 pounds, Herrington (Sr., Jacksonville, Fla.) did not attempt a 3-point shot in his first season as a junior college transfer last season. Through nine games this season, Herrington still hadn't lofted a shot from behind the arc.  He doesn't even shoot them in practice.

And his first one didn't come easy. Fayetteville State (4-6, 2-1) had to inbound the ball from the opposing baseline after calling a timeout following Blake Price's miss on the front of a 1-and-1. With 2.0 seconds left, the ball was supposed to find Tim Plummer. Instead, it fell to Herrington, who turned and dribbled to the middle of the floor. Just before the horn sounded, Herrington lofted the shot into the air.

READ MORE

XU Nuggets down a notch to 17th; Rush climb to tie for 18th

NEW ORLEANS — Xavier University of Louisiana's women are 17th, and the men are tied for 18th in the NAIA Division I coaches polls announced Monday afternoon.

The polls are the fourth of the 2011-12 season and the first since Dec. 12. Weekly polls will continue through March 7.

Xavier's women, 4-2 since the previous poll and 11-5 overall, fell one spot in the rankings. The XU men, 4-2 since the previous poll and 10-4 overall, climbed three places and are tied for their position with Freed-Hardeman.

All the XU games since the previous poll were on the road. But Tuesday the Gold Nuggets and Gold Rush will begin five-game home stands with a doubleheader against Gulf Coast Athletic Conference and city rival SUNO. The women's game will begin at 5:30 p.m., and the men's game will start at 7:30.

Xavier will play more GCAC doubleheaders against Edward Waters on Friday, Fisk on Saturday and Philander Smith next Monday. Both XU teams won at Philander Smith on Saturday in their GCAC openers.

The Gold Nuggets are in the top 25 for the 22nd consecutive time. The Gold Rush appear in the top 25 for the 15th time in 16 polls.

Xavier is the only Gulf Coast Athletic Conference school in either top 25. Tougaloo's men once again are 26th and missed the top 25 by three points.

Oklahoma City's women are a unanimous No. 1 for the third straight poll. In the men's poll unbeaten Oklahoma Baptist replaced Concordia (Calif.) at No. 1. Concordia dropped to fourth.

Xavier is one of 11 schools, one fewer than the previous poll, with women's and men's teams in the top 25. The other schools are Azusa Pacific, Campbellsville, Freed-Hardeman, Georgetown (Ky.), Lee (Tenn.), Lindsey Wilson, Saint Xavier, Shorter, Southern Nazarene and Robert Morris (Chicago).

NAIA Division I Women's Basketball Coaches' Top 25 Poll
(first-place votes in parentheses — records through Sunday, Jan. 8)
Rank Team Record Points Last
1 Oklahoma City (12) 14-0 312 1
2 Union (Tenn.) 15-1 302 2
3 Freed-Hardeman 14-2 292 3
4 Westmont 14-1 278 5
5 Langston 13-0 267 7
6 Lewis-Clark State 15-2 264 4
7 Lee (Tenn.) 14-1 257 9
8 Cumberlands 14-1 242 14
9 Shawnee State 13-3 222 6
10-tie Saint Xavier 12-4 217 10
10-tie Vanguard 9-3 217 8
12 Lubbock Christian 10-3 211 17
13 Azusa Pacific 9-5 184 11
14 Olivet Nazarene 13-3 182 13
15 Georgetown (Ky.) 12-4 168 20
16 Southern Nazarene 11-4 165 15
17 Xavier 11-5 159 16
18 Campbellsville 12-6 138 12
19 Belhaven 12-5 121 RV
20 Lindsey Wilson 12-4 120 22
21 Shorter 11-3 105 18
22 William Woods 10-4 80 RV
23 Robert Morris (Chicago) 11-3 79 21
24 Westminster (Utah) 9-6 71 RV
25 Lyon 12-3 68 RV

Others receiving votes: Biola 63, Loyola 60, MidAmerica Nazarene 55, St. Gregory's 23, Park 20;, LSU-Shreveport 14, Bethel (Tenn.) 13, Avila 5, Montana State Northern 3, Rio Grande 1, Oklahoma Baptist 1, Columbia (Mo.) 1, Montana Western 1, Martin Methodist 1, St. Catharine 1.


NAIA Division I Men's Basketball Coaches' Top 25 Poll
(first-place votes in parentheses — records through Sunday, Jan. 8)
Rank Team Record Points Last
1 Oklahoma Baptist (11) 14-0 312 3
2 Shorter (1) 15-0 298 4
3 Robert Morris (Chicago) 15-1 295 2
4 Concordia (Calif.) 13-2 283 1
5 Georgetown (Ky.) 14-2 265 6
6 Texas Wesleyan 10-2 256 7
7 Azusa Pacific 13-2 248 9
8 Rogers State 13-2 241 5
9 Martin Methodist 11-3 239 8
10 Southern Poly 12-2 221 13
11 Mountain State 11-5 206 11
12 Southern Nazarene 12-3 191 16
13 Montana State Northern 15-2 187 19
14 Lindsey Wilson 11-4 183 18
15 Evangel 13-4 174 14

16 The Master's 12-3 149 —

17 Our Lady of the Lake 10-3 133 23

18-tie Xavier 10-4 119 21
18-tie Freed-Hardeman 11-5 119 17
20 Biola 12-4 114 15

21 Lee (Tenn.) 9-3 95 RV

22 Campbellsville 11-5 94 25

23 Montana Western 14-4 93 RV

24 Cal State San Marcos 11-6 84 —

25 Saint Xavier 12-4 70 22

Others receiving votes: Tougaloo 53, Columbia (Mo.) 49, Oklahoma City 46, Westmont 43, Pikeville 27, Westminster (Utah) 23, Cumberland 19, Southwestern Assemblies of God 9, MidAmerica Nazarene 6, St. Catharine 3, John Brown 1, Fresno Pacific 1, Baker 1, Oklahoma Christian 1, Wiley 1, Science & Arts 1, Voorhees 1.

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

JCSU Golden Bulls put on a clinic in victory over Lincoln Lions

LINCOLN UNIVERSITY, PA - Johnson C. Smith opened its CIAA men's basketball game Monday by scoring the first seven point, and the Golden Bulls never looked back in beating Lincoln (Pa.) 80-63 at Manuel Rivero Hall.

Johnson C. Smith (7-6, 2-1) connected at a torrid pace from the field, hitting 17 of 24 (70.8 percent) first-half field-goal attempts and a season-high 60.4 percent for the game. Trevin Parks finished with 20 points, six assists, and three rebounds for the Golden Bulls. Phillip Wood had 20 points, five rebounds and a block.

The Lions had three scorers with double-digit point totals. Kenny Sharpe led the way with 16 points. Justin Jackson and Jai Kellman each scored 11.

Johnson C. Smith outscored Lincoln 34-24 in the paint and won the rebounding battle 35-24.

READ MORE

WSSU edges Bowie State

WINSTON SALEM, North Carolina - Another win, another hero. This time, it was guard Justin Glover who saved the day for Winston-Salem State in a 70-69 win on Monday night over 15th-ranked Bowie State in front of nearly 2,000 at the Gaines Center.

Glover, who was shooting just 65 percent from the foul line, made two free throws with .3 seconds left to keep the Rams unbeaten in CIAA play. The Rams (9-2, 3-0 CIAA) made all the right moves despite not playing with two injured starters: leading scorer Lamar Monger (knee) and forward Stephon Platt (ankle).

"We're just blessed," said Glover, who scored 16 points, had three assists and three steals and was 8 of 8 from the foul line. "We have a coach that cares who never lets us not believe we can do it. He tells us to believe all the time, and that's what we are doing."

READ MORE

FAMU Escapes With Two-Point Win Over North Carolina A&T

GREENSBORO, North Carolina - It came down to the last shot and last possession against Florida A&M Monday night, and the North Carolina A&T women's basketball team put the ball into the hands of clutch shooter Amber Calvin with four seconds on the clock.

The Aggies got the ball on their side of the floor with 11 seconds remaining. After dribbling and working to help Calvin get open, freshman Jessica Lyons passed the ball to Calvin, who took aim and shot, but it went wide right. Sophomore Tiffanie Adair made a grab for the rebound, but FAMU forward Qiana Donald came up with the ball as the clock expired, leaving the Rattlers victorious 70-68.

"Amber is the best 3-point shooter in the conference. It just fell short," said head coach Patricia Cage-Bibbs. "That's who I wanted to have the ball, yes. Even though she had not shot the ball well from the three tonight, she does shoot well in the clutch. She had the open look, but just couldn't knock it down."

The Aggies (7-9, 2-1) tied the game at 56-56 on a pair of free throws from sophomore Tracy King, who ended the game with a team-high 17 points, six assists and four steals, with 8:28 left in the contest. The Rattlers took a four-point lead before Lyons made a pair of free throws after being fouled by guard Kimberly Sparkman to make it a 62-60 game with 3:49 remaining. The Rattlers took a six-point lead following a pair of 3-pointers from Antonia Bennett, who had 25 points and 11 boards, and Jasmine Grice, who finished with 19. The last four points the Aggies made in the contest were free throws.

"Gosh this is a tough loss, but I don't know when I was so proud of these girls. When you take a good team like FAMU, and they executed and we executed, it just came down to that last thing," said Bibbs, who is seven wins away from her 500th career win.

FINAL STATS

READ MORE


FAMU Rattlers Cap Road Sweep With 70-68 Win Over North Carolina A&T

GREENSBORO, North Carolina - The Lady Rattlers have learned to win big and today they learned they could win close, as they defeated the North Carolina A&T Aggies 70-68 at the Corbett Center in Greensboro, N.C. The win was the seventh straight victory for the Lady Rattlers. Quietly, under all of the fanfare of the win, Tameka McKelton sank a three-point shot at the 17:40 mark in the first half to tie the FAMU record for made three-pointers.

The Lady Rattlers were led offensively by the MEAC Defensive Player of the Week and conference leading scorer, Antonia Bennett. Bennett poured in shots from every angle en route to scoring 25 points on 10-18 shooting from the field. She managed a double-double by grabbing 11 rebounds. Jasmine Grice got a rare start for the Lady Rattlers and responded with 19 points on 8-14 shooting, including 2-6 from the three-point arch. McKelton carded 11 points on 5-18 shooting.

Qiana Donald led FAMU on the boards with 12 rebounds. All nine Lady Rattlers who played got at least one rebound in the game.

The game was an important victory for the Lady Rattlers as they hadn't won there during Gibson's tenure at FAMU. "This was a big victory. It felt real good beating them in their home gym, where everyone knows it's difficult to beat them. On the flip side, I don't think we could have played any worse and still come out on top," Gibson said.

Both teams pressed for most of the game. While it made for an exciting game to watch, it took its toll on the players. "We pressed mainly to slow the ball down and work our offense, which we did a pretty good job in the first half. In the second half, I believe we let them score just a little bit too much," Gibson added.

The Lady Rattlers shot 16-36 (44.4 %) from the field in the first half and 13-34 (38.2%) in the second half for a game total of 41.4 percent. From the three-point line, FAMU shot 3-12 (23.1 %) in the first half and 2-10 (20 %) in the second hald, for a game total of 21.7 percent. From the free throw line, the Lady Rattlers shot 5-5 (100%) in the first half and 2-3 (67% ) in the second half for an 87.5 percent game average.

The Aggies were led by Tracy King, who scored 17 points on 6-17 shooting. Nikia Gorham contributed 14 points, while JaQuayla Berry chipped in 12 points. Berry and Gorham grabbed eight rebounds each to lead the Aggies.

The game was a back and forth affair, where the Lady Rattlers could not distance themselves from the Aggie. The game was tied two times and there were five lead changes in the game.

Bennett, who spent the last two games filling other roles, knew she needed to step up the scoring against a tough conference opponent. " I knew my team needed me to step up offensively and defensively. I think I went with what they gave me and played the best I could within that. There's always room for improvement, and I'm ready to get back to Tallahassee to work on it," Bennett said. She added, "I haven't won here (Greensboro) since I've been here, so in a big rivalry game, it's a much-needed win."

The Lady Rattlers will embark on their first home conference stand of the season as they will face the Lady Tigers of Savannah State University on Sat., Jan. 14, at the Alfred Lawson Jr. Multipurpose Center and Teaching Gymnasium. The game will be broadcast on RattlerVision.

The Lady Rattlers are undefeated in conference play this season at 3-0. Bennett welcomes returning to the friendly confines of the Lawson Center. "It's going to feel good to go back home and play in front of our crowd. We've got a tough Savannah State team and then South Carolina State, so next weekend should be exciting," she said.

By Florida A&M University Sports Information
VISIT: FAMUATHLETICS
VISIT: FLORIDA A&M UNIVERSITY 

Attorney for Todd Bozeman says Morgan State violated coach's contract with suspension

ORANGEBURG, South Carolina - The attorney for Todd Bozeman said Monday that university administrators violated the Morgan State men's basketball coach's contract and school policy regarding disciplining senior staff members when they placed the 48-year-old coach on paid administrative leave Sunday night.

Ricky Lefft, a South Carolina-based attorney, said that neither he nor Bozeman has been made aware by school officials as to why the coach was suspended, and that not being allowed to appeal any action taken against Bozeman was a violation of the contract he signed in 2009. "They've already punished him without due process," Lefft said in an interview Monday.



Lefft said that he read Morgan State's employee handbook "cover to cover" and believes that Bozeman should have been allowed to speak with administrators about the charge before he was placed on leave with hopes of the situation being resolved.

Bozeman was suspended a day after an incident at the end of his team's road victory at South Carolina State in which he made some sort of physical contact with senior guard Larry Bastfield during a timeout late in the game.

READ MORE

Hawks' Sharon Brummell Leaving UMES Athletics for Georgetown University

PRINCESS ANNE, Maryland  -  Sharon Brummell, one of the most successful collegiate bowling coaches ever in the sport, is retiring from coaching and with it leaving her position as Associate Director of Athletics and Senior Woman Administrator at the University of Maryland Eastern Shore. Brummell, who is in her 16th year at the University and 14th as head coach of the bowling team, will leave effective January 15, 2012.

Brummell has tenured her resignation to become the Associate Athletics Director for Business and Finance and Senior Woman Administrator at Georgetown University in Washington, D.C.

"I will always be a Hawk," said an emotional Brummell speaking after she informed her team of her decision. "This university has given me so much and I love it here. This was an incredibly hard decision for me to make, but they approached me about this position and I see in it a tremendous opportunity for development and growth in athletics. I had to make a decision about what was best for me and I believe this is too good to turn down."

Beyond coaching, Brummell has served as an accountant at UMES and recently been the Associate Athletic Director for Budgeting and Fiscal Operations. She has also served as the department's Senior Woman Administrator. In the latter role she has helped shape UMES' gender equity plans and been an advocate for women's athletics.

"She has been a second mother to many of our athletes, women and men" said Director of Athletics Keith Davidson. "We are sad to lose such a great coach, administrator and person, but most of all; we are going to miss our friend. She has done so much work beyond her job responsibilities to not only make our department better, but to make her co-workers better."

Brummell has also been instrumental in the community, spearheading UMES' participation in the Relay for Life events in Salisbury, Breast Cancer Awareness events, and even taking her team to local shelters advocating against domestic violence.

LOOKING BACK ON ONE HIGH POINT IN THE LIFE OF A TRUE CHAMPION, SHARON D. BRUMMELL ...


Legendary Coach and administrator Sharon D. Brummell to step down for a new position.

Beyond her tremendous involvement in the daily operation of the department, she will be most missed for her accomplishments as a bowling coach. Brummell was named the 2008 & 2010 National Tenpins Coaches Association (NTCA) National Coach of the Year and has claimed three national championships in her time. Her Lady Hawks won the 2008 & 2011 NCAA Women's Bowling Championship and in 2011 she coached her team to the United States Bowling Congress (USBC) Collegiate Championship, becoming the first team to win both in the same year, arguably compiling the best season ever by a college bowling team.

Her titles put her in a unique situation as she is the only woman to lead her team to an NCAA Championship and the only African-American coach to win the NCAA & USBC titles. The team's NCAA wins are the only DI National Championships ever won by a historically black college or university (HBCU) women's program.

Her teams have won five Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference (MEAC) titles (2000, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2011) and she was the MEAC Coach of the Year five times (2000, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2010).

Since 2007, when UMES was the runner-up to the NCAA Championship, Brummell has won 82 percent of her matches and has amassed almost 600 wins. She was won over 800 NCAA matches in her tenure.

Brummell currently serves on the NCAA Bowling National Committee, is NCAA Region Chair, is president of the MEAC Bowling Coaches, a board member of the USBC and belongs to numerous professional and bowling organizations.

Her legacy is demonstrated by her student-athletes as well. She has coached 20 NTCA All-America selections, one National Player of the Year, one NCAA Bowling Most Outstanding Performer, two MEAC Woman of the Year recipients, a UMES Bernstein Award winner (the highest academic award given by UMES), an NCAA Elite 88 Award recipient (the highest academic award given by the NCAA in a respective sport), and numerous All-MEAC Players of the Year and All-Conference selections.

Brummell will coach the team this weekend at the Mid-Winter Classic in Little Rock, Arkansas, it will be her last as coach of UMES bowling. The remainder of the season will be coached by Kristina Frahm, a former bowler and four-time All-America selection. Frahm, an NCAA Championship Most Outstanding Performer and part of all three of UMES' National Championships will fill role on an interim basis. Assistant Coach Doug Dukes will remain with the team in the same capacity.

"I have been truly blessed and will miss my players. I have enjoyed my time coaching each of my young ladies," said Brummell. "I have been so fortunate to have so many good women that bowled for me and they have collectively made me a better person. Kristina is certainly one of those and someone who will do a great job with our program. She knows what it takes to be successful here."

The UMES Department of Athletics will host a "going-away" party for Brummell this Tuesday, January 10, 2012 at Peaky's in Princess Anne from 5 to 7 p.m. Faculty, Staff, students, alumni, friends and fans are encouraged to stop by and pass along their well wishes.

Courtesy: University of Maryland Eastern Shore Sports Information

Tennessee State Lady Tigers travel to Cookeville to face Tech

NASHVILLE, Tennessee - The Tennessee State University women's basketball team will continue OVC action on the road Monday, Jan. 9 at Tennessee Tech. Game time is scheduled for 7 p.m. in the Eblen Center.

GAME NOTES
LIVE STATS
LIVE VIDEO
LIVE AUDIO

THE LADY TIGERS AT A GLANCE

Tennessee State (6-10, 2-2 OVC) picked up its first road win of the season with a, 67-57, victory over Jacksonville State in OVC action on Saturday afternoon in Pete Mathews Coliseum. The Lady Tigers improved to 2-2 in league play and 1-6 on the road.

As a team, TSU is averaging 68.4 points per outing while shooting 36.9 percent from the field and 29.3 percent from beyond the arc. TSU is currently shooting only 64.2 percent from the free-throw line while committing an average of 19.3 turnovers per game.

TSU averages 42.6 rebounds, 13.6 assists and 8.9 steals per game.

LAST TIME OUT

Tennessee State snapped a six-game road losing skid on Saturday by defeating Jacksonville State, 67-57, in the Pete Mathews Coliseum. The Lady Tigers won their first road game of the season and improved to 2-2 in conference play. Tayla Foster led TSU with 14 points and 11 rebounds while Alana Morris scored 12. Jasmin Shuler finished the game with 11 points while Rachel Allen recorded six steals.

ABOUT THE OPPONENT

Tennessee Tech (5-11, 1-2 OVC) had dropped four straight contests until most recently defeatng Morehead State, 68-50, on its home floor. With the win, the Golden Eagles picked up their first conference win of the season.

In TTU's win over Morehead State, Jala Harris led the team with 18 points while Taccarra Hayes added 17. Molly Heady registered 13 points for the Golden Eagles while Hayes grabbed a team-high eight rebounds.

Overall, the Golden Eagles average 61.3 points per game behind a .379 field goal percentage (.244 three-point range). Two players average double-figures in scoring led by Tacarra Hayes' 16.9 points per game. Jala Harris averages 15.3 points per outing Brittany Darling grabs 6.5 rebounds per game.

TSU vs. TENNESSEE TECH

Tennessee State and Tennessee Tech will meet for the 55th time in the long series history. TTU holds a 44-10 advantage over TSU and claimed both of last year's meetings with a 69-55 victory in the Gentry Center and a 76-62 win in the Eblen Center.

LAST TIME THEY MET

Cookeville, Tenn. --- The final score wasn't indicatve of how hard TSU played in a, 76-62, loss to Tech. TSU battled the whole night but TTU proved to be too much down the stretch. TSU's leading scorer was out due to injury yet five players managed to post double-digits led by Haynes' 14 points. Gaston added 13 while Stafford had 12. Morris (11) and Hopes (10) also registered double-figures.

COVERAGE

TSU vs. Tennessee Tech will be broadcast on OVCsports.tv. Fans can also follow live stats on ttusports.com.

By Tennessee State University Sports Information
VISIT: TENNESSEE STATE UNIVERSITY
VISIT: TSUTIGERS 

Tennessee State University Track & Field Teams Open 2012 Season with Ed Temple Classic

NASHVILLE, Tennessee  - The Tennessee State University men and women's track and field teams jump started the 2012 season on Saturday by hosting the 13th annual Ed Temple Classic, held on the Wilma Rudolph Track inside the Gentry Center.

TSU competed against nine other teams which included Alabama A&M, Austin Peay, Chattahoochee Tech, Florida A&M, Jackson State, Lipscomb, Middle Tennessee, Savannah State, and Western Kentucky.

For the Tigerbelles, the 4x400m relay team who consisted of Ashontae Jackson, Diera Taylor, Kya Riley, and Gabrielle Todd finished in third place with a time of 3:57.28.

Individually, Todd finished first in the 400m dash with a time of 57.88. Kya Riley finished in seventh with a time of 1:00.48

Charita Harris placed seventh in the women's 800m run with a time of 2:27.27

Daniecce Ward earned a third place finish with her effort in the high jump with a mark of 5-04.25 (1.6m) and later placed sixth in the long jump and the triple jump with markings of 18-09.25 (5.72m) and 37-11.50 (11.57m)

Tiffany Harris finished with time of 12:09.32 in the 3000m run, which landed her in sixth place. Later in the day she recorded a time of 6:08.83, which was good for tenth place in the one-mile race.

Brittani Logan registered a third place finish with a mark of 42-02.75 (12.87m) in the shot put and a second place finish in the weight throw with a showing of 49-02.50 (15.00m)



For the Flying Tigers, Arthur Combest placed in fifth in the 55m hurdles with a time of 7.62. Combest also earned a first place finish in the high jump with a mark of 6-08.00 (2.03m).

Adrien Hill managed a fifth place spot in the long jump with a mark of 23-01.75 (7.05m) and a seventh place finish in the triple jump with showing of 44-00.00 (13.41m)

Alex Griffin threw a mark of 45-06.25 (13.87m) in the shot put, which was good for fourth place. Griffin later went and placed eighth in the weight throw with a showing of 31-10.25 (9.71m).

TSU had 3 top-ten finishes in the 200m dash. Micheal Johnson came in fourth with a time of 22.53. LeQuinn Davis placed sixth with a mark of 22.61, and Lamonte Burton finished tenth with a time of 22.80.

Johnson had a strong showing in the 400m dash, registering a third place showing with a mark of 50.04. Adivan McDaniel managed a sixth place finish with a time of 9:36.73 in the 3000m run.

In the 800m race, Jamill Jackson earned a second place spot with a time of 1:58.37.

Next up, TSU will head to Chapel Hill when they will compete in the Dick Taylor Invitational, hosted by the University of North Carolina, January 13-14.

2012 ED TEMPLE CLASSIC RESULTS

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

It’s Not the Battle of the Bands; It’s the War of the States

MEAC CITY, USA - On Saturday Florida slipped into North Carolina and stole two wins. Savannah State, the lone Georgia school in the MEAC handled Coppin State and sent a clear message to the other Baltimore schools that they will not just be the new kids on the block. D.C.’s Howard University invaded Virginia and held the edge before succumbing to Hampton. Maryland Eastern Shore didn’t fare any better against Norfolk in Virginia. It was Morgan State, who saved the day for the state of Baltimore with a win at South Carolina State. Delaware State did not play on Saturday.

FAMU’s win against North Carolina Central must be considered an upset. In fifteen games FAMU had not beaten a Division 1 school, let alone a team that has been playing as well as North Carolina Central. The NCCU Eagles have been competitive against the likes of Wake Forest and Eastern Kentucky; and they even came close before losing by five points at the home of a good ACC team, North Carolina State. With a glaring weakness beyond the starting five, FAMU for the first time this season was able to maintain momentum with starters on the bench and finish the game with a win. Next up for FAMU is North Carolina A&T. Expect the Aggies to go after FAMU’s Stevens and Crowder early in the game to get them in foul trouble. Someone off the bench will have to become more than a role player in order for FAMU to win. My pick: FAMU will win the battle of the boards, but if A&T practices its foul shooting they will win the game. A&T by 10.

Playing without two of their key big men the NCAT Aggies dominated most of the game against Bethune before the Cookman Wildcats showed poised down the stretch to take the lead and the game in the last seconds. Ahead by six points with a minute remaining the Aggies allowed two BCU three pointers and missed two crucial free throws that would have tied the game. Next up for BCU are the North Carolina Central Eagles. BCU has the confidence and NCCU has the skills. My pick: NCCU will suffer a tongue lashing on Sunday and be better prepared on Monday. NCCU by 12.


Rae Corbo hits a 30-foot 3-point buzzer beater to give Norfolk State Women's Team the 61-58 victory over the University of Maryland Eastern Shore, with Joe Cook with the call for the NSU Sports Network.

READ MORE at SPORTSEDIT.ORG 

FAMU Lady Rattlers Dominate NCCU Eagles in 78-51 MEAC Win

DURHAM, North Carolina - The Flordia A&M Lady Rattlers (9-5, 2-0 MEAC), soundly defeated the North Carolina Central Lady Eagles (2-13) by 27 points in a 78-51 rout, today in the McDougald-McLendon Gym in Durham, N.C.

The outcome never seemed in doubt as coach LeDawn Gibson played all dressed players in the first half and a significant part of the second half. s actually led by 45 points with 8:10 remaining in the game, but stuck strictly to reserves in order to get more experience for them going into a tough conference game on Monday in Greensboro,N.C. against the North Carolina A&T Aggies.

The Lady Rattlers followed the lead of Qiana Donald to a 44-22 lead at the half. Donald scored 13 points on 5-9 shooting, while adding eight rebounds in the first half. Tameka McKelton and Kimberly Sparkman added seven points each for the Lady Rattlers in the first period.



Gibson displayed her team's depth playing all 13 of her players in the half. As a team, FAMU shot 41 percent (16-39) from the field in the first half. From the three-point line, they shot 25 percent on 4-16 from the arch and 67 percent (8-12) from the free throw line.

Gibson felt there were several reason to let the non-starters play in today's game. "We have a big conference game on Monday against North Carolina A&T, so by playing our reserves for an extended length of time it gave our starters a chance to rest their legs so they can be fresh. It also gave our younger players a chance to get in and feel how it is to play in the MEAC," Gibson said.

Donald would score 20 points for the game, rounding out a double-double with 10 rebounds and one block. McKelton scored 15 points on 7-12 shooting from the field. MEAC leading scorer Antonia Bennett chipped in 11 points, while Jasmine Grice put in 10 points. As a team the Lady Rattlers grabbed 45 rebounds.

FAMU shot 29-68 (42.6%) from the field, 4-18 (22.2) from the three-point line and 16-21(76.2%) from the free throw line.

The Lady Eagles were led by Kabrina Truesdale who scored 13 points. Blaire Houston would be the only other NCCU player in double figures. Truesdale would also lead the team with nine rebounds.

The story of the game was the Lady Rattlers extending their winning streak to six straight with team play. Donald understands this completely. " I was just feeding off of my teammates. They were taking shots and I just tried to play as big as possible in the inside. It's very important for our reserves to understand that everybody has a part to play on this team. We've got the goal of winning a championship, so winning games is just a part of the ultimate goal," Donald said.

Gibson's take on the game had less to do with the win, but the overall mindset of the team going into tough conference play. Gibson said, "Qiana realized that Antonia and Tameka hadn't found their groove in the first half and she stepped up and took over as far as scoring and rebounding. That's what's great about this team, you never know whose coat we need to ride on a particular night. I think she did a good job rebounding and scoring."

The Lady Rattlers head to Greensboro, NC to take on the Aggies of NC A&T on Monday in a 5:30 p.m. tipoff.

By Florida A&M University Sports Information
VISIT: FAMUATHLETICS
VISIT: FLORIDA A&M UNIVERSITY