Xavier Gold Nuggets open trip with exhibition loss at Auburn

AUBURN, Alabama -- — Xavier University of Louisiana maintained a single-digit deficit against Auburn through 23 minutes before the Tigers pulled away for a 70-44 women's basketball victory Thursday.

The Gold Nuggets (6-4) counted the game as an exhibition, but the Tigers (9-3) counted it as a regular-season game. It was Auburn's sixth straight victory.



ESPN3 GAME VIDEO REPLAY

XULA trailed 27-20 at halftime and 31-22 early in the third quarter before Auburn closed the period with a 15-6 run.

Mikayla Bates scored nine points and Dasia Pitre eight for XULA. Maya Trench, the Nuggets' 5-foot-2 sophomore point guard, produced game highs of eight rebounds and four assists.

Bates, Essence Wells and Taylor Jones made two 3-pointers apiece.

Janiah McKay scored 17 points, Daisa Alexander 13, Abigayle Jackson 12 and Jazmine Jones 10 for Auburn.

The Gold Nuggets had a 7-2 advantage in made 3-pointers, and the NAIA member outrebounded the P5/SEC opponent 38-36.

Auburn outshot XULA 43.3 to 32.1 percent from the floor and was plus-17 in turnovers, committing 13 and gaining 30. The Tigers dominated at the line, making 16-of-27 free throws to XULA's 3-of-5. The Gold Nuggets missed their only free-throw attempt of the second half.

It was the first of three road games in six days for XULA. The Gold Nuggets will visit unbeaten LSU-Shreveport at noon Saturday, then travel to Dallas for a 2 p.m. Tuesday game at Paul Quinn.

Ed Cassiere, Assistant Athletic Director for Communications
XULAgold.com
XAVIER UNIVERSITY OF LOUISIANA 
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Ole Miss Rebels Bounce Back With Victory Over Texas Southern

GAME VIDEO REPLAY 

OXFORD, Mississippi -- Ole Miss women's basketball needed a bounce-back win in a big way and came away with a solid victory over Texas Southern, topping the Lady Tigers, 73-58, at The Pavilion on Thursday afternoon.

The Rebels (10-3) improved to 8-0 at home this season and snapped a two-game losing streak with an all-around team win over TSU (5-6). This marks the fifth time in the five-year era under Matt Insell that the Rebels have won at least nine games in non-conference and the third time in the Insell era that the Rebels have won 10 or more. This is also the second-straight year that Ole Miss has started 8-0 or better at home (the 2016-17 squad started 11-0 at home).

"This is a good win for us," Insell said. "Texas Southern is another team that was in the NCAA Tournament a year ago. We did not shoot the ball particularly well out of our main shooters, and I know they're going to shoot the ball a lot better than what they shot it there. But we executed a lot better offensively and we were a lot better defensively, which is something that we harped on for the last two days of practice."

Ole Miss started out hot, opening the game on a 12-0 run that ended with a 28-12 advantage by the end of the first quarter -- the most by the Rebels since scoring 30 in the first quarter vs. Delaware State. The Lady Tigers responded by outscoring the Rebels 32-28 in the second and third quarters combined to make it a 56-44 game heading into the fourth.

Much of that had to do with the awakening of TSU's Joyce Kennerson, who entered the day as the NCAA's second-best scorer at 26.1 points per game. After holding Kennerson scoreless in the first, she went on to score 24 points of the 46 total that Texas Southern scored in the final three quarters.

"(Kennerson) made some shots, but she went 7-of-20 from the field, and we'll take that," Insell said.

After getting beat on the boards and defensively the past two games, the Rebels adjusted with a tough defensive outing (making Texas Southern the eighth Rebel opponent this season held under 60 points) and a plus-six advantage in rebounding. That rebounding total was helped greatly by a career-high 10 boards from Bree Glover, who earned her first career start.

"We had a lot of changes, and we still have a lot of changes that we have to make that we were exposed on when we went out West," Insell said.



FINAL STATS

PHOTO GALLERY

Part of that was starting sophomore Shelby Gibson at center for the first time this season. Gibson led the scoring barrage, recording a career-high 20 points on 7-of-8 shooting and a 5-of-7 clip from the charity stripe in 25 minutes played. Gibson also chipped in with six rebounds.

"Shelby is an experienced player," Insell said. "She's somebody that's played in this league, she's somebody that knows what it takes to play at the level in the SEC. She's been a proven player in our league, and I just told her when we got back from Christmas that it's time for you to start playing again."

Also scoring in double-digits for Ole Miss were juniors Alissa Alston (17 points) and Madinah Muhammad (10 points, four assists, three rebounds, three steals). Alston extends her double-digit streak to a career-long five games and has scored at least 17 in six of 11 games played this year. Muhammad, meanwhile, tallied her 11th double-figure scoring game in 13 opportunities this season.

Another important storyline from Thursday was the return of sophomore forward Kate Rodgers, who had missed the previous six games since suffering a sprained MCL at Temple on Nov. 25. Rodgers scored two points and hauled in four boards in just five minutes played.

"Kate is somebody that is one of our best rebounders that we've needed, and we haven't had her," Insell said.

With non-conference now in the rearview mirror, the Rebels look ahead to a grueling SEC slate -- beginning with a key road test at Arkansas on New Year's Eve at 2 p.m.

"It's going to be a good game," Insell said. "I think they're a lot better than where they were picked in the league, and I think we're a lot better than where we were picked in the league. It's an SEC road game, those games are tough. We're going to have to play really well to get a win. We know that, and we're prepared for that. We've challenged our team in the non-conference with good teams, and we're excited for the opportunity to play a good Arkansas team."

Follow the Rebels on Twitter at @OleMissWBB, Facebook at Ole Miss WBB on Instagram at Ole MissWBB and on Snapchat with the handle @OleMissWBB. Fans can also follow Ole Miss women's basketball head coach Matt Insell on Twitter at @minsell.

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Bouldin's Career-High Leads UTC Mocs in Win Over Hampton

CHATTANOOGA, Tennessee --- University of Tennessee at Chattanooga sophomore Lakelyn Bouldin and senior Aryanna Gilbert put on a show from long range combining on 10 3-pointers to lead the Mocs to a 64-52 win over Hampton to close out the non-conference slate.

Both hit for career-bests from the 3-point line. Bouldin was 6-of-8, the most since Kayla Christopher had seven at St. Mary's (CA) College on Nov. 23, 2012, and Gilbert had four 3-pointers.

Bouldin had a career-high 32 points to lead the Mocs to its ninth win of the season, besting the high water mark 23 that she scored against UT Martin earlier this year. She was 9-of-17 from the field and 8-of-9 from the free throw line. She added in a season-high seven rebounds while playing all 40 minutes.

VIDEO HIGHLIGHTS

ESPN3 VIDEO REPLAY

Gilbert was 4-of-6 on the day, all from the 3-point line, with five rebounds and three assists. Sophomore Arianne Whitaker was the third Chattanooga player in double figures matching her season-high 10 points with five rebounds. She was 4-of-6 from the field and 2-of-4 from the free throw line.

The Mocs started the game down 7-2 less than three minutes into the game. Gilbert hit back-to-back 3-pointers to put UTC up 8-7 with Whitaker dropping in a layup at the 5:30 mark to complete the 8-0 run. Hampton briefly retook the lead, but it would be Bouldin's first 3-pointer of the game with 2:35 to play in the first to make it 15-13 and the Mocs would not trail the rest of the way.

After Hampton's Allina Starr tied the game 18-18 with 7:25 to play in the second quarter, Bouldin unleashed three straight 3-pointers for nine of Chattanooga's 12 points in the frame. She closed out the first half with 16 points.

Gilbert and Bouldin combined for 11 points to start the third quarter for the Mocs to give Chattanooga its first double-digit lead of the game, 40-28 with 6:24 to play in the frame. Two minutes later the Mocs embarked on a 9-0 run behind Arianne Whitaker with five points, to make it 49-30 with 36 seconds remaining in the period.

Bouldin's sixth 3-pointer, with 6:23 to play in the game, was the Mocs final basket. Over the remainder of the period, Chattanooga was 8-of-10 from the free throw line.

Chattanooga shot 50 percent from the field making 19-of-38 while Hampton was held to 21-of-59 (35.6%). The Mocs made a season-high 10-of-15 (66.7%) from the 3-point line. It was their second game this season with at least 10 treys. UTC outrebounded Hampton 37-25.

Shelbie Davenport matched her career-high for rebounds, leading the Mocs with eight and Bria Dial had four rebounds and three assists.

For the fourth time this season, the Mocs topped the 20-turnover mark with 24 and it was the second time UTC got a win with more than 20 miscues. Hampton scored 26 of its 52 points off turnovers and outscored the Mocs 22-8 in the paint.

Monnazjea Finney-Smith led the Pirates with 17 points, making 5-of-10 from the 3-point line and had five rebounds. Dejane' James, Ashley Bates and Starr each had eight points with Bates pulling down a team-best six rebounds.

Chattanooga will host UNCG Thursday, Jan. 4 in a double-header with the men's team at the McKenzie Arena to open Southern Conference action. Tickets are on sale at the McKenzie Arena box office and online at GoMocs.com.

BOX SCORE

UNIVERSITY OF TENNESSEE AT CHATTANOOGA ATHLETICS 

MSU McCowan's Big Night Powers Bulldogs To 14-0 in Rout of MVSU Delta Devils

STARKVILLE, Mississippi – Teaira McCowan scored 41 points as No. 5/3 Mississippi State beat Mississippi Valley State 112-36 in women's basketball game played Thursday night at Humphrey Coliseum.

A crowd of 8,535 – fourth-largest in program history – saw the 14-0 Bulldogs finish non-conference play with a perfect record for a second-straight season. It is the fourth time in program history for the Bulldogs to accomplish that feat, three times coming in the last four years.

"I want to thank the crowd," MSU head coach Vic Schaefer said. "They provided a great atmosphere for our student-athletes and for Mississippi Valley's. The second and third quarters were more indicative of what we are expecting out of this program."

The Bulldogs scored the program's third-largest point total in a game, while matching the second-largest margin of victory in a game. McCowan had the 12th 40-plus point game in school history, tying Morgan William for eighth place.

"Teaira was dominating," Schafer said. "Even though she does not have a lot of size on her, she is making some shots. She has that touch that you need to make more shots. She is getting better each game. I am pleased with T. She was a good helper."

McCowan's 41 points paired with 13 rebounds and five blocked shots for her 10th double-double of the season.



GAME VIDEO REPLAY

Victoria Vivians added 16 points, while Roshunda Johnson had 14 points. Vivians had six rebounds. Jordan Danberry led the team with seven assists, while Johnson and Blair Schaefer each had five assists.

The Bulldogs built a 12-4 lead less than three minutes into the contest. The Devilettes closed back within five at 19-14 with 2:53 left in the first quarter.

McCowan and Johnson scored back-to-back baskets to cap a 6-0 run, giving the Bulldogs a 29-16 lead after one quarter.

In the second quarter, the Bulldogs turned up the defensive pressure and held the guests to four points.

MSU hit 12 of 19 shots from the field for a second straight quarter to build a 59-20 lead at halftime.

For the contest, MSU hit 45 of 73 shots from the field (61.6 percent), 8 of 19 shots from 3-point range (42.1 percent) and 14 of 19 shots from the foul line (73.7 percent). MVSU hit 13 of 53 shots from the field (24.5 percent), 0 of 5 shots from 3-point range (0 percent) and 10 of 16 shots from the foul line (62.5 percent).

MSU held a 42-32 rebounding advantage. The Bulldogs had 28 assists and six turnovers, while the Devilettes had three assists and 25 turnovers

MVSU (0-12) received 10 points from Kristy Parker.

MSU will open Southeastern Conference play at Georgia Sunday. The game is set for a 5 p.m. CT start and will be shown nationally on the SEC Network.

BOX SCORE

PHOTO GALLERY

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Seattle Redhawks Rolls Over Grambling State Tigers for 10th Win

PHOTO BY SARAH FINNEY
SEATTLE UNIVERSITY ATHLETICS

SEATTLE, Washington – In front of a sold-out crowd at the Connolly Complex Thursday night, Seattle University men's basketball rolled to its 10th win of the season, using a huge first half to propel a 93-63 win over Grambling State.

The Redhawks move to 9-1 at home and 10-6 overall. The Tigers fall to 4-9 on the season.

Seattle U shot nearly 49 percent from the field in the opening frame, but it was the defensive effort that ultimately put the game away early. Grambling State managed just seven first-half field goals, shooting 26 percent from the field and 1-of-7 from three.

The Redhawks scored 12 points off turnovers and allowed just three offensive boards as they built a 46-19 halftime advantage. They would also hold the Tigers scoreless for the final 6:30 of the half.

Grambling State would show some life to start the second half, opening with a 12-2 run to pull within 17, 48-31. But Seattle U would answer with a 17-7 run and the lead would barely fall below 20 points for the balance of the game.

"We came ready to play tonight," said Head Coach Jim Hayford. "The first half was maybe our best 20 minutes of basketball this season. Credit Grambling, they showed a lot of character to come back and be so competitive in the second half. And the way that we had to respond made us better."

BOX SCORE | PHOTO GALLERY | 

Josh Hearlihy led all scorers with 21 points, including 8-of-9 from the charity stripe. The senior guard/forward combo added four rebounds, three assists and two steals to go along with zero turnovers.

Morgan Means added 14 points off the bench and Aaron Menzies collected his sixth double-double of the year, finishing with 13 points and 14 rebounds. Matej Kavas scored 12 points off four three-pointers to round out four players in double figures.

Ivy Smith, Jr., led Grambling State with 19 points while DeVante Jackson chipped in 11 off the bench.

"There was a lot of great energy in Connolly tonight," Hayford said of the sold-out crowd. "We're looking forward to that again on Saturday as we look to finish non-conference play with a win."

Seattle U will close out non-conference play on Saturday, Dec. 30, hosting UC Riverside in the sixth game of a nine-game homestand. Tip-off from the Connolly Complex is set for 1 p.m. The game will stream live on the WAC Digital Network and can be heard live on KTTH 770 AM.

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TSU Slow Start Hurts Lady Tigers in OVC Opener

Martin, Tennessee --- After getting off to slow start in the first quarter, the Tennessee State University women’s basketball team fell to UT Martin, 80-68, Thursday night in Elam Center.

Tennessee State (2-8, 0-1 OVC) trailed UT Martin (5-8, 1-0 OVC) by as many as 14 points before closing to within four points with 4:02 left to play. TSU nearly matched UTM (5-8, 1-0 OVC) point-for-point in the last three quarters but could not overcome the deficit.

Tia Wooten just missed a double-double with 22 points and nine rebounds to lead TSU. Taylor Roberts finished with 12 points off the bench.

The Skyhawks had four players four players in double-digits led by Emanye Robertson's 18 points.

FINAL BOX  |  RADIO CALLS

INSIDE THE NUMBERS

• TSU Leaders
• Points: Tia Wooten– 22
• Rebounds: Tia Wooten - 9
• Assists: Maxine Beard - 5
• Steals: Tia Wooten – 5
• Tia Wooten scored 19 of her 22 points in the second half
• TSU shot 82.6 percent (19-of-23) from the free-throw line.
• Rebounds were even 32-32.
• Taylor Roberts went without a score in the first half and posted 12 in the second frame.

HOW IT HAPPENED

• TSU shot 33.3 percent (4-of-12) from the field and committed 11 turnovers in the first quarter.
• The Lady Tigers trailed, 19-11, heading into the second period and fell behind by double-digits, 26-15, midway through the quarter.
• TSU held UTM without a field goal for the final 2:38 of the quarter and managed to cut the deficit to, 34-26, heading into the break.
• Heading into the final frame, the score was 58-48, in favor of UTM.
• Although TSU played UTM even through the first five minutes of the fourth quarter, the Lady Tigers continued to trail.
• TSU trailed, 66-56, with 4:26 remaining
• On the next possession, an old fashioned three-point play from Tia Wooten sparked a 6-0 run that pulled TSU to within four.
• The home team, however, managed to build its lead back up to double-digits with 2:21 remaining.
• Down the stretch, TSU was forced to foul.

GAME NOTES

• UTM now leads the all-time series 32-30
• Tia Wooten scored in double-digits for the 10th consecutive game.

QUOTE

Head Coach Jessica Kern

"I keep saying our kids fight, fight, fight. We keep fighting all the way to the end. A twelve-point loss isn’t indicative of how the game went. We need to go ahead and foul down the stretch and try to get the ball back, but your girl Tia Wooten… Boy she just keeps showing up. She had a sub-par first half and showed up in the second. Taylor Roberts got it going, but Asia Sims started us off when we needed to score. So, we’re putting the pieces together. This was a tough, literally physically tough, game tonight, and we’ve got a quick turnaround. We’ve got to go to Southeast Missouri. This was our first OVC game and now I know what my youngbodies know what it’s going to be like, and we live to play another day."
-Overview of the game

“We’ve got the fight. We’ve consistently shown that we’re a good third-and-fourth quarter team. We are now evening it out in the second. We have to start games better. We can’t continue to dig ourselves into a hole. So, as a staff, we’re going to meet here immediately. There’s no off-time. We have to figure out how to fix that, get our kids in active recovery, and then get them out of here to get some rest.”

-On takeaways 

UP NEXT

• TSU continues OVC action on Saturday, Dec. 30 with a contest at Southeast Missouri. Game time is set for noon in the Show Me Center.

TENNESSEE STATE UNIVERSITY ATHLETICS MEDIA COMMUNICATIONS

TSU Tigers Fall in OVC Opener in Overtime at UT Martin, 63-60

MARTIN, Tennessee --- The Tennessee State men’s basketball team suffered a 63-60 overtime defeat to UT Martin at the Elam Center on Thursday night. The game, which aired on national television on CBS Sports Network, was the Ohio Valley Conference opener for both teams.

Ken’Darrius Hamilton scored a team-high 12 points for TSU (5-7, 0-1 OVC), which featured four players in double figures. Kamar McKnight and Darreon Reddick finished with 11 points apiece with Christian Mekowulu adding 10 points and nine boards.

TSU led by 12 points in the first half before UT Martin (6-8, 1-0 OVC) battled back to cut the Tigers’ halftime edge down to 28-26.

In a game that had nine ties and 12 lead changes, TSU held a 56-54 edge with 1:06 remaining. The Skyhawks tied the scoring at 56-56 on a Jailen Gill layup and had two stops down the stretch to force overtime.

In the five-minute overtime period, UT Martin outscored TSU by a 7-4 margin to pick up the win.

INSIDE THE NUMBERS

• TSU LEADERS
  • Points – Ken’Darrius Hamilton - 12
  • Rebounds – Christian Mekowulu and Stokley Chaffee Jr. - 9
  • Assists – Darreon Reddick - 7
• The Tigers’ defense limited UT Martin to 28.6 percent (8-of-28) shooting in the first half, including 8.3 percent (1-of-12) from three-point range.
• TSU held the Skyhawks to 34.9 percent (22-of-63) from the field on the night.
• The seven assists were the most for Darreon Reddick since posting eight on Dec. 19, 2015 against Alcorn State.
• Thursday marked the first time TSU finished with four players scoring in double figures since the overtime win at Kennesaw State on Nov. 25, 2017.
• TSU’s bench outscored UT Martin’s bench by a 25-10 margin.

Tennessee State Men's Basketball at UT Martin Radio Calls from the game on 102.1 The Ville

• Delano Spencer Steal & And 1 for a 13-11 TSU Lead - 1st Half
• Kamar McKnight three pointer for a 49-47 TSU Lead - 2nd Half
• Head Coach Dana Ford Post-Game Interview

HOW IT HAPPENED

• Strong defense by the Skyhawks in the early going put TSU in a 10-2 hole five minutes into the game.
• The Tigers turned defense into offense, scoring five points off four UT Martin turnovers as part of a 15-1 run over the next 3:47 of the contest.
• TSU extended its lead to as many as 12 points 11 minutes into game at 23-11 on a Ken’Darrius Hamilton three.
• UT Martin cut into the TSU advantage the rest of the half as the Tigers took a 28-26 lead into the locker room. Darreon Reddick posted seven points and three assists to lead the way for the Tigers in the opening 20 minutes.
• The score went back-and-forth early in the second half with neither team leading by more than four points in the first eight minutes out of the break.
• UT Martin took a three-point lead on a three by Matthew Butler with four minutes left for a 54-51 edge.
• The Tigers scored the next five points and had a 56-54 lead on a Christian Mekowulu layup before UTM’s Jailen Gill’s layup with 1:05 remaining knotted the score at 56-56. 
• In the extra session, the Skyhawks scored the first four points and never looked back en route to outscoring the Tigers, 7-4, in the five minute overtime.

GAME NOTES

• Thursday’s game aired live on national TV on CBS Sports Network.
• TSU is 33-26 in the all-time series versus UT Martin.
• Hampus Ahlin made his first career start on the night.
• TSU is 1-2 in overtime this season.

BOX SCORE  |  PHOTO ALBUM  |  RADIO CALLS

 
QUOTES

HEAD COACH DANA FORD

"We did some things that were good enough for us to win, but when you’re on the road, you can’t turn the ball over, and you can’t get whipped on the glass like we did tonight. A lot of that credit goes to UT Martin. Those are two things we have got to get better at. We can’t turn the ball over 17 times, give up 16 second-chance opportunities, but we’ll just have to take this one and build off of it.”
-Overview of the game

“I thought we moved the ball a lot better tonight. We had 10 three’s. We tried to get the ball inside to (Christian) Mekowulu as much as possible. I mean, they were always double-and-triple teaming him every time he got the ball, but we got 17 team assists, which is probably a team-high for us. I thought we were very aggressive, and I thought we did some things to win, but when you’re on the road you have to defend, rebound and take care of the ball. We held them to 33 percent from the floor, but we definitely didn’t rebound. We have to take care of the ball."
-On positives of the game

UP NEXT

• The Tigers play at Southeast Missouri State on Sunday, Dec. 31, at 1 p.m. at the Show Me Center.
• The game will air live on the OVC Digital Network.

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Hill, Virginia Tech Hokies defeat North Carolina A&T

ESPN3 VIDEO REPLAY

BLACKSBURG, Virginia -- Redshirt junior Ahmed Hill and freshman P.J. Horne scored in double figures against North Carolina A&T, guiding the Virginia Tech men’s basketball team to a 76-59 victory on Thursday afternoon at Carilion Clinic Court at Cassell Coliseum.

The Hokies (11-2) shot well from the floor, hitting 29 shots on 59 attempts (49.2 percent), while capitalizing on its defensive presence by scoring 19 points off of turnovers versus the Aggies (7-8).

Trailing by a point at 10-9 in the early moments of the first half, Tech went on a 10-0 run behind redshirt sophomore Kerry Blackshear Jr.’s two successful post moves going into the media timeout at 10:59.

The Hokies would not look back, going up by as much as 18 points after a steal and quick layup by redshirt senior Devin Wilson as time expired, concluding the opening frame with a 38-20 lead.

Tech’s lead grew to as many as 23 points, its largest advantage of the day, following back-to-back three-pointers from Hill mid-way through the second half. The Aggies trimmed the deficit, but could not get it any closer than double digits.

NC A&T was led by forward Femi Olujobi, who recorded a game-high 21 points, four rebounds and two blocks.

NOTES

• Hill put in four shots from downtown, marking his fith game this season of nailing 4-plus three-pointers. The Georgia native scored a team-high 14 points and collected three rebounds.

• For the ninth time this season, the Hokies outscored their opponent in the paint, as they did versus the Aggies 40-32.

• The bench for Tech put in 33 points, marking the fifth time this year the reserves scored 30 or more points.

• Horne scored 10 points, tying the second-most of his young career, and recorded four rebounds and a block.

• Freshman Nickeil Alexander-Walker tied a career-high eight rebounds, while chipping in five points.

STAT OF THE GAME

• The Hokies controlled the pace of play, owning the advantage for more than 36 minutes in the clash with the Aggies. They also got a couple baskets out in transition, scoring five points compared to NC A&T’s two.

QUOTING BUZZ WILLIAMS

“I think the next step is, here is our tools and do we have the maturity in practice, in scouting, in film, to we are going to take advantage of this tool in this game and can we execute that.”

• Box Score
•  Photo Gallery

WHAT IS NEXT

• ACC play begins on Dec. 31, as the Hokies travel to Syracuse to face the Orange in the Carrier Dome. Tip is at 6 p.m. and the game will be shown live on ESPNU and the ESPN app.

VIRGINIA TECH HOKIE SPORTS

A Marching Band at Allen University -- A Band of Gold

Mr. EDDIE ELLIS
ALLEN UNIVERSITY BAND OF GOLD

COLUMBIA, South Carolina -- Allen University has unveiled another vital element in the institution’s steady resurgence. A show-stopping marching band directed by an eminent band master is the latest initiative. The Allen “Band of Gold” will take the field fall semester 2018 with Eddie Ellis directing.

The band will be historic, both in degree and size. It will be the first marching band program at Allen in over a half century. The 2018 edition is also expected to march 100 members. Reacting to his appointment, Ellis said, “I am delighted to become a part of the Allen University family and work with President Ernest McNealey in creating an exceptional marching band program that will help to grow Allen and instill spirit throughout Allen and beyond.”

As band director at Morris Brown College (Atlanta) for more than a decade, Ellis conducted the symphonic band and the Marching Wolverines, leading the band to a featured role in the (2002) film Drumline, which “brought show-style marching bands to the big screen for the first time.” They also performed in numerous music videos, and in 2001, Ellis’ symphonic unit was the first African-American band to be featured at the Georgia Music Educators Association.

Ellis most recently served an 11-year-stint as director of bands at South Carolina State University, where he conducted the Symphonic Band, Wind Ensemble and the Marching 101 Band. Honors included three appearances in the Honda Battle of the Bands competition. Ellis holds a Bachelor of Arts in music from Morris Brown College and a Master of Music in Education from Georgia State University, Atlanta, Ga. He has also studied at Florida State University, the Cincinnati Conservatory and The University of Texas at Austin.

Mr. Ellis will join a host of talented musicians/professors engaged in public performances and leading student groups. The “Band of Gold” will add to the existing roster of student performers comprised of a chamber ensemble, a concert choir, a jazz band, and a gospel choir.

Allen University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges to award baccalaureate degrees. Contact the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges at 1866 Southern Lane, Decatur, Georgia 30033-4097 or call 404-679-4500 for questions about the accreditation of Allen University.

THE SOUNDS OF EDDIE ELLIS...




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North Carolina A&T Women's Basketball Returns to Action At Ohio

North Carolina A&T Women’s Basketball (4-6) at Ohio (5-5)
Date: Thursday, Dec. 28, 2017
Time: 8 p.m.
Facility: Convocation Center (Athens, Ohio)
Series: N.C. A&T leads the all-time series, 1-0

PROBABLE STARTERS: F Le’on Hill (6-2, So., 2.7 ppg, 6.2 rpg); G Cinia McCray (5-7, So., 8.9 ppg, 3.3 rpg); G Shantell Bostick (5-7, So., 6.1 ppg, 3.3 rpg); G C’Coriea Foy (6-0, R-So., 13.7 ppg, 3.4 rpg); F Quenswayla Story (6-3, So., 5.7 ppg, 3.4 rpg).

AGGIES OVERVIEW: The Aggies have just two non-conference games remaining before they open MEAC play against Norfolk State on Saturday, Jan. 6. North Carolina A&T plays at Ohio before hosting St. Andrews in the Corbett Sports Center on Tuesday, Jan. 2. The Aggies improved to 4-2 at home with a 68-59 victory over Western Carolina in their last game on Dec. 19. C’Coriea Foy scored 18 points to go along with five rebounds and six assists in the win while Le’on Hill grabbed a career-high 16 rebounds. Two Aggies are averaging double figures in scoring led by Foy’s 13.7 followed by Kala Green’s 12.4. Alexus Lessears leads the team in rebounding at 9.6 while Foy is tops in both assists (3.4) and stelas (2.8). The Aggies defeated Ohio last season in Cobett, 63-57.

OHIO OVERVIEW: Ohio has dropped four of its last five games including two defeats at the West Palm Invitational by Furman (70-68) and Virginia (77-59) before the holiday break. Under the direction of fifth-year head coach Bob Boldon, Ohio went 22-10 last season with a 12-6 finish in the MAC. The Bobcats are first in the MAC in steals (14.6), 3-point field goal attempts (320), turnover margin (13.00), turnovers forced (25.40) and turnovers per game (12.4). Cierra Hooks ranks second in the MAC in steals (3.2) and 25th in the nation while Dominique Doseck is sixth in steals (2.8), third in 3-point field goals attempts (77) and ninth in 3-point field goals per game (2.20). Taylor Agler leads the Bobcats in assists (4.5) ranking ninth in their conference and fourth in assists turnover ratio (2.14).

LAST TIME OUT
C’Coriea Foy finished with a team-high 18 points, six assists and five rebounds, Kala Green had 17 points and four assists and Jada Scaife posted 11 points and nine rebounds in the Aggies 68-59 win over West Carolina on Education Day. The Aggies led from tip to finish and saw their lead increase to as many as 20 during the game.

NEWS & NOTES

• N.C. A&T is 4-0 when leading with five minutes remaining this season.
• Nationally, the Aggies are ranked fifth in offensive rebounds (18.0), ninth in turnovers forced (23.38), 24th in turnover margin (6.00) and 35th in rebounds (43.4). They are first in the MEAC in all four categories and are ranked second in assist turnover ratio (0.80), assist per game (14.2), rebound margin (2.0) and scoring offense (66.1).
• Alexus Lessears leads the conference in both rebounds per game (9.6) and offensive rebounds (5.0).
• C’Coriea Foy is second in steals per game (2.80), third in field goal attempts (160) and fourth in 3-point field goal attempts (72), sixth in assists (3.4). Green leads the Aggies in minutes played (29.8). Le’on Hill leads the Aggies in blocked shots (0.9). Shantell Bostick ranks third in the league in assist/turnover ratio (1.2) and eighth in both free throw percentage (.730) and assists (3.2). Kala Green is fifth in the conference in 3-point field goals made (1.9).

NORTH CAROLINA A&T STATE UNIVERSITY SPORTS INFORMATION

Hawaii Men’s Basketball Wraps Up Non-Conference Play vs. Howard Bison

HONOLULU, Hawaii – The University of Hawai'i men's basketball team hosts Howard on Friday, Dec. 29 in the team's final non-conference game before opening Big West play. Tipoff is 7:00 p.m. at the Stan Sheriff Center.   
 
UH is coming off a sixth-place finish in the Hawaiian Airlines Diamond Head Classic. The Rainbow Warriors went 1-2, as they fell to then-No. 6 Miami, beat Davidson and concluded the tournament with a Christmas Day loss to Princeton. UH has been a good bounce-back team this year, going 3-0 after a loss with an average margin of victory of 10.0 points.   
 
This will be the second meeting in the last three seasons between UH and Howard, out of the MEAC. The 'Bows defeated the Bison 94-59 in January 2016 and are undefeated in 15 all-time meetings with MEAC schools.
 
Following its game against Howard, UH will open Big West play with a pair of road games at Long Beach State (Jan. 4) and CSUN (Jan. 6).
 
Game 13
Who: Hawai'i (8-4, 0-0 Big West) vs. Howard (3-12, 0-0 MEAC)
When: Friday, Dec. 29, 2017
Time: 7:00 p.m. HT
Where: Stan Sheriff Center (10,300) - Honolulu, HI
Television: Live on Spectrum Sports – Channels 16 (SD) and 1016 (HD). Kanoa Leahey (play-by-play) and Artie Wilson (color) on the call.
Streaming Video: BigWest.TV (Must be a Spectrum cable subscriber to stream in Hawai'i).
Radio: Live on ESPN 1420 AM with Bobby Curran and Jeff Portnoy. Neighbor islands can listen live on KNUI on Maui, KPUA on the Big Island, KTOH on Kaua'i, and KNWJ in Pago Pago, American Samoa.
Audio Webcast: ESPN1420am.com/Sideline Hawai'i App.
Live Stats: HawaiiAthletics.com
Ticket Information: $5-$30. UH Manoa students free with validated ID. Available for purchase online.
Game Notes

Promotions: First Insurance Company of Hawaii is the game sponsor and will distribute 500 basketball shaped tote bags at Gate A.  Great prizes will be awarded throughout the night and sign up for your chance to win at the sports marketing table at Gate A. 
Coaches: Eran Ganot is in his third season at UH (50-26).  Kevin Nickelberry is in his ninth season at Howard (72-166)
Series Information: UH leads, 2-0.
 
About Howard: The Bison are just 3-12 but have won two of their last four games, including their last outing on Dec. 22, an 80-75 win vs. UNC Wilmington in the Sun Bowl Invitational in El Paso...Howard has played all but three of their games away from home and is winless on the road (0-11)...RJ Cole (21.6 ppg) and Charles Williams (18.4 ppg) account for nearly 60 percent of the team's scoring.
 
UNIVERSITY OF HAWAII ATHLETIC MEDIA COMMUNICATIONS

GAME PREVIEW: Seattle Redhawks vs Grambling State Tigers

SEATTLE, Washington –  Seattle University men’s basketball continues its nine-game homestand on Thursday, Dec. 28, hosting Grambling State at the Connolly Complex. Tip-off is set for 7 p.m. and the game will stream live on the WAC Digital Network. Fans can also tune in to KTTH 770 AM in Seattle or online at mynorthwest.com as Dave Grosby returns for his ninth season on air for the Redhawks.

FOLLOW THE REDHAWKS

• Thursday, Dec. 28 at 7:00 p.m. PT
• Connolly Complex, Seattle, WA
• Tickets
• Game Notes
• Live Stats
• Listen on KTTH 770 AM
• Watch on the WAC Digital Network

ABOUT THE GAME

• Seattle U (9-6) vs. Grambling State (4-8)
• All-time series - First meeting
• Last meeting - First meeting

NEWS AND NOTES

• The Redhawks are 8-1 at home this season with the lone blemish being an 81-59 setback to Cal on Dec. 19. They had opened the season with a seven-game streak that marked the longest home win streak since the 2014-15 season when they won six straight from Feb. 17, 2015 (vs. Utah Valley) to March 23, 2015 (vs. Colorado).
• Jordan Hill had 23 points, while Aaron Menzies and Matej Kavas added 20 apiece in the Redhawks’ 95-89 win over Nicholls State on Dec. 23. That marked the first time this season that three players had scored 20 or more points. It was also the fourth time that at least two players had achieved the feat. Hill had 21 points and Josh Hearlihy added 20 against Saint Martin’s on Dec. 13. On Nov. 12 vs. Puget Sound when Richaud Gittens poured in 26 points and Hearlihy added 23. The Redhawks also had a pair of 20-point efforts on Dec. 3 vs. Eastern Washington when Kavas had 26 points and Hearlihy added 20.
• Junior center Aaron Menzies finished with 20 points and 14 rebounds on Dec. 23 vs. Nicholls State, marking his team-leading fifth double-double of the season.
• Seattle U is averaging 81.0 ppg, which ranks first in the WAC. That mark includes two games where they have surpassed the century mark, as well as a 99-point effort and 95-point outing.
• Matej Kavas has led the Redhawks in scoring seven times through 15 games and has scored in double figures in all but one game played. The sophomore guard/forward has hit the 20-point mark six times, while his career-high sits at 27, a feat achieved vs Detroit Mercy on Nov. 18.
• In games played through Dec. 25, Seattle U is ranked in the top 50 nationally in seven team statistical categories. The Redhawks are seventh in the nation in 3-pters (149), eighth in free-throw percentage (78.7) and total assists (241), 10th in 3-pt FG attempts (394), 16th in rebounds (557), 35th in 3-pt FGs per game (9.9) and 37th in FTs made (218).
• Matej Kavas is seventh in the nation with 46 made 3-pters while Aaron Menziesranks eighth in FG% (68.8).
• The Redhawks lead the Western Athletic Conference in  scoring (81.0 ppg), free-throw percentage (78.7), 3-pt FG% (37.8) and 3-pt FGs made (149, 9.9 per game). They also rank second in FG% (47.7) and third assists per game (16.1).
• Matej Kavas ranks third in the WAC in scoring (18.5 ppg) and first in 3-pt FG% (47.9) and 3-pt FGs made (46, 3.3 per game). Aaron Menzies ranks second in blocks (30, 2.0 per game) and FG% (68.8), and fourth in rebounds per game (6.9). Jordan Hill is tied for second in 3-pt FGs (35, 2.5 per game) and fourth in assists (59, 4.2 per game), Richaud Gittens is second in steals (22, 1.6 per game) and four Redhawks rank in the top 10 in 3-pt FG percentage.

UPCOMING TICKET DEALSCatch all five of the Redhawks' KeyArena Western Athletic Conference games this season for a great low price! Save 50% on single-game ticket prices by purchasing a "WAC PACK." Mini plan prices start as low as $25. Click here to purchase.

SEATTLE UNIVERSITY ATHLETICS MEDIA COMMUNICATIONS

Despite Council’s Career Night, Coppin State Falls at Ga.Tech

ATLANTA, Georgia -- Coppin State's men's basketball team fell at Georgia Tech, 76-62 on Wednesday night at McCamish Pavilion. With the loss, the Eagles fall to 0-14 on the year while the Yellow Jackets even their record at 6-6.

Cedric Council, who grew up just minutes from Georgia Tech, scored a career-high 17 points on 6-of-10 shooting and 5-of-6 from deep. Lamar Morgan and Karonn Davis also finished in double figures with 12 and ten points, respectively. Adam Traore also chipped in with nine points.

The Eagles were narrowly outshot, 46.4% to 40.0% but Georgia Tech outrebounded Coppin, 41-24 and made 20-of-21 free throws compared to just 2-of-3 for CSU. Coppin did not take a free throw until Morgan sunk a pair with 3:29 left in regulation.

Coppin was in control for much of the game but Georgia Tech pulled away by using a 15-3 run to take its first lead since early in the first and it was punctuated by a dunk by Josh Okogie with 4:12 left in regulation.

The first half started slowly for both teams as the score remained scoreless for the first 2:18 until Traore buried a three but Georgia Tech answered with a triple of its own on the ensuing possession. The Yellow Jackets eventually built a five-point lead at 13-8 but the Eagles, would go on a 10-2 run capped off by a three by Davis to give Coppin an 18-15 lead with 8:15 left in the half.

Georgia Tech would stop the bleeding with a triple to tie the score, but Council hit his first three of the night to give the Eagles back the lead. The Eagles maintained the one-possession lead until Council buried another triple which was followed by a thunderous dunk by Traore, forcing a Georgia Tech timeout.

Coppin's advantage was cut to a single basket moments later but a three by Davis extended the lead back to five. Georgia Tech was able to answer with a jumper but both teams went scoreless for the final 1:25 and the Eagles went into the half with a 33-30 lead. The 33 points were the most scored by Coppin in the first half this season.

Up next for the Eagles is a trip to take on Penn State on Saturday, December 30 at 1 pm. The game will be broadcast on BTN Plus.

BOX SCORE

COPPIN STATE UNIVERSITY ATHLETIC COMMUNICATIONS