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 10^th 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

Name	School	Pos.	Ht.	Yr.	Hometown
Rodnerius Lewis	Stillman	G	6-4	Sr.	Memphis, Tenn.
Terrance Bridgeman	Lane	G	6-3	Jr.	South Bend, Ind.
Ronald Singleton	Stillman	F	6-7	Jr.	Milwaukee, Wis.
Sawyer Glick	Spring Hill	F	6-4	R-Fr.	Columbus, Ind.
Arnis Libazs	Paine	C	6-8	Sr.	Riga, Latvia

2015-16 All-SIAC Men's Basketball Second Team

Name	School	Pos.	Ht.	Yr.	Hometown
Maiscel Grier	Miles	G	6-1	Jr.	Las Vegas, NV
Larry McGaughey	LeMoyne-Owen	G	6-5	Sr.	Memphis, Tenn.
Kendarius Ash	Lane	F	6-7	R-Fr.	Decatur, Ga.
Justin Street	LeMoyne-Owen	F	6-6	Jr.	Memphis, Tenn.
Austin Lawton	Claflin	C	6-8	R-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 14^th 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

COURTESY SIAC MEDIA RELATIONS

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.

MEN'S BRACKET

COURTESY SIAC MEDIA RELATIONS

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.

BOX SCORE

COURTESY CIAA MEDIA RELATIONS

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."

COURTESY CIAA MEDIA RELATIONS

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).

CONTINUE READING

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.

COURTESY NIAGARA UNIVERSITY ATHLETIC MEDIA RELATIONS

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.

COURTESY FLORIDA A&M UNIVERSITY SPORTS INFORMATION

Gold Rush defeat another NCAA Division I opponent

MANDEVILLE, Louisiana — Xavier University of Louisiana got singles victories Thursday from Adam Albrecht and Karan Salwan to rally for a 4-3 men's tennis victory against Troy.
    
The victory was the second this year for the Gold Rush (5-2) against an NCAA Division I opponent. Xavier, ranked fourth in the NAIA, has a five-dual winning streak.
    
Albrecht tied the dual at 3 when he defeated Austin Racine 3-6, 6-1, 6-1 at No. 6 singles. Then Salwan clinched with a 7-5, 7-6 (7-4) victory against Tomas Fernandez at the top flight.
    
Also winning for Xavier was freshman Thomas Setodji, 6-1, 7-5 against Marcel Du Sart at No. 2. The Gold Rush won the doubles point — Salwan and Kyle Montrel defeated Racine and Hassan Ndayishimiye 6-1, then Albrecht and Tushar Mandlekar defeated Fernandez and Filip Mansson 6-3.
    
Xavier extended several individual win streaks. Salwan has won five straight in singles and six straight in doubles, the last four with Montrel. Albrecht has won his last five singles matches, and Mandlekar won his fourth in a row in doubles. This was Mandlekar's first match this semester with Albrecht as his partner.
   
Troy, the Sun Belt Conference champion in 2015 and ranked 68th in late January, is 1-10.
    
The Gold Rush have 31 victories against NCAA Division I opponents during Alan Green's 13 seasons as coach. The other one this season was 6-1 Feb. 14 at Nicholls State. The XU men have six more duals scheduled against the DIs, including Presbyterian at 3 p.m. Sunday at Lafayette, La.
    
Green said he added a pair of women's duals Friday at Jackson, Miss. The Gold Nuggets will play Belhaven at 4 p.m. at River Hills Club, then face Gulf Coast Athletic Conference opponent Tougaloo at 6 p.m. at Tennis Center South.

Ed Cassiere, Sports Information Director
XULAgold.com
XAVIER UNIVERSITY OF LOUISIANA 
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Hughes Makes History as OVC Track Athlete of the Year and Field Athlete of the Year

BRENTWOOD, Tennessee – Tennessee State track and field junior Amber Hughes (Atlanta, Ga.) was honored for her outstanding indoor season by being named Ohio Valley Conference Track Athlete of the Year as well as OVC Field Athlete of the Year, the conference office announced on Thursday. She is the first student-athlete in OVC history to win Female Track Athlete of the Year and Field Athlete of the Year.  

 

Hughes, who was an All-American on the track and Academic All-American in the classroom a year ago, has won three OVC weekly honors this season.

 

Throughout the regular season, Hughes turned in a number of top performances. Her time of 24.29 in the 200m at the Commodore Invitational is the best in the OVC this season, as is her converted 60m hurdle time of 8.29 seconds from the Ed Temple Classic.

 

In field events, her triple jump distance of 13.29m (43’7.25”) set at the Gladstein Invitational is tops in the OVC and good enough for seventh in the nation.

 

Hughes and the Tigerbelles will host the OVC Indoor Championship at the Gentry Center Feb. 26-27.

 

OVC INDOOR TRACK AND FIELD AWARDS
Women’s Track Athlete of the Year: Amber Hughes, Tennessee State
Women’s Field Athlete of the Year: Amber Hughes, Tennessee State
Women’s Freshman of the Year: NaAsha Robinson, Tennessee Tech
Men’s Track Athlete of the Year: Jaime Perales, Eastern Kentucky
Men’s Field Athlete of the Year: Julian Harvey, SIUE
Men’s Freshman of the Year: Ben Weisel, Belmont

COURTESY TENNESSEE STATE UNIVERSITY SPORTS INFORMATION

Virginia State Head Coach Lonnie Blow Jr. Named CIAA Men's Basketball Coach of the Year

CHARLOTTE, North Carolina -- Head Coach Lonnie Blow Jr., in his third year has led the Trojans to a 20-5 overall season record as well as being named the CIAA Men's Coach of the Year announced today at the CIAA Tipoff Luncheon.

This is Blow's second CIAA Coach of the Year honor. He received this honor in 2010 while serving as Head Basketball Coach at St. Augustine's University, in the Southern Division. Blow led the Falcons to a 23-4 overall season record. Coach Blow has not only had a tremendous impact at VSU, but his accolades reach well into the CIAA.

During Blows three-year tenure at Virginia State, he has led the Trojans to a 52-26 overall record. Last Season the Trojans were named CIAA Northern Division Co-Champions a title they shared with Bowie State University.The Trojans were the only CIAA men's basketball team to win 20 games this season. VSU enters the Tournament as the #1 seed.

Despite being honored as Men's Basketball Head Coach of the Year, the Trojans say that their coach has an even greater task ahead and they plan to assist him with it. "It's time to win the CIAA Championship for him now," said Freshman Guard Walter Williams (Richmond,VA).

In November during the Trojans Tip-Off Classic Coach Blow spoke about expecting the Trojans to improve, embrace the process, and get better. "It's a marathon, but I think we have a chance at being a really good team," expressed Blow.

As a unit the Trojans have embraced all that this historic season has had to offer, but their marathon is not over until they reach their goal of competing and winning the CIAA Championship. During the season Coach always describes the struggles the Trojans encounter as a bad taste being left in their mouths, so for this group of men nothing would be better than making sure their coach ends this amazing season avoiding those bad taste.

If the Trojans are crowned CIAA Champions, Coach Lonnie Blow Jr. will be the first CIAA Coach to win two CIAA Championships with two different CIAA institutions.

The men's basketball team will make their first appearance of the CIAA Tournament during the Quarterfinals on Thursday at 3:00 PM as they await the winner of the Chowan and FSU/ECSU game.

For more information on VSU Trojans men's basketball, follow Trojans Athletics on Twitter @VSUsports, or call 804-524-5030.

Sports Information GA- Shalyn Moore
COURTESY VIRGINIA STATE UNIVERSITY SPORTS INFORMATION

Wilson Jumper Lifts Bowie State to 73-71 Overtime Victory Over Saint Augustine's

CHARLOTTE, North Carolina -- Bowie State University earned a hard-fought 73-71 overtime victory over Saint Augustine's University on Thursday afternoon in the quarterfinal round of the CIAA Tournament. The Bulldogs entered the contest as the No. 3 seed from the CIAA Northern Division while the Falcons were the No. 2 seed from the Southern Division.

Darrell Brooks, Head Coach at Bowie State University noted, "I'm just really, really happy and blessed to be here.  We were kind of dead in the water with two seconds left…but I thought we defended and played tough to get back in the game. "

Anthony Gaskins led all players in the contest with 28 points in the loss while Quincy January netted 20 points and hauled in a game-high 12 rebounds (three offensive, nine defensive) for the Falcons.

Bowie State senior Miles Jackson (Silver Spring, Md.) drained 16 points and grabbed eight rebounds (one offensive, seven defensive) while fellow senior Andre Jackson (Baltimore, Md.) and sophomore Ahmaad Wilson (Baltimore, Md.) added 13 points apiece.  Junior Michael Briscoe (Waldorf, Md.) scored 10 points for the Bulldogs.

January opened the contest with back-to-back buckets and a free throw for the Falcons to give Saint Augustine's a quick 5-0 edge.  A jumper by senior Justin Beck (Ellicott City, Md.) and a layup by Miles Jackson cut the Bulldogs' deficit to 5-4.  Gaskins answered with a bucket but Andre Jackson's three-pointer knotted the score 7-7 by the 14:23 mark in the first half.

The Falcons responded with a 12-0 run to surge ahead 19-7 by the midway mark before a three-pointer by Wilson and three-point play by Justin Beck brought the Bulldogs within six points (19-13).  Wilson's jumper followed by two made free throws by Briscoe put the Bulldogs back within striking distance. 

Gaskins pushed the Falcons ahead 23-17 using four free throws.  Miles Jackson drilled a three-pointer on Bowie State's next possession to make the score 23-20 before Gaskins' hit a layup to give Saint Augustine's a five point edge with 4:13 on the clock.  Sophomore Omari George (Baltimore, Md.) took advantage of two Falcon fouls and dropped four free throws, leaving Saint Augustine's clinging to a 25-24 edge with 2:38 remaining before halftime.

Miles Jackson's jumper at the 1:36 mark gave Bowie State their first lead of the game.  January answered with a layup and Gaskins tacked on a bucket to push the Falcons ahead 29-26 heading into halftime.

At the start of the second half, Keith Crawford drained a three-pointer for the Falcons before Bowie State answered with a free throw and three-pointer by Andre Jackson to cut Saint Augustine's lead to two points (32-30) with within the first two minutes of the second half.  January's jumper and Gaskins' layup shifted the momentum back in favor of the Falcons before a 5-0 run by the Bulldogs put Bowie State within one point (36-35).  A free throw by three-pointer by Jeremy Saunders followed by a bucket by January left the Bulldogs training 42-35 with 13:31 left in the game.

At the 10:44 mark, Gaskins drained two free throws to give the Falcons 48-39 advantage and their largest lead of the second half.  Down but not out, Bowie State used a layup by Wilson and three free throws by George to make the score 48-44 with 9:00 left in the game. January answered with a layup to give the Falcons some breathing room (50-44) but the Bulldogs answered with a 7-2 run, leaving Saint Augustine's with a narrow 52-51 edge.

Nick Moyer sunk two free throws for the Falcons with 3:44 left in the game so to make the score 54-51. With a 55-53 lead and 2:52 on the clock Briscoe used two free throws to tie the score 55-55.  Gaskins answered with a jumper but Andre Jackson stroked a three-pointer on Bowie State' next possession to push the Bulldogs ahead 58-57. Gaskins came up with a steal and layup with 1:27 left to play resulting in a 59-58 lead for Saint Augustine's.

After a quick timeout, a Bulldog foul led to a successful free throw for January and a 60-58 advantage.  Watson hit a free throw for the Falcons with 39 seconds  on the clock but Wilson drilled a three-pointer to knot the score 61-61 with 33 seconds left to play.  A three-point play by Gaskins solidified the Falcons' advantage (64-61) with just six seconds on the clock but Julian Livingston drilled a three-pointer at the buzzer to send the contest into overtime 64-64.

At the start of the overtime period, Gaskins capitalized on two free throws before Andre Jackson answered with one of his own to make the score 66-65 in favor of the Falcons.  Livingston promptly drained a three-pointer with Wilson adding a free throw for a 69-66 Bowie State lead with 1:33 remaining in the contest.  Antonio Watson hit a jumper to put the Falcons within one point (69-68) but two free throws by Andre Jackson gave Bowie State a 71-68 edge with 47 seconds on the clock.

Crawford dug deep and hit a three-pointer to knot the score 71-71 with just 19 seconds left in the game but Wilson came through with a jumper to seal the 73-71 victory for Bowie State.

Bowie State advances to CIAA semifinal action on Friday with the victory.  Tip-off is slated for 7:00 p.m. in Time Warner Cable Arena. The Bulldogs will take on the winner of Thursday's Virginia State University/Fayetteville State University quarterfinal match-up.  Saint Augustine's ends the season with an 11-16 overall record while Bowie State advances with a 17-12 overall mark.

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COURTESY BOWIE STATE UNIVERSITY SPORTS INFORMATION

from THE EDITOR: FAMU Rattler Basketball Experiences Largest Home Crowd Ever

TALLAHASSEE, Florida --The Rattler faithful should remember the date: February 20, 2016. On that date FAMU men and women basketball teams competed against their number one rival, the Bethune Cookman University Wildcats. Yes, the men lost and the Lady Rattlers won. Regardless of the outcome from either game, indications are that the Rattlers are on the rise.

The Wildcats and others in the MEAC should be concerned. The BCU men’s basketball team defeated the FAMU Rattlers, however, that win was by only 1 point against a young Rattler team full of developmental players. Recruiting is at a premium for the Rattler men. Because of sanctions brought on by poor academic performance in previous years the Rattler men lost two of their top players from last year’s team and are restricted from post season play. The Wildcats on the other hand could just as easily have lost in the same manner they won, but with an experienced team reflective of their best recruiting. One should note that this same Rattler team took the top team in the conference, the Hampton Pirates, into overtime before losing at their place.

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Shaw Football Releases 2016 Schedule

RALEIGH, North Carolina – The Shaw University football team will play a 10-game schedule in 2016, highlighted by six home games, including a season-opening date against Limestone, announced by the Department of Athletics Friday afternoon.

 

The Bears kick off the season Saturday, Sept. 3 with a 1 p.m. home game against Limestone for the first time ever in program history.

 

SU will take a trip down south the following week to face Wingate before hosting UNC Pembroke in a home contest to conclude the non-conference regular season.

 

After opening the season with three non-conference teams who will most likely be a top contender in their respective conferences, things don't get any easier for the Bears as they open conference play Saturday, Sept. 24 against Bowie State at Durham County Memorial at 1 p.m.

 

The Bears stretch run will consist of road dates at Elizabeth City State (Oct. 1) and Livingstone (Oct. 15), Saint Augustine's (Nov. 5) and home dates against Fayetteville State (Oct. 8), Johnson C. Smith (Oct. 22), while homecoming will be against the defending 2015 CIAA Champions of Winston-Salem State (Oct. 29).

 

The 2016 CIAA Football Championship will take place on November 12th at a site to be determined.

 

All home games will be played at the Durham County Memorial Stadium, located on 750 Stadium Drive, Durham, NC.

 

Visit Shawbears.com for the most up-to-date information on the Shaw football team and all 11 varsity sports.

SHAW UNIVERSITY BEARS 2016 FOOTBALL SCHEDULE
Sep. 03 Limestone 1:00 PM
Sep. 10 at Wingate 1:00 PM
Sep. 17 UNC Pembroke 1:00 PM
Sep. 24 Bowie State * 1:00 PM
Oct. 01 at Elizabeth City State * 1:00 PM
Oct. 08 Fayetteville State * ^ 1:00 PM
Oct. 15 at Livingstone * ^ 1:00 PM
Oct. 22 Johnson C. Smith * ^ 1:00 PM
Oct. 29 Winston-Salem State * ^ 1:00 PM
Nov. 05 at Saint Augustine's * ^ 1:00 PM

* Conference ^ Division  Bold: Home event

COURTESY SHAW UNIVERSITY BEARS SPORTS INFORMATION

Earnest Wilson named ECSU Vikings head football coach

ELIZABETH CITY, North Carolina -- Elizabeth City State University has named its new head football coach. Athletic Director Derrick Johnson announced today that former ECSU offensive coordinator and Savannah State University (SSU) head football coach Earnest J. Wilson III has been tapped to head the Vikings football program.

"We are delighted that Earnest has agreed to become our head football coach," said Johnson. "His football expertise, leadership traits and passion for Elizabeth City State University are qualities that our student-athletes and fans will embrace."

Wilson is entering his 25th year of coaching. He comes to ECSU with a strong background in college and professional coaching experience.

Wilson is coming to ECSU from Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference (MEAC) member Savannah State University where he served as the head football coach since 2013. Prior to SSU, Wilson served as the offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach at Hampton University in 2012.

Wilson took the helm at SSU at a time when the athletic program was faced with NCAA Academic Progress Rate (APR) sanctions, including scholarship reductions among other penalties. Wilson, who is credited with turning the program around, is also responsible for raising the football team's GPA from 1.9 to 2.5.

Wilson has a track record as a winning coach. While at Hampton University, the team's offensive attack was ranked in the top five and boasted the top rusher in the MEAC. Prior to Hampton he worked at Jackson State University as offensive coordinator, quarterback coach and wide receiver coach where his offense led the South Western Athletic Conference in scoring offense, pass offense, pass efficiency, first downs and fourth down conversions. Under his guidance, JSU led the nation in total offense, averaging almost 500 yards a game. During Wilson's time with JSU (2010-12) the team had the ninth highest scoring offense in the nation, averaging 35 points a game.

While at New Mexico State University, Wilson recruited the #2 Quarterback in the nation and his offense led the nation in total offense gained. Wilson's offense also captured the #3 spot for passing in Division I football.

Wilson's coaching background includes a stint as the head coach and director of football operations for the Jacksonville Tomcats and the Carolina Rhinos of Arena Football League 2 (AFL2). In his first season as the Rhinos head coach the team posted a 10-8 record. The next year, Wilson led the Rhinos to a 13-5 record and advanced to the semifinals of the playoffs. Wilson led the Jacksonville Tomcats to an 8-8 record (second place).

Wilson also served as the head coach of the Dayton Skyhawks of the Indoor Football League (1999). He led the team to the semifinals of the playoffs.

Wilson served as ECSU offensive coordinator and recruiting coordinator, quarterbacks and receivers coach and offensive line coach from 1996 to 1998. He was also the head men's and women's track coach.

"Coach Wilson brings deep experience in college and professional football," said Johnson. "He is committed to elevating the student-athlete experience, catalyzing fan and community engagement, while developing a winning tradition."

COURTESY ELIZABETH CITY STATE UNIVERSITY SPORTS INFORMATION

Records for Hopkins, Gathright in XU's road victory

TOUGALOO, Mississippi — Senior guards Trana Hopkins and Whitney Gathright combined for 58 points and five Xavier University of Louisiana women's basketball records Monday in a 78-68 Gulf Coast Athletic Conference victory against Tougaloo.
    
Hopkins scored a career-high 34 points and made seven 3-pointers to tie an XU game record. Gathright scored 24 points and set XU game records with 17 free-throws attempted and 15 made. Gathright raised her career total of made free throws to 429, an XU record, and her 150 made free throws in 2015-16 are an XU season record.
    
After a halftime tie at 28, Hopkins took control for the Gold Nuggets (18-11). She scored 18 points, including 4-of-4 3-pointers, in the third quarter. She scored eight points in the second minute of that period.
    
In addition to Gathright's three records, she raised her career point total to 1,324. She is the ninth Gold Nugget to reach 1,300.
    
Xavier's explosion occurred two days after a season-low-tying point total in a 60-47 loss at Edward Waters. The Gold Nuggets regained a tie for second place in the GCAC after Edward Waters lost 58-52 at home to SUNO. Xavier, Philander Smith and Edward Waters are 6-5 in conference. On Saturday, the final day of the regular season, Xavier will visit Dillard, Philander Smith will visit Tougaloo, and Edward Waters will play host to GCAC champion Talladega.
    
Hopkins produced the most points by a Gold Nugget since Cassee Davis scored 35 at Belhaven on Feb. 26, 1998. Gathright scored 33 in a 91-86 overtime victory Nov. 14 against the NAIA's current No. 1 team, Our Lady of the Lake.
    
Ahsia Clayton scored 16 points for Tougaloo (1-18, 0-11).
    
Xavier and Dillard will tip off Bat 3 p.m. Saturday at Dillard's Dent Hall. The Lady Bleu Devils won 57-52 at Xavier Feb. 6.

BOX SCORE

Ed Cassiere, Sports Information Director
XULAgold.com
XAVIER UNIVERSITY OF LOUISIANA 
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Nuggets slip to their lowest ranking of the season

NEW ORLEANS — Dropping 2-of-3 games, including a first-ever loss to Edward Waters, helped send Xavier University of Louisiana to its lowest position of 2015-16 in the NAIA Division I Women's Basketball Coaches' Top 25 Poll.
    
The Gold Nuggets were tied for 30th place, down four spots, among the 33 teams receiving three-or-more points Tuesday. Xavier has victories this season against five teams ranked ahead of it, including No. 1 Our Lady of the Lake and No. 9 Shawnee State in November, but six losses in the last 11 games have put Xavier on the bubble in its bid to return to the national tournament for the first time since 2014.
    
Xavier began this past week with a 70-62 victory against SUNO, then lost 67-57 at Loyola — which climbed to 24th nationally — and 60-47 at Edward Waters.
    
Xavier, 18-11 overall and tied for second in the Gulf Coast Athletic Conference at 6-5, will close its regular season Saturday in a 3 p.m. matchup with city and GCAC rival Dillard at Dillard's Dent Hall. The Lady Bleu Devils helped knocked the Gold Nuggets out of the top 25 with a 57-52 victory Feb. 6 at Xavier.
    
GCAC regular-season champion Talladega, which did not play this past week, dropped from 14th to 15th. Our Lady of the Lake received all nine first-place votes and tops the rankings for the fourth consecutive week.
    
The GCAC Tournament will be played March 4-6 in New Orleans, with first-round games at SUNO (women) and Dillard (men) and all semifinals and finals at Xavier's Convocation Center.

NAIA Division I Women's Basketball Coaches' Top 25 Poll (first-place votes in parentheses — records through Feb. 21) Rank Team Record Points Last 1 Our Lady of the Lake (9) 24-2 219 1 2 Westmont 24-3 212 2 3 Bethel (Tenn.) 24-5 202 7 4 Lyon 24-3 198 8 5 Campbellsville 23-6 178 4 6 The Master's 23-4 176 10 7 Columbia (Mo.) 25-3 174 3 8 Vanguard 19-5 173 6 9 Shawnee State 24-5 162 9 10 MidAmerica Nazarene 22-5 160 5 11 Freed-Hardeman 22-6 150 12 12 Lewis-Clark State 23-4 149 11 13 Central Methodist 24-2 141 tie-15 14 Wayland Baptist 20-4 129 13 15 Talladega 21-3 125 14 16 Montana State-Northern 21-6 113 17 17 Oklahoma City 16-7 101 18 18 Benedictine (Kan.) 24-4 96 20 19 Lindsey Wilson 22-5 95 22 20 Carroll (Mont.) 19-7 89 tie-15 21 Pikeville 21-5 78 21 22 LSU-Shreveport 19-6 70 23 23 Great Falls 19-9 68 24 24 Loyola 19-6 58 25 25 Langston 17-6 53 19        Dropped from rankings:  None        Others receiving votes:  Auburn Montgomery 40, Baker 39, Martin Methodist 24, Huston-Tillotson 13, Xavier 11,, Georgetown (Ky.) 11, Culver-Stockton 7, Cumberland (Tenn.) 3 Ed Cassiere, Sports Information Director XULAgold.com XAVIER UNIVERSITY OF LOUISIANA  twitter.com/xulagold www.facebook.com/xulagold

XU Bruins, Setodji receive GCAC's weekly awards

NEW ORLEANS — Xavier University of Louisiana's Sha'Nel Bruins and Thomas Setodji have been selected Gulf Coast Athletic Conference Players of the Week in tennis for Feb. 15-21. Bruins won for the second consecutive week and the third time in her career.
    
Bruins, a junior from Colfax, La., and a graduate of Grant High School, teamed with Dasia Harris to defeat Daniella Arcila and Anastasia Castro 8-3 and score Xavier's only point in a 6-1 loss to NAIA No. 4 SCAD Savannah in the Green and Gray Invitational at Lawrenceville, Ga.
    
Setodji, a home-schooled freshman from Domont, France, teamed with Kevin Chaouat to defeat SCAD Savannah's Quentin Staley and Sean Hajdu, the ITA's 18th-ranked NAIA doubles team, at the Green and Gold Invitational. Setodji led Yulin Liu 7-5, 4-1 in singles when the dual was halted with Xavier having clinched a 6-0 victory.
    
Next for Xavier will be a 3 p.m. Wednesday women's dual match against Grambling at Greenwood Park Tennis Center in Baker, La., a suburb of Baton Rouge. The XU-Troy men's dual, scheduled for Thursday at XU Tennis Center, has been moved to Franco's Athletic Club in Mandeville, La. Competition will start at 2 p.m.
    
Xavier's men are 4-2 and ranked fourth in the NAIA, and the women are 1-3 and ranked 13th.

Ed Cassiere, Sports Information Director
XULAgold.com
XAVIER UNIVERSITY OF LOUISIANA 
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SSU Announces 2016 Football Schedule



COURTESY SAVANNAH STATE UNIVERSITY ATHLETICS

SAVANNAH, Georgia -- The Savannah State University football program announced its 2016 schedule.

The 10-game slate will pit the Tigers against two Football Bowl Subdivision (FBS) programs and has four home games, which will be played at Theodore A. Wright Stadium.

The Tigers open the season on the road against FBS foes Georgia Southern and Southern Mississippi. SSU play, GSU on Sept. 3 and Southern Miss. on Sept. 10.

GSU played in the GoDaddy Bowl in 2015 while USM played in the Zaxby's Heart of Dallas Bowl.

Following a bye week on Sept. 17, Savannah State will begin Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference play with a home contest against Bethune-Cookman, on Sept. 24 at 7 p.m.

The Tigers play at Florida A&M on Oct. 1 at 6 p.m., but return home to face Morgan State on Oct. 8 at 7 p.m.

Savannah State returns to the road on Oct. 15 to play North Carolina Central at 2 p.m. followed by a bye week on Oct. 22.

SSU will have a two-game home stand on Oct. 29 and Nov. 5.

The Orange and Blue Nation will celebrate Homecoming on Oct. 29 against Howard at 2 p.m. followed by a home game against Norfolk State on Nov. 5 at 1 p.m.

The Tigers will close out the season with road games at Hampton (Nov. 12) at 1 p.m. and South Carolina State (Nov. 19) at 1:30 p.m.

SSU's four home games will have themes.

The Bethune-Cookman game will be Greek Night/Parents Weekend; the Morgan State game will be The Pink Game/Military Day; the Howard game will be Homecoming; and the Norfolk State game will be Community/High School Band Day.

View Full 2016 Football Schedule

Date	Opponent	Location	Home / Away	Time
9/3/2016	Georgia Southern University	Statesboro, GA	A	TBA
9/10/2016	University of Southern Mississippi	Hattiesburg, MS	A	TBA
9/17/2016	Open		N	Open
9/24/2016	Bethune-Cookman University	Savannah, Ga. - Theodore A. Wright Stadium	H	7 p.m.
10/1/2016	Florida A&M University	Tallahassee, FL	A	6 p.m.
10/8/2016	Morgan State University	Savannah, Ga. - Theodore A. Wright Stadium	H	7 p.m.
10/15/2016	North Carolina Central University	Durham, NC	A	2 p.m.
10/22/2016	Open		N	Open
10/29/2016	Howard University	Savannah, Ga. - Theodore A. Wright Stadium	H	2 p.m.
11/5/2016	Norfolk State University	Savannah, Ga. - Theodore A. Wright Stadium	H	1 p.m.
11/12/2016	Hampton University	Hampton, VA	A	1 p.m.
11/19/2016	South Carolina State University	Orangeburg, SC	A	1:30 p.m.

COURTESY SAVANNAH STATE UNIVERSITY SPORTS INFORMATION