Norfolk State rallies late for win over N.C. Central

Photo: NSU Tony Murphy, 6-4/220 senior guard, Eastside High School, Paterson, New Jersey.

NORFOLK, Va. — Junior Michael Deloach (Rocky Mount, N.C.) hit a short jumper off the glass with 30 seconds remaining in the game to give Norfolk State the lead for good, and Tony Murphy (Paterson, N.J.) went 4-of-4 from the free throw line in the final 21seconds as the Spartans earned an 87-83 victory over North Carolina Central on Monday night at Echols Hall.

Murphy and Corey Lyons (Bronx, N.Y.) scored 22 points apiece to pace a season-high five players in double figures for NSU (4-8), which has won two games in a row for the first time this season. Charles Futrell led all scorers with 34 points, and Bryan Ayala added 26 for the Eagles (1-20), who lost their 15th in a row.

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DSU lacking experience for another MEAC title run

Photo: Delaware State senior Roy Bright is a legitimate NBA prospect averaging 18 ppg/4.7 rpg.

Few reminders of its three consecutive Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference championships linger around the Delaware State men's basketball team these days. So far, it hasn't been pretty for DSU. The Hornets have suffered in all areas, from defense to scoring. The Hornets (3-9) recently completed their non conference season, with the exception of one game at Winston-Salem State.

Bright, the MEAC preseason player of the year, has been among the league's top scorers at 18 points per game. But he's made just 32 of 92 3-pointers, which points to one of Jackson's concerns.

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Roy Bright is the best player in the MEAC--period. He is a warrior on the court and is the go to player that can create his own shot in crunch time. I wouldn't transfer any MEAC conference banners yet, until the fat lady sings.

With the way most MEAC teams are over-matched playing the AP Top 25, it is difficult to measure how good or how bad our programs really are. The one question that was answered early on in out-of-conference play was that none of the MEAC teams will be hoisting the NCAA national championship trophy in the final basketball game of this season.

Bright is a winner and it would be a big mistake to overlook DSU Hornets in the dash for the championship.

Jacksonville Jam wins with Brian Greene scoring/rebounding

Photo: Former FAMU Rattlers Brian Greene scored his first double/double with 19 points/13 rebounds in Jacksonville Jam first win of season.

The Jacksonville JAM flew up to Reading, Pa, determined to get on track after a dismal shooting performance in the home opener on Friday night. They did not disappoint as Jacksonville (1-1) shot 55% from beyond the arc to beat the Reading Railers (0-1) 104-101 on Saturday night and get its first win in the 2008 Premier Basketball League season.

In a seesaw battle that had the JAM up by four at the half, only to find themselves down by four after the third quarter, the JAM again found themselves down by four with two minutes to go.

That's when former Florida A&M University guard/forward Brian Greene took over with two baskets down the stretch and Antonio Lawrence hitting a clutch three while the JAM defense shut the door to pull out the victory.

Six JAM players were in double figures led by Brian Greene with 19 points and 13 rebounds and Jerry Williams' 16 points.

(Former FAMU) Coach Mike Gillespie was proud of his team as he earned his first win in the professional ranks. "The guys played hard tonight and the key was that we hit our shots. That's what makes the difference."

Next up for the JAM is a home game against the Arkansas Impact on Friday Jan 11 at the UNF Arena.

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-Jax Jam press release

FCS (1-AA) shows argument for football playoffs isn't all academic

Either Ohio State or Louisiana State will claim the Bowl Championship Series title tonight, a designation drenched in ambiguity no matter who wins. For years, division I-A football officials have opposed the kind of playoff format that would avoid such murkiness, using final exams as part of the reason for favoring the current bowl structure. Players shouldn't have to balance football and academics when both become most demanding, the argument goes.

And yet, division I-AA players do it every season. Kenneth Peacock, the chancellor at three-time defending I-AA champion Appalachian State, meets annually with the presidents from his league, the Southern Conference. The topic of football distracting from academics -- or vice versa -- has never been brought up. "It's never been an issue," he said.

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UMES Lady Hawks outlasts Kent State in O.T.

Photo: #3 Kristi Veltkamp, 6-3 senior forward, Lansing Home School, Hudsonville, Michigan pulled down six rebounds against Kent State.

PRINCESS ANNE, Md. - Tiffany Reid returned to action today against the Kent State University (KSU) Golden Flashes and poured in 19 points, on 7-15 shooting to lead the University of Maryland Eastern Shore (UMES) Lady Hawks to an overtime win, 76-71.

Reid, who had missed the last two games with a head injury sustained at Syracuse, looked to be her old self, knocking down two three pointers, going a perfect 3-3 from the free throw line and tallying three blocked shots and three assists for an overall solid performance.

"Effort overcame free throw shooting tonight," said Head Coach Fred Batchelor. "We missed some big ones but we kept pushing it and came away with the win." Ironically it was McBride, hurt in the overtime period, which made only one of two at the end of regulation with fewer than 10 seconds left that tied the game at 67 instead of giving the Hawks the lead. In the final three minutes Morton and Jessica Ayilola both missed two free throws that would have given UMES a lead.

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Hampton Lady Pirates keeps Howard University winless

Photo: Senior 5-8 guard, Rachel Butler is a pure shooter from Dallas, Texas Lincoln High School. Rachel is a second team (3-times) ALL-MEAC selectee.

Hampton got a team-high 14 points from Rachel Butler and 27 points from its bench to pull away from Howard University in a 73-61 win in a Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference women's game at Burr Gymnasium. It was the conference opener for both teams. The Lady Pirates (6-6 overall, 1-0 in the MEAC) even their record on the season while the Lady Bison (0-12 overall, 0-1 in the MEAC) are still looking for their first win.

The Lady Bison will look to end their current slide when they host Florida A&M University on Saturday, January 12 at 2 pm. Hampton host Bethune-Cookman University on January 12 at 2 pm.

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Morgan State Lady Bears ends Coppin streak

Photo: Sophomore 5-7 guard, Corin Adams from Brooklyn, NY James Madison High School is the floor general for the Lady Bears. Adams is #1.

Morgan State ended Coppin State's 41-game Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference regular-season winning streak with a 63-55 victory yesterday. Corin Adams led the visiting Bears (7-5, 1-0) with a game-high 18 points, seven rebounds, six steals and three assists. The game was the first MEAC loss for the Eagles (5-9, 0-1) since a 51-50 setback to Delaware State in 2005.

Rashida Suber had 13 points in defeat for Coppin.

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Delaware State's McBride invited to NFL Combine

Photo: Shaheer McBride is ready to step to the next level with his DSU degree and professional football opportunities.

Shaheer McBride, Delaware State University senior wide receiver has received an invitation to the NFL draft combine, to be held Feb. 20-26 at Indianapolis. According to DSU's sports information office, McBride is the first player from the school to be invited to the combine, where college prospects are evaluated by coaches and scouts from every NFL franchise for the draft.

McBride, from Chester, Pa., caught 50 passes for 586 yards and nine touchdowns last season. He finished his career with 201 catches for 3,007 yards and 33 scores. McBride set DSU records for career receptions and receiving yards, and tied the touchdowns mark set by John Taylor from 1982 to '85. McBride became the third wide receiver in MEAC history to finish with more than 200 receptions and 3,000 receiving yards.

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But more importantly, McBride has completed ALL of his classes and is scheduled to graduate from Delaware State University in May 2008, with a Bachelors of Science degree in Sports Management. This is what its all about, student-athletes--taking care of business!

Congratulations Mr. McBride!

TSU Lady Tigers races past Murray State in O.T.

Photo: Tennessee State's junior forward Oby Okafor scores her sixth double/double of season on Murray State Lady Racers with 31 points/12 rebounds in Lady Tigers win.

Oby Okafor had 31 points and 12 rebounds as Tennessee State almost blew a 20-point lead, but hung on for a 90-85 overtime victory Saturday night at Murray State. The win improves Tennessee State to 6-7 overall and 3-1 in the early Ohio Valley Conference race. Murray State Lady Racers fell to 9-5 and 3-3.

Kendra Appling added 26 points and eight rebounds for TSU while Tiffany Jackson added 16 points and nine rebounds. LaDona Pierce had 11 assists for the Lady Tigers.

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Okafor is asserting herself at both ends of the court with her second monster game in scoring and rebounding. TSU is playing well and hopefully they will continue this trend. The stock is rising for the Lady Tigers in the OVC with Okafor in All-American form.

Next up for TSU--Monday, they host UT-Martin in the Gentry Center. Game time is scheduled for 5:30 p.m.

Morgan State Bears falls to Seton Hall Pirates

Photo: Morgan State's Jamar Smith had a monster game scoring 28 points on Seton Hall to lead the Bears scoring.

NEWARK, N.J. - Senior Jamar Nutter (Bloomfield, N.J.) erupted for a career-high 29 points as the Seton Hall men's basketball team wrapped up non-conference play with an 89-81 win over Morgan State. Nutter shot 10-of-15 from the floor and pulled down six rebounds in 36 minutes off the bench.

Jamar Smith had 28 points for the Bears, including 11 from the free throw line. It was the third loss in a row for Morgan State, who shot just 38.7 percent, and fell to 6-7 on the year.


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FAMU gets tuneup win over Warner Southern

Photo: Senior 6-10 forward, Akini Akini, Tallahassee, FL scored 23 points/9 boards to help Ratters gain win.


The senior duo of Akini Akini and Leslie Robinson combined to spark the Florida A&M Men's Basketball team to a 75-62 non-conference victory over Warner Southern College in Gaither Gymnasium Saturday afternoon.

Akini finished with a game-high 23 points and nine rebounds, along with three blocked shots, while the sharpshooting Robinson hit six three-pointers en route to a 22-point, six-rebound performance.

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The Rattlers will be in Washington, D.C. on January 12, at Howard University to open MEAC play. The Lady Rattlers will face the Lady Bison at 2:00 p.m. at Burr Gymnasium and the men have a 4:00 p.m start time. See you there!

Southern University stadium expansion to start in February '08

Photo: Jackson State University Sonic Boom of the South performing at half-time in A.W. Mumford Stadium, 2007.

After years of delays and criticism, Southern University officials said Friday that the expansion of A.W. Mumford Stadium is finally set to begin next month. The expansion will add 2,500 seats to the 26,500-seat stadium. Southern borrowed $60 million through bonds for construction, with about $14.5 million for the stadium. The cost now comes in at $16.5 million, but Hughes said reserve funds will adequately cover such overruns.

The 18-month construction of the north end zone enclosure and new football complex is expected to be completed in July 2009. Along with the stadium enclosure, the project will include new training facilities, lockers rooms, offices, a weight room, sports memorabilia spaces, meetings rooms, about 500 club-level seats and 2,000 end zone seats.

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Two years of procrastination (politics) and everyone wanting to have input into the project will cost the university $2 million plus before the project is completed. Bottom line, this expansion of A.W. Mumford Stadium is very good for Southern University to stay competitive in Louisiana and Southwestern Athletic Conference athletics.

To view the plans, budget and architectural drawings for the project, please click on this .pdf file link and view pages 8-12 of the document: http://members.cox.net/trey636/BOND%20PROJECT.pdf

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Jacksonville JAM falls in opener to Rochester Razorsharks

Former Florida A&M Rattlers guard Brian Greene led the JAM in scoring at 17, in season opener.

Press Release

Jacksonville, FL--The Rochester RazorSharks started off their 2008 Inaugural season in the Premier Basketball League with a 101-83 victory over the Jacksonville Jam led by James “Mook” Reaves with 20 points. The Jam started off hot, beginning the game off with a 7-0 run, but the RazorSharks finished the quarter strong to a 19-19 tie at the end of the 1st quarter.

The RazorSharks were able to go on an impressive 21-9 run in the first 4:00 minutes of the 2nd quarter. The RazorSharks went into the half with a 51-37 lead aided by Keith Friel’s 15 points, 4-6 from behind the arc in the first half and finished with 5 3-pointers and a total of 18 points for the game.

The Jacksonville Jam countered with a 20-7 run to close out the 3rd quarter. Derik Hollyfield’s buzzer-beating 3-pointer helped swing the momentum back to the RazorSharks, as that brought the 3rd quarter to a 67-61 RazorSharks lead.

With 2:25 left to play, the RazorSharks capped off a 23-8 run. The RazorSharks went 21-27 from the free throw line, including 11-12 in the second half to close out the game. The RazorSharks 1st round draft pick, Vidal Massiah, finished the game with 13 points, 5 rebounds, and 4 assists. Franklin High School’s own, Marlin Johnson, finished the game with 7 rebounds.

The RazorSharks continue their season opening road trip vs. the Wilmington SeaDawgs at 5:00pm (est.). Jacksonville plays at Reading tonight.

Former Florida A&M University men basketball coach Mike Gillespie is head coach of the JAM, with FAMUan Brian Green and Terrance Woods playing the guard positions. Greene was the leading JAM scorer at 17 points.

The RazorSharks will be back on Monday to prepare for their Home Opener Weekend on Saturday, January 12 vs. the Reading Railers at 2:05pm (est.) and an early season rematch with the Jam on Sunday, January 13 at 1:05 (est.).

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Savannah State stuns Southern Mississippi

Southern Miss had three players score in double figures, but the Golden Eagles could not overcome a 15-point halftime deficit in a 61-56 loss at Savannah State Friday night at Tiger Arena in non-conference basketball action. The Golden Eagles (8-6) lost their third consecutive contest, while finishing the non-conference portion of the schedule for the second-straight season with a setback on the road at SSU.

Southern Miss, which trailed the entire game, fell behind big in the first half as they missed their first seven shots from the field and committed four turnovers. The Tigers (8-12) had a two-game losing streak snapped as they led by as many as 19 points in the opening half after a bucket from Chris Linton to make the score 23-4 with 8:12 remaining.

Linton led the Tigers with 12 points, while Lazarius Coleman added 11 as SSU converted 51.2 percent (21-of-41) in the contest.

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Wow! Talk about a butt kicking--Savannah State received one in a 75-48 rout at Maryland on January 2nd, but took it out on Southern Mississippi.

Too bad the local press provided little or no newspaper coverage at this Savannah State University home game. Shame on the hometown newspaper, the Savannah Morning News.

After two upsets of the Golden Eagles, expect SSU to be in search of a new Division I game next season.

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Norfolk State gets FBC transfer quarterback

Photo: Former UConn and Miami Central H.S. (FL) quarterback Dennis Brown is transferring to Norfolk State University and the MEAC.

by beepbeep

Norfolk State University Spartans just received the best commitment possible before the February 6, 2008, National Signing Day. This is the first day that a high-school athlete can sign a National Letter of Intent for football.

Dennis Brown, a former Miami Central Senior High School (Florida) quarterback is leaving the University of Connecticut Huskies and transferring to Norfolk State University. The 6-foot-3, 196-pound red shirt sophomore played in five games this season as the backup to junior starter Tyler Lorenzen and was 5-for-12 for 48 yards with one touchdown. Brown started two games as a true freshman in 2005 but was red shirted in 2006.

UConn loss 24-10 to Wake Forest in the Meineke Car Care Bowl in Charlotte. They finished the season 9-4, 5-2 in the Big East Conference.

Brown is a pre-pharmacy major that was team captain in high school; a third-team 6A All-State selection in Florida and a first team All-Dade County pick. He threw for 2,001 yards in his senior year for 18 touchdowns, leading Miami Central to a 10-2 season and the third round of the state playoffs. He was a Dade-Broward County All-Star pick and named MVP of the Dade-Broward All-Star Game. His 13-yard TD run in that game with 31 seconds left gave Dade County a 20-17 win.

Photo: Norfolk State Pete Adrian is building a strong FCS contender with a base of high school players, Jucos and key D-IA transfers.

Norfolk State is coming off its best season ever as a Division I, football championship subdivision (FCS) member with an 8-3 record. The Spartans were ranked #7 in the FCS, with 103,320 accumulated attendance for six home games. NSU average game attendance was 17,220 and leads all HBCUs in accumulated home attendance.

The Spartans are scheduled to play at FBS, University of Kentucky on September 6, 2008, and Brown's game experience makes him the potential starter at NSU. The Spartans were walloped 59-0 at #5 Rutgers University in their first contest with a FBS program in 2007.

NSU coach Pete Adrian, 2007 MEAC Coach of the Year is seeking a replacement for graduating senior quarterback Casey Hanson who passed for 3,648 yards and 16 TDs in the third best scoring offense in the conference, averaging 24.7 ppg in 2007.

Norfolk State returns to sophomore quarterbacks in Dexter Merritt, Brian Jackson, Rakeem Kersey and senior Korey Jones. Jackson also serves as the team's
punter.

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South Carolina State releases 2008 football schedule

Photo: SCSU Head Football Coach Oliver "Buddy" Pough faces two 1-A foes in 2008, in UCF and Clemson.

If last season's schedule was historic and unprecedented for South Carolina State, the 2008 campaign offers even more challenges and the return of an old rival. For the second straight year, the Bulldogs will play two Football Bowl Subdivision opponents -- both of whom are coming off bowl appearances. After opening the season Aug. 30 at Central Florida, three weeks later the Bulldogs will travel to Death Valley for their first meeting against Clemson University.

SCSU and Clemson were originally slated to meet in 2016. With Louisiana Tech voiding its contract with Clemson, an opening was created for SCSU to set up its second match up against a Palmetto State FBS (1-A) foe.

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Based on the schedule, the Bulldogs are very serious about making the FCS playoffs in 2008.

Here is why...

SCSU was 7-4 in 2007 with losses at South Carolina and Air Force--scoring only a field goal in each contest. However, it was more important that SCSU got paid-- the Bulldogs received $235,000 for this past season's historic contest with the University of South Carolina to go with the $220,000 it received to face Air Force Academy. Both games were not competitive with a 34-3 Air Force and 38-3 South Carolina losses.

This was the second 7-4 season for the underachieving Bulldogs with a senior laden team that were predicted to be the (pre-season) MEAC champions. It didn't happen with an overtime loss at Norfolk State (20-13) and a 17-16 home loss to Delaware State.

The question that cannot be answered today is how playing Air Force, South Carolina, Central Florida and Clemson improves recruiting for Buddy Pough 2008 Bulldogs? Certainly, releasing this schedule before National Signing Day next month is an advantage for SCSU over other MEAC schools that have not done so.

It's also an advantage for SCSU and Norfolk State to be playing bowl teams like Central Florida, Clemson, and Kentucky (NSU), respectively. It allows the MEAC teams to get greater exposure while placing them above the normal entree of HBCU football. Playing a local FCS (1-AA) would be absence both the financial gain and big time exposure that comes with playing a FBC team.

Norfolk State just capitalized on their upgraded schedule with the transfer of UConn quarterback Dennis Brown, red shirt sophomore from Miami Central High School (Florida). This 6-3/196 passing phenom may be the Spartans starter in '08, as they are scheduled to play at high powered Kentucky (that dismantled Florida State in the Music City Bowl).

Photo: SCSU has revenge on their minds as they have scheduled NSU for homingcoming 2008.

Its great to make money on these 1-A beat-downs, but if it does not translate long term into improving your team in getting higher quality student-athletes and winning your conference championship and FCS playoff berth, it may be deemed counter-productive, unless you are happy being stuck at 7-4.

For SCSU, Norfolk State and Delaware State, its too soon to determine if this strategy is going to work long term to make their programs more competitive on the field and in the FCS playoffs.

However, it certainly helps the strength of schedule if they can be competitive on the field with Central Florida or Clemson. No financial terms were made available by Central Florida and Clemson on what the Bulldogs are receiving in payment and athletic director Charlene Johnson is not telling--yet.

The regional rivalry with Benedict College is a great advantage for the gate and is not a disadvantage for getting multiple teams into the FCS playoffs. SCSU 63 scholarship players should clobber the 23 scholarships players of Division II, Benedict with ease and pack the stadium on both sides. The FCS has to now treat SCSU the same as it does with University of Delaware who plays a home game annually with D-II, West Chester State to balance scheduling one contest with a FBC team (this season its Maryland).

We do like the forward planning of SCSU in scheduling five home games and 12 contests in 2008.

It appears that all aspects and special interests of the program are being addressed from: (a) recruiting advantage; (b) breaking glass ceiling with Clemson Tigers; (c) earning $455,000 on two 1-A games to support athletic program; (d) play local rival Benedict in home contest on years that 12 games are permitted for five home games and guaranteed win; (e) providing an exciting fan driven schedule beyond the usual HBCU entree; and (f) balance one 1-A contest with long term rivalry contest with a D-II program.

This is a great marketing strategy and it keeps the fan interests alive and can translate to more butts in the seats in the home stadium for attendance records and higher program income.

Did anyone notice, the lack of the use of the word "Classic" on any of SCSU games? This sends the message loud and clear, South Carolina State is now serious about college football and making the FCS playoffs.

For SCSU, NSU and Delaware State this is an excellent scheduling model that will give them a competitive advantage over many other FCS and MEAC programs, and build strength of schedule for the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference.

The key here is consistency of scheduling the FBC teams yearly to strengthen the HBCUs recruitment of prized student-athletes and 1-A transfers, and capture alumni support that attend and follow FBC football. We also see this as a great method for building a loyal fan base and building the financial and competitive infrastructure to move to the Football Bowl Subdivision in the next decade.

Great job South Carolina State University and athletic director Charlene Johnson! That's using your noggin after playing college football for 101 years.

2008 Bulldog Football Schedule

Date Opponent Location Time
8/30 Central Florida Orlando, FL TBA

9/6 BENEDICT ORANGEBURG, SC TBA

9/13 BETHUNE-COOKMAN ORANGEBURG, SC TBA

9/20 Clemson Clemson, SC TBA

9/27 Winston-Salem State Orangeburg, SC TBA

10/4 OPEN

10/11 NORFOLK STATE ORANGEBURG, SC TBA

(Homecoming)

10/18 Florida A&M Tallahassee, FL TBA

10/25 HAMPTON ORANGEBURG, SC TBA

11/1 Delaware State Dover, DE TBA

11/8 HOWARD ORANGEBURG, SC TBA

11/15 Morgan State Baltimore, MD TBA

11/22 North Carolina A&T TBA TBA


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FAMU Lady Rattlers falls to Savannah State

Photo: Junior forward Denise Tate pulls down career high 21 boards for Lady Rattlers against SSU.

The Savannah (Ga.) State University Lady Tigers cashed in 21 second half free throws to overhaul the Florida A&M Lady Rattlers, 74-66 in a non-conference women's basketball affair Friday evening in Gaither Gymnasium. The visiting Lady Tigers (8-6) trailed 36-30 at the break, but went inside the lane against FAMU in the second half, drawing fouls enough to get to the charity line.

The Lady Rattlers were led by junior forward Denise Tate had a career high 21 rebounds along with seven points, Stephanie Foster's 18 points and six rebounds, followed by 14 points from Joslyne Jackson and 10 points from junior Taniyah Dawson.

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In a game that was scheduled as a tune-up for the 9-3 Lady Rattlers, Savannah State (8-6) brought their "A" game and taught FAMU a lesson on inside lane play and clutch free throw shooting. As FAMU embark on MEAC league play next Saturday at Howard University, followed by three road contests, hopefully it was a lesson learned.

Game Ball goes to Rattlers Denise Tate for 21 rebounds.

See you Rattlers at Howard University--bring you heavy coats, hats and gloves, Floridians; it's 32 degrees this morning in Bison Country. That's the high; low was 16 degrees with wind chill at 8 degrees.

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Winston Salem may bid for 2009 MEAC tournaments

The Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference is looking for a city for its men’s and women’s basketball tournaments, and Winston-Salem might be in the running. Commissioner Dennis Thomas of the MEAC said that information on the bid process was sent to Winston-Salem officials. The next step is for the city to submit a proposal to the MEAC, if it’s interested.

Chico Caldwell, the athletics director at WSSU, is a member of the Greater Winston-Salem Sports Commission. He says that the commission has not met to discuss the MEAC Tournament. But Caldwell said that landing the tournament would be a good thing.

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The facility being discussed for Winston-Salem, North Carolina is the Joel Coliseum, which seats 14,500. Norfolk, Virginia is countering with the Scope, which seats 10,000. Richmond, Virginia is also one of the MEAC's targeted cities, expecting to place a bid for the tournaments.

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Florida A&M signee stepping up game

Photo: FAMU has received a commitment from 6-9/290 center/forward Cecil Bent, Swainsboro (GA) High School for 2008/09 incoming basketball class.

After the Bulldogs dropped their first two games at the 12th annual Holiday Hoopfest, Dunnell Webb carried Thomasville High School past Brooks County 61-49 and to seventh place.

Thomasville (5-5) has suffered with offensive lapses during its up-and-down season. After the Trojans rallied from a 10-0 hole to pull within 16-15 midway through the second quarter, Webb put the Bulldogs on his back. Six points in the final 15 seconds of the half pushed Thomasville ahead 30-17 and then the Florida A&M University signee took over in the second half.

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Dunnell Webb is a 6-5 forward that was signed by FAMU Coach Eugene Harris during the early signing period. Webb is currently averaging 25 points, 4 rpg for the 1-AA Thomasville (GA) High School program.

The Rattlers have also received an oral commitment from 6-9/290 center/forward Cecil Bent, Swainsboro (GA) High School, who is averaging 12 points/8 rpg. Big Cecil is still growing; he was only 6-7/240 two years ago when he played on the Atlanta Celtics AAU team and has good hands and foot work for a big guy.

Both are exceptional students and will be part of Coach Harris first recruiting class at FAMU. Coach Harris is noted as an extremely great recruiter and evaluator of talent.

The Rattlers are expected to open their new 9,000 seat teaching gym/basketball arena in February 2009.

-Compiled by beepbeep

Jacksonville JAM has FAMU flavor

Photo: Jacksonville JAM head coach Mike Gillespie has better days ahead in professional basketball.

The JAM will have a new head coach in Mike Gillespie, who brings strong credentials, albeit with some recent off-the-court issues. Gillespie has a 33-year coaching resume, including the past six as head coach of Florida A&M University.

Gillespie's squad made the NCAA Tournament in 2004 and 2007, but he was fired in August following a May arrest on stalking charges. In September, Gillespie reached a plea agreement for one year of probation.

"[Florida A&M] made a decision. I certainly didn't agree with the decision," Gillespie said. "I'm extremely grateful to have the opportunity to coach this year and coach the JAM and I hope to be here for a long, long time."

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Like most, its tough watching minor league/developmental league basketball when you can flip the channel on any given evening and catch an NBA game. However, you may want to pay attention to the Jacksonville JAM and other Premier Basketball League teams (PBL) this season.

Mike Gillespie is a good coach that can motivate a team to reach its potential.

He has snared former Florida A&M University players Brian Greene, 6-5 guard; and Terrance Woods, 6-3 shooting guard that blows the lights out on three pointers. Former Mississippi Valley State University 7'-0" center/forward Ronald Alexander will anchor the post for the JAM.

Last month, former NBA star and TNT analyst Kenny Smith took the job as commissioner of the new league. Smith on board says there is potential in this league to expand in minor markets.

The PBL season opens tonight, so let's see how this develops for Gillespie and the former MEAC/SWAC players attempting to make it to the National Basketball Association.

The Jam will now tip-off their second season at the University of North Florida. WJXE TV-15 will now broadcast all of the JAM games throughout the season for both home and road games.

The Jacksonville JAM successfully launched its inaugural season in the 2006-2007 American Basketball Association season. With a 28-8 record, a Southeast Division Championship and a number two ranking nationally in the final regular season ABA power rankings, the JAM emerged on the scene as a premier sports and entertainment organization.

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Holmes shares vision for Hampton U football

HAMPTON - There's a new man in charge of Hampton University football, but little else appears to have changed. Jerry Holmes said Thursday during his introduction as the Pirates' coach that his primary goal is to build on the success of departing coach Joe Taylor.

The biggest change on the horizon is a first-ever game against a Division I-A opponent, perhaps as early as 2009. HU athletic director Lonza Hardy listed several schools he's interested in contacting: Duke, North Carolina, Army and Navy.

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Why the change of philosophy by Hampton University to schedule "money games" with Football Bowl Subdivision (D-1A) teams? This did not happen during Joe Taylor's 16 years over the Pirates program, nor does it happen often in Hampton University basketball program. Is Hardy beginning to assert himself as athletic director?

The above mention schools are at the same difficulty level of a Princeton or Southern Illinois at the FCS level; so, why not get paid $250,000 for a road game with them, as we don't expect that Hampton with be seeing the FCS playoffs anytime soon. Before Hamptonites get upset with our statement, let us provide our rationale.

It's the Joe Taylor factor--recruits and D-I transfers want to play for Coach Taylor, not the other guy. Expect the blue chip talent to take the detour to North Florida henceforth, and become Florida A&M University Rattlers.

Hampton without Joe Taylor is like Burger King without the Whooper.

-beepbeep

TSU Lady Tigers rips Morehead State Eagles

Photo: Oby Okafor recorded her fifth double-double of the season with 20 points and 10 rebounds against Morehead State University. The 5-9 junior forward from Rolla, Missouri Rolla High School is majoring is Psychology.

Tennessee State shot better than 50 percent from the field Thursday night to help capture a 74-62 win over Morehead State in the Gentry Center. With the win the Lady Tigers move to 5-7 (2-1 OVC) while the Eagles drop to 3-10 (1-4 OVC).

Oby Okafor picked up her fifth double-double of the season with 20 points and 10 rebounds. Kendra Appling also posted 20 points and just missed her first career double-double with nine boards. Tiffany Jackson nearly recorded a double-double as well with 18 points and nine rebounds.

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Tennessee State wins ugly over Morehead State

Photo: #11 TSU Bruce Price, 6-3/205 junior guard, Minneapolis, Minnesota South High School.

A second-half rally by the Morehead State men fell short as the Tennessee State Tigers defeated the Eagles, 59-53, Thursday evening at the Gentry Center in Nashville. The Tigers continued their domination on defense to clap down on the MSU Eagles, holding the team to only 36 percent shooting for the game. This improved the Tigers record to 5-7, 2-1 Ohio Valley Conference, but more importantly continued the win streak began with TSU upset of Illinois 60-58 on Sunday.

Both teams started the game slowly, with Morehead scoring the first basket at the 18:30 mark of the game. The Eagles gained their biggest lead 7-4 with 14:30 left in the first half but TSU moved ahead 8-7 with 12:17 left. After an 8-8 tie (11:07) the Tigers took control of the half and took a 28-18 lead into the half.

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From a fan perspective, the Tigers do just enough on offense to win but their defense is beginning to jell into championship form.

Norfolk hopes to host 2009 MEAC tourneys

City officials say they plan to aggressively court the 2009 MEAC men's and women's basketball tournaments, which are seeking a new home after Raleigh, N.C., declined to renew its contract with the league.

Norfolk has bid to host the tournaments twice previously; Mayor Paul Fraim said Wednesday that the city would do so again. Although the MEAC hasn't officially told the city it is seeking bids, he said he asked John Rhamstine, director of the city's cultural facilities, to begin preparing one Wednesday.

MEAC commissioner Dennis E. Thomas said the league is seeking bids and that "information is going out as we speak" to prospective cities, including Norfolk. "I think Norfolk is a tremendous city, a very progressive city," he said. "We look forward to their bid."

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Savannah State Tigers get steamrolled by Maryland

Photo: Cliff Tucker and the Terrapins forced 24 Savannah State Tigers turnovers, and scored 33 points off of them.

Last night, the Terrapins gave their coach proof that they deserve a piece of their identity back. Four starters scored in double figures and the Terrapins asserted their dominance with several big blocks in a 75-48 victory over Savannah State at Comcast Center.

The Terrapins (8-6) forced the over matched Tigers (7-12) into 24 turnovers, converting the miscues into 33 points, eliminating any chance that Maryland's only non-televised game of the season would be competitive.

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