MEAC holding final Raleigh tournament

RALEIGH, N.C. - The Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference brought its basketball tournament here three years ago with high expectations. Growth, publicity and income were all but promised to the league, which would send its champion to the NCAA Tournament.

Three years later, on the eve of its final tournament in Raleigh, the MEAC is about to leave town; neither of its Raleigh winners advanced past the play-in game in the NCAA field of 65; and the Division I league is looking for a new home.

The MEAC will hold its final Raleigh tournament today through Saturday at the RBC Center. There will be some parties to attend, but many here aren't weeping about the tournament's impending departure.

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FAMU's El-Amin comes up a tick short

The history books are safe — at least for now.

Florida A&M University's Mujahid El-Amin came up a full second short on Sunday in his quest to become the first swimmer from an Historical Black College or University to qualify for the NCAA championships.

Competing at the James E. Martin Invitational at Auburn University in Alabama, El-Amin did well enough in the preliminaries to earn a spot in the final.

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UAPB next up for Alabama A&M 'Dogs

Alabama A&M will have to get revenge against Arkansas-Pine Bluff if it is going to win the Southwestern Athletic Conference Tournament.

The Bulldogs, who wrapped up the third seed in next week's tournament at Fair Park Arena in Birmingham, will take on the Golden Lions Thursday at 2:30 p.m. UAPB swept A&M this season, winning 65-59 at Elmore Gym and 70-65 in Pine Bluff.

"We're hoping the third time is the charm for us," A&M coach Vann Pettaway said Saturday night. "I'm hoping my history will remain the same. I don't know of a team that has beaten me three times in the same season."

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Alabama State Hornets should waltz through the SWAC tournament and win the NCAA bid without being tested. The SWAC has been so weak this season, that it makes you question if the Hornets will be competitive in the NCAAs. Anyhow, AAMU is going to be home watching it all on television and grumbling about how the season got away from them. There is always a next year...

Jackson State's Comegy giving backups long look

Photo: JSU Tigers head football coach Rick Comegy.

The Jackson State football team held its first scrimmage of spring workouts Saturday with several projected starters out with injuries.

Defensive end Marcus Benard (shoulder), defensive tackle Dennis Coit (foot), quarterback Tray Rutland (shoulder), linebacker Marcus Jamison (wrist), DT Anthony Atkins (hip), wide receiver Rodney Gray (knee) and defensive back Domonique Johnson (shoulder) have all been out during the spring.

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Alcorn State baseball sweeps Alabama State, leads SWAC East 6-0

LORMAN - Alcorn State moved to 10-1 and 6-0 in the Southwestern Athletic Conference East by completing a three-game sweep over Alabama State on Saturday.

The Braves put 15 hits together with 12 walks. They beat the Hornets 14-5 two times on Friday. For the three games, Alcorn racked up 40 runs and 45 hits.

Grambling baseball takes two from Prairie View

PRAIRIE VIEW, Texas- Grambling State won the first two games of a three-game series against the Prairie View by the score of 4-2 and 3-0 in games one and two respectively.

The Panthers struggled offensively, tallying only one hit in game one against grambling ace Mario Jefferson. In seven innings of work, Jefferson struck out nine and didn't allow a run.

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Alabama State gets triple-digit revenge on Jackson State

Photo: Chief Kickingstallionsims, a seven footer, scored a career high 22 points on Jackson State.

Way back at the start of the conference season in early January, Alabama State suffered a disappointing loss on the road at Jackson State. That was two months and 15 games ago. The Hornets have long memories.

ASU saved one of its best games of the year for their regular-season finale against the Tigers. The Hornets shot better than 68 percent from behind the three-point line, better than 56 percent from the floor and committed just seven turnovers. ASU hit triple digits for the first time this season, winning easily, 103-83, at the Joe L. Reed Acadome.

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TSU Tigers’ OVC Championship Bid Falls Short with 82-64 Loss to Austin Peay

Courtesy: Tennessee State Sports Information

Jerrell Houston Scores Career High 25 points

The Tennessee State Tigers (15-17) bid for an Ohio Valley Conference championship came up short with an 82-64 loss to Austin Peay (24-10) at Nashville’s Municipal Auditorium on ESPN2 television.

Junior forward Jerrell Houston scored a career-high 25 points with 11 rebounds in the game. Reiley Ervin, playing in his last game for the Big Blue contributed 13 points and freshman Darius Cox added 12 points with seven rebounds.

Todd Babington led Austin Peay with 24 points, including 6-8 from 3-point range. Three other Governors added double figure support, Derek Wright (13), Drake Reed (11) and Fernandez Lockett (10).

The Tigers entered their first OVC championship game in ten years as a sixth seed and were currently on a three-game winning streak. They were not able to sustain the same intensity in the championship game that had propelled them through wins at Eastern Kentucky, Morehead State and in the semifinal game against Murray State.

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Cador 'concerned' as Southern opens SWAC play

Winless and yet to establish a consistent offense and left trying to regain the glory two years since a reign of conference domination ended, the Southern University baseball team begins Southwestern Athletic Conference Western Division play today.

Southern (0-5) will play Arkansas-Pine Bluff (1-7, 0-3 Western Division) in a doubleheader today and a single game Monday. The Jaguars then will host Alcorn State, a member of the Eastern Division, at 6 p.m. Tuesday.

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Alabama A&M clobbers Grambling, 74-43

A&M's 6-foot-11 center rims out on trey in 74-43 win as 3-point attempt thrills Gladness on Senior Day

Alabama A&M's Mickell Gladness had always fashioned himself as a shooting guard. Unfortunately for his hopes, at 6-foot-11 and 205 pounds, he grew into a center. Saturday night, however, with A&M holding a commanding lead over Grambling State, coach Vann Pettaway moved Gladness to the shooting guard spot with approximately three minutes to go in the game.

Gladness came off of a screen and launched a 3-pointer that rimmed out. Afterwards, he left to a standing ovation as the Bulldogs clobbered the Tigers 74-43 in a Southwestern Athletic Conference game at Elmore Gym.

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Alabama State Hornets remain hot in win over Grambling State

Photo: ASU junior guard Andrew Hayles drove his way to a 28 point night against GSU Tigers.

Long, contested threes, twisting layups, runners in the lane, turnaround jumpers -- Hayles hit them all Thursday night. The junior guard scored a season-high 28 points and time and again provided a spark for a struggling ASU offense.

The Hornets won their fourth in a row, 73-61.

"I'm just trying to do what I can within the offense," Hayles said. "This is all a team effort each night. When I was open, I tried to hit what I could."

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FAMU's El-Amin hopes to make history

Mujahid El-Amin wants to make more than a splash at Sunday’s James Martin Invitational swim meet. The Florida A&M University junior wants to make history.

If El-Amin is able to shave one second from his best time in the 100-yard butterfly, he will be the first swimmer from an Historical Black College or University to ever qualify for the NCAA championships.

The Atlanta native was unaware he was on the verge of becoming a pioneer two weeks ago when he won the event by more than two seconds (48.17) at the Coastal Collegiate Swimming Association championships, setting a conference record in the process.

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DSU Bright hits milestone as Hornets end skid

Photo: Senor guard Roy Bright scored his first career double/double against the UMES Hawks. The 6-6 Hornets star hit for 18 points and pulled down 10 rebounds.

Senior scores his 1,000th point at DSU in win

DOVER -- His first attempt sailed through with ease. The second, just another pretty shot again from beyond the arc.

By the time Roy Bright had made his third and fourth baskets in five attempts Thursday, he'd gotten his milestone and his Delaware State team essentially had the lead it needed for an important victory.

This was actually Senior Day and, perhaps more importantly, a day of redemption during a 67-52 victory over Maryland-Eastern Shore at Memorial Hall.

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Seniors help Delaware State secure third seed

DOVER -- Baskets of gifts awaited them, but a win came first on Thursday for the seniors on the Delaware State women's basketball team. It was senior night, after all. And those eager underclassmen had prepared the pleasantries for their three senior leaders as a thank you for their four years of contributions.

The Hornets' 57-46 win over Maryland-Eastern Shore clinched the No. 3 seed in next week's Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference Tournament.

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North Carolina A&T edges NSU 72-70

GREENSBORO, N.C. -As North Carolina A&T's Jason Willis soared in the air, Norfolk State's last chance to stage an improbable comeback hung in the balance. Then Willis came crashing down on the rim, and with him so did the Spartans' final opportunity to lock down the second seed in the MEAC Tournament next week. Willis dunked the ball with 6.1 seconds left in regulation, punctuating a 72-70 victory over Norfolk State at Irvin-Corbett Court on Thursday.

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N.C. A&T Lady Aggies steamroll Norfolk State, 93-60

Photo: Ta’Wuana Cook scored 14 points, 4 assists and 3 steals in 22 minutes of action against Norfolk State.

Aggies will play Wednesday morning at 10 against the No. 8/9 seed winner

GREENSBORO, March 6, 2008 – The North Carolina A&T women’s basketball team broke the school record for wins in a season with its 93-60 win over Norfolk State on Thursday night from Irvin-Corbett Court. Then head coach Patricia Cage-Bibbs set down a new challenge for the team.

Do it again.

The Aggies improved to 23-6 overall and 15-1 into the conference as they head into next week’s MEAC Tournament in Raleigh as the No. 1 seed and MEAC regular-season champion. Freshman Jalessa Sams led the Aggies with 20 points and seven rebounds while Ta’Wuana Cook and Brittanie Taylor-James had 14 points apiece.

“I hope we break it again with me as the coach,’’ said Bibbs. “It’s a wonderful honor for my ladies to remember, but the thing about records they are made to be broken. I hope they don’t become complacent and take it upon themselves to break it again next year.”

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Coppin State Lady Eagles cage Morgan State 71-58

Photo: 6-3 Junior Center Whitney Cunningham is proving to be an offensive and defensive force for the Eagles.

BALTIMORE -- Whitney Cunningham scored a career-high 21 points and Coppin State extended its winning streak to eight straight with a 71-58 Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference victory over Morgan State in both teams regular-season finale at Hill Field House.

The Eagles, who have won 13 of their last 14 games, had already secured the second seed in the upcoming MEAC Tournament but had plenty to play for entering the contest. Coppin State snapped a two-game losing streak to the Bears and moved to within a game of posting its fourth straight 20-win season.

Coppin State (19-11, 13-3 MEAC) overcame a season-high 30 turnovers by out-rebounding the Bears 51-41 and holding them to 28.8 percent shooting.

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Four consecutive 20 game seasons is a great accomplishment for Coach Derek Brown. Is there a third bid forthcoming to the NCAA Tournament for the Coppin State Eagles?

Morgan Bears too hot to handle by Coppin

Photo: Morgan State Bears, with a 20-9 record and first MEAC Basketball Championship (regular season) can finally show their faces in Division I with pride.

Coppin puts up a fight, but Morgan stays unbeaten at home

With the school's first regular-season title and the No. 1 seed in the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference tournament locked up, Morgan State coach Todd Bozeman could have been forgiven if he wanted to give his starters a breather last night. But when the opponent is Coppin State, and with city bragging rights on the line, the Forestville native knew that taking this game lightly was not an option.

Despite being without leading scorer Jamar Smith (foot injury), the Bears took the Eagles' best shots and still came away with a hard-fought 68-64 victory on Senior Night before an announced 4,500 last night at Hill Field House.

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Never under-estimate at team coached by ole school Fang Mitchell. Just throw out the records and get ready to do battle, as his teams will scratch and claw their way into the game and beat you if you make mistakes. Whoever draws Coppin State in the MEAC Tournament is in for a dog fight (sorry, Vick) to get to the next round.

This is going to be a great MEAC Tournament!

Southern clinches spot in SWAC tourney

Jaguars top Prairie View, 76-64

The Southern University men’s basketball team has discovered its poise down the stretch, at the right time. In games, and for its season.

The Jaguars secured a spot in next week’s Southwestern Athletic Conference with a balanced 76-64 win over Prairie View on Thursday night at the F.G. Clark Activity Center.

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Lewis lifts Southern Lady Jaguars over SWAC Champs Prairie View

There’s still magic left in senior center Fredrieka Lewis and Southern. Lewis had 15 points to pace Southern’s 43-34 win over Southwestern Athletic Conference regular-season champ Prairie View on Thursday night at the F.G. Clark Activity Center.

Despite the loss, Prairie View won the regular-season title outright after sharing the regular-season crown with Jackson State last season. Jackson State fell out of contention with a 65-57 loss at Alabama A&M on Thursday night.

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Howard Lady Bison routed by Hampton University

Photo: Senior guard Rachel Butler lead the Lady Pirates in the rout by scoring 22 points and 10 rebounds.

HAMPTON, Va. – The Hampton University Lady Pirates basketball team concluded regular-season play with a 28-point shellacking of Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference rival Howard University here on Thursday, defeating the Lady Bison 74-46 at the HU Convocation Center.

Hampton, 17-12 overall and 10-6 in the MEAC, led 41-31 at halftime. Howard ended the regular-season with records of 4-25 overall and 3-13 in the conference. Mebane said his team’s performances over the last three games are hopefully an indication of the level of preparedness his players have for next week’s MEAC tournament, which will be played at the RBC Center in Raleigh, N.C. on March 10-15.

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Hampton University Pirates achieve No. 2 seeding at expense of Howard Bison

Photo: Senior Rashad West lead the Pirates with 17 points, 9 assists and 2 rebounds.

Hampton's Senior Night victory, plus Norfolk State's loss to NC A & T, drops the Spartans to third.

HAMPTON - Thursday's game was as much a celebration of Hampton University's men's basketball seniors as it was a regular-season finale. Pirates coach Kevin Nickelberry started all four seniors after a pregame ceremony to honor them at the HU Convocation Center. Then his team dismantled Howard 71-58, which, coupled with North Carolina A&T's victory at Norfolk State, left Hampton with the No. 2 seed for next week's Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference tournament.

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FAMU's Curry doubles up in finale with Bethune Cookman Lady Wildcats

Photo: Farewell to Coach Debra Clark; we love you too, but you can't coach the Lady Rattlers to championships.

Florida A&M women's basketball coach Debra Clark had a hard time leaving the Gaither Gymnasium court Thursday night without hugging one more player and posing for one more picture. The thrill of posting a much-needed 49-38 victory over rival Bethune-Cookman was special. But the chance to wipe off a few tears and say good-bye to four seniors in their final home game meant so much more.

"I did cry a little bit," Clark said. "They're like my little babies.

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Coach Debra Clark has reasons to cry--just look at her record after starting the season with a 9-1 streak. Would I feel better if she started with a 1-9 record?

Heck no!

This has been one under-achieving team on the basketball court it's entire career. Exceptional students and great people, but still under-achieving players that lacked consistency and weren't coached to get better. I don't hire or fire coaches, but I sure would be looking towards Texas or a place called A&T--in North Carolina for a championship driven coach that can recruit Division I talent and coach the players to their maximum potential and 20 win seasons.

Debra Clark has shown me nothing during her career but records like 13-16, 3-13 in the MEAC and a ton of excuses. Like Rubin Carter, her teams are giving me gas and it's not from a bowl of spicy chili gumbo. Eight game losing streaks and/or four game losing streaks will tear your insides up, if you care about Rattler basketball.

Give me a break--3-13 in the M-E-A-C! We're talking 'bout the ME-AC.

I'm crying worst than Clark and I for one, don't look forward to next year if it's going to be another repeat of the Clark and Clark horror show.

A seven year record of 100-106 (.485) at FAMU says it all. Time for a change in coaching staff.

WANTED! Proven Division I winning coach for the Lady Rattlers program. Able to WIN MEAC championship each year, make NCAA Tournament annually, and fill a brand new 9,000 seat on campus arena.

Let me end this on a positive note--Clark did beat those sorry BCU Wildcats for two of her three MEAC victories this season.

The Lady Rattlers are scheduled to play next the lowly Howard University Bison on Tuesday at 1:30 p.m. in the MEAC Tournament at Raleigh, N.C. The Bison are favored to stampede the Rattlers with their 4-25, 3-13 MEAC record, as the Lady Rattlers have shown the inability to hold a lead in the second half.

2007-08 MEAC Standings

Team Conference Overall Record
North Carolina A&T 15-1, 23-6
Coppin State 13-3, 19-11
Delaware State 12-4, 17-13
Morgan State 10-6, 18-11
Hampton 10-6, 17-12
Maryland-Eastern Shore 10-6, 17-12
South Carolina State 9-7, 12-16
Florida A&M 3-13, 13-16
Howard 3-13, 4-25
Bethune-Cookman 2-14, 6-23
Norfolk State 1-15, 5-22

Congratulations to departing senior Lady Rattlers --Q'Vaunda Curry, Thyeis Halley, Joslyne Jackson and Evette Young. We are very happy you are Rattlers. Thanks a million for your contributions.

FAMU snatches win from rival Bethune Cookman

Photo: Senior guard Leslie Robinson has had a breakout season leading the Rattlers in scoring averaging 15.2 ppg, 3.3 rpg and 1.1 apg.

Akini Akini's double-double helps FAMU beat rival Bethune-Cookman

It was billed as Senior Night. It ended up being one heck of a house party.

With more than 3,600 fans dancing, chanting and stepping the night away at Gaither Gymnasium, the Florida A&M men's basketball team spanked rival Bethune-Cookman 69-50.
The victory meant little to the Rattlers' seed in next week's MEAC tournament; FAMU is slotted as the sixth seed and is expected to play 11th-seeded Maryland-Eastern Shore on Wednesday at 3 p.m. in Raleigh, N.C.

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The Rattlers are clearly a dangerous team to be reckoned with in the MEAC Tournament with momentum and a five game winning streak. First year coach Eugene Harris is proving to be a very good coach with an undersized team. Finally, the Rattlers are getting his system, but lacks the size and depth to deal with the regular season MEAC champions, Morgan State and second place teams Hampton and Norfolk State.

No doubt looking at the entire body of work in a 29 game season, the Morgan Bears are poised to make some real noise in March Madness. Both Todd Bozeman and Eugene Harris have done an amazing job, but Bozeman had much more talent to work with this season with potential MEAC Defensive Player of the Year, Boubacar Coly. And let us not forget about the sharp shooting guard Jamar Smith and consistent forward Marquise Kately.

FAMU however, matches up well with the Bears and have proven they can beat them. The difference has been the Rattlers Akini Akini, who must have a double/double to neutralize Coly for the Rattlers to have any chance repeating as MEAC Tournament Champions and going to the NCAAs.

In spite of the odds against the Rattlers, we like their chances to upset the rest of the MEAC as they have no pressures, finishing the regular season five games back from Morgan State. The Rattlers seem to do more with less which makes for an exciting MEAC Tournament, where legends are made.

Akini Akini--It's your time. Do your thang!!

-beepbeep

NFL Draft Prospect Interview: William Hayes, DE/OLB, Winston Salem State University

WSSU’s Hayes Restores Human Element to Draft Process

So often in today’s world of the NFL Draft, we focus so much on the who and what that we know when it comes to prospects. Things like height, weight, and 40 yard dash time sometimes take the place of the person in the eyes of talent evaluators like others and myself. In this wild dash to get the workout warrior or the guy who played at the powerhouse university with the household name for a head coach, we can lose sight of players from smaller universities with big hearts and big game. Some could argue that this is what has led to NFL GMs passing up guys like Jerry Rice. Granted not everyone that we don’t know about today will project to be great NFL players, but some do have a very good chance. I recently had an opportunity to speak with one such “Small School” player. Remember the name I am about to give you: William “Big Play” Hayes.

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