Saint Augustine's Kindred, Benson Named CIAA Rookies of the Year

Saint Augustine’s College swept the CIAA basketball rookie of the year awards Tuesday for the second time in four seasons.

Freshman guard Joel Kindred (Raleigh, N.C.) was named the men’s top rookie and freshman center Umeka Benson (Charlotte, N.C.) was voted the women’s best rookie Tuesday by the CIAA-Sports Information Directors Association. The last time a CIAA school produced two rookie of year winners in the same year was 2008 when Allison Sikes (women) and Hayward Fain (men) of Saint Augustine’s College took freshman honors.

Both Kindred and Benson were also named to their respective All-CIAA rookie teams. Redshirt freshman Chris Johnson (Hampton, Va.) of the Falcons joined Kindred on the men’s rookie squad.

Kindred was a unanimous choice for men’s rookie of the year. A 6-foot-4, 185-pound guard, Kindred leads CIAA freshmen in scoring (13.2 ppg) and is also the Falcons’ best rebounder (5.0 rpg). He shoots 44 percent from the floor and has scored in double figures 17 of 25 games including five games of 20 or more points. His play this season was reflected in the voting for CIAA rookie of the week which he won a league-high seven times.

“This is a great honor for Joel, the basketball program, Saint Augustine’s College and the community,” said Ken Spencer, the first-year head men’s coach at Saint Augustine’s College. “He is the type of player I want to bring in. Joel represents the basketball program well on the court, in the classroom and in the community.”

Kindred is the first Falcon to win the honor since Fain in 2008. He played high school ball last season in Raleigh, N.C., at Word of God Academy, which produced NBA rookie standout John Wall. Current Falcon assistant coach Erasto Hatchett was Kindred’s head coach at Word of God.

“I am thankful for winning the award,” Kindred said. “I thank the coaches, my teammates, my brothers and my mom for pushing me.”

Kindred is the younger brother of former Falcon high jump standout Joe Kindred, a track and field All-American and national Division II champion who won national field performer of the year honors. Joel’s brother Jon Kindred (Raleigh, N.C.) also plays for the Falcons’ basketball team.

Benson is the latest Lady Falcon to win the rookie honor since Keyona Bryant (2009) and Sikes (2008), making it three out of four seasons a Lady Falcon has claimed the award. A 6-0 center, Benson leads CIAA freshmen in scoring (10.0 ppg) and ranks second among CIAA rookies in rebounding (8.6 rpg). She debuted with 21 points against Davis & Elkins in the season opener and went on to reach double figures in points 10 times and rebounds eight times. A tenacious and athletic player in the paint, Benson has tallied four double-doubles for the Lady Falcons, who are 17-9 overall and tied for second in the CIAA’s Southern Division with one regular-season game to play.

“I am so excited for Umeka,” said Rachel Bullard, the first-year women’s head coach at Saint Augustine’s College. “She has worked very hard and has grown as a person and player throughout the year. What an awesome honor for her and the team.”

Benson plays her best against top-level competition. She had 10 points and 15 rebounds on Nov. 13, 2010, against West Liberty, currently ranked second in the Atlantic Region. Benson had 16 points and 14 rebounds on Feb. 12 in the first meeting against Johnson C. Smith. In the rematch Monday, Benson put up 12 points and 10 rebounds against JCSU, ranked seventh regionally and 24th nationally. The Lady Falcons won both games against JCSU, which is located in Benson's hometown of Charlotte, N.C.

“I am excited and caught off guard about receiving rookie of the year,” Benson said. “I am grateful to my team because I could not have won this award without them. I give thanks to my family, coaches and Saint Augustine’s College. We are looking forward to the CIAA Tournament.”

Johnson rebounded from knee injury last season to become a contributor for the Falcons. A 6-foot-5, 225-pound forward, Johnson averaged 5.0 points and 3.4 rebounds in 16.7 minutes of action. His rebounding average is fourth-best on the Falcons, and he is the team’s second-best offensive rebounder.

Johnson scored a season-high 14 points in a January win over Shaw. He pulled down 11 rebounds against Armstrong Atlantic State in December 2010.

The rookies of the year and All-CIAA rookie teams will be recognized at the league’s Women’s and Men’s Basketball Tip Off Ceremonies on Feb. 27 and March 1 in Charlotte, N.C.

By Sports Information Office
Saint Augustine's College

2010-2011 Men’s and Women’s Basketball All-Rookie Teams

Umeka Benson

Women:
Umeka Benson Saint Augustine's College - CIAA Women's Rookie of the Year

Umeka Benson Saint Augustine's College C 6-0 Charlotte, NC
Alisha Hardley Saint Paul's College F/C 6-0 Stafford, VA
Racquel Davis Johnson C. Smith University F 6-0 Bamberg, Germany
Leslie Slayton Virginia Union University G 5-5 Clinton, MD
Cynthia Johnson Lincoln University (PA) PG 5-7 Randallstown, MD

Joel Kindred

Men:
Joel Kindred Saint Augustine's College - CIAA Men's Rookie of the Year

Joel Kindred Saint Augustine's College G 6-4 Raleigh, NC
Chris Johnson Saint Augustine's College G/F 6-5 Hampton, VA
Tyrell Tate Fayetteville State University F 6-5 Raleigh, NC
Rasheem King Bowie State University F 6-4 Brooklyn, NY
James Theus Virginia Union University G 6-4 Portsmouth, VA

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Videographer: UrbanSportsITG

Howard Bison Snag Four Wins in MSU Invite

PERRY HALL, MD.--The Howard bowling team competed in the eighth annual Morgan State Invitational Bowling Tournament over the weekend. The Bison (27-73, 5-15 MEAC) snagged four wins and dropped seven matches in their final meet before the MEAC tournament.

The Bison went 1-4 in the head-to-head games on Friday, losing to Monmouth (819-888), Sacred Heart (817-944), Florida A&M (837-858) and N.C. Central (726-785). Howard’s lone win came over Elmhurst as the Bison took down 814 pins compared to Elmhurst’s 756, marking their 10th win in head-to-head competition on the season.

In the quad baker games Howard split four matches, winning two over Long Island (669-655), MEAC rivals Norfolk (778-694) and dropped a pair of matches to Bethune-Cookman (636-669, 684-773).

Nebraska dominated the MSU Invitational and would earn their second consecutive championship by the close of the weekend, marking their sixth title in eight years. Maryland Eastern Shore took second, and Vanderbilt, the 2009 champions of the invitational, placed third.

Alexzandria Johnson averaged 168 pins over the weekend, dropping a total 840 pins in five games while teammate Jordane Frazier amassed 824 pins in five games, bringing her weekend average to 164.8 pins.

The Howard bowling team will have their eyes set on a successful trip to round out their season in Millsboro, Del. on Mar. 5 for conference play. Visit Howard-Bison.com for updates on Bison Bowling.

By Tiffany White
Sports Information Assistant
Howard University

Delaware State Falls to Coppin State "Red Hot" Eagles

Coppin State Eagles Coach Ron "Fang" Mitchell

Baltimore, Md. -- Coppin State shot 60% from the field en route to an 89-72 men's basketball win over Delaware State at the CSU Physical Education Complex this evening. The Hornets dropped their third straight, seventh in the last eight games, to fall to 9-17 overall and 5-8 in the MEAC. The Eagles improved to 14-12 and 9-4.

Coppin State was 33—for-55 from the field, including 8 of 16 from three-point territory. Michael Harper led the Eagles with 25 points, highlighted by 6 of 9 shooting from three-point territory. Michael Murray added 16 points (7-10 FGs) for Coppin State.

DSU women win on late 3-pointer

BALTIMORE -- Kianna Conner hit a 3-pointer with 7.6 seconds left to give Delaware State a 51-49 women's basketball win over Coppin State on Monday night.

Coppin State had the last shot, but Shawntae Payne's 3-point try hit the back of the rim as time expired.

The Hornets (9-17, 5-9) won their second straight game. The Eagles fell to 10-15 overall, 7-6 in the MEAC.

Jaleah Holsey hit two free throws with 59 seconds left to put Coppin State ahead.

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Hampton women crush FAMU, claim 1st MEAC title in 7 seasons

HAMPTON — Laura Lewis and Quanneisha Perry wrapped their arms around each others' shoulders and showed no sign of wanting to let go. Hampton University's two seniors combined for 25 points and 17 rebounds in an 88-49 victory against Florida A&M on Monday night that clinched HU's first Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference regular-season title in seven seasons.

"We are so excited," Lewis repeated, clinging to her fellow forward in a post-game interview.

"Every year, we were picked to finish fifth or fourth," said Perry, who had 13 points and 10 rebounds on Monday and now has 1,139 points and 897 rebounds in her four-year HU career. "(This year), hard work paid off."



Hampton falls short against FAMU 58-55

HAMPTON, Va. – The Hampton University men’s basketball team lost its third straight game on Monday night, dropping its home finale 58-55 to Florida A&M at the HU Convocation Center.

Junior guard Darrion Pellum (Hampton, Va.) had a chance to tie the game at the buzzer, but his deep 3-pointer bounced off the right side of the rim.

Pellum led the Pirates (19-7, 9-5 MEAC) with 17 points on 7-for-17 shooting, while junior guard Kwame Morgan (Largo, Md.) added 13 points despite shooting 4-for-13 from the floor. Junior forward Danny Agbelese (Lanham, Md.) pulled down a team-high 10 rebounds, and junior center Milade Lola-Charles (Laurel, Md.) blocked a career-high four shots.

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Perfect at Burr, HU Defeats B-CU Wildcats 54-39

Howard University Lady Bison Coach Niki Reid Geckeler

WASHINGTON, DC -- The Howard Bison women’s basketball team successfully took down the Bethune-Cookman Wildcats, 54-39, leaving the Bison at running on a perfect eight-game MEAC winning streak at Burr Gymnasium, and on a three-game winning streak overall.

“We play well at home,” sophomore Tamoria Holmes said. “We are all just comfortable and we want to play good for our friends and family.”

Howard (13-15, 9-5 MEAC) dominated the game’s momentum during the opening half and went on to lead 27-20. Keeping the Bison at the forefront were sophomores Saadia Doyle, Cheyenne Curley-Payne and Holmes.

“Saadia is a premiere player in this conference,” head coach Niki Geckeler said. “Anytime Saadia is in the game it opens it up for our other players such as Tamoria, Cheyenne and Adele. We are able to get confidence from our guards.”

Doyle, who was recognized by the MEAC as one of the conference’s top performers this week and for the third time of the season, finished the game with a double-double after leading the Bison in points (22) and rebounds (10). Doyle was also perfect behind the free throw line (6-6).

Doyle is now seven points away from reaching the landmark 1,000-points milestone, leaving her on pace to become one of Howard’s all-time leading scorers.

Alongside Doyle was Holmes, who went 2-for-4 behind the arc en-route to 12 points on the night. Curley-Payne went 3-of-9 from the field and chimed in with two three-pointers while also leading the team in assists (7) and steals (3). Curley-Payne tied for second on the team alongside Portia Deterville with rebounds (5).

Turnovers would cost the Wildcats (12-13, 5-8 MEAC) the game as they surrendered 21 compared to Howard’s 13. The Bison would take advantage of Bethune-Cookman’s turnovers, converting them into 24 points over the course of the game.

“We focused on taking away the high posts and guard penetrations,” Geckeler said. “We wanted to box out more and not let BCU have any offensive rebounds.”

Both Howard and Bethune-Cookman were nearly even in rebounding, (HU-33, BC-32), however the Bison were fought harder near the rim to produce 16 points on second chances. Compared to Howard, the Wildcats only notched eight points on second chances.

Overall Howard shot 41.2 percent from the field (21-of-51) while BC was held to 31.1 percent (14-of-45).

“Right now is crunch time,” Geckeler said. “FAMU and BCU were both big for us Now, we are calling our games coming up ‘championship week’.”

The Bison will look to maintain perfection at home as they host Hampton on Thursday, Mar. 3 for their final game of the regular season. Before meeting their MEAC rival, Howard will travel to take on Maryland Eastern Shore in Princess Anne, Md. Feb. 26 at 2:00 p.m. where Doyle is expected to burst through the 1,000 point mark.

By Tiffany White
Sports Information Assistant
Howard University

Elliott's Tip In Helps Bethune-Cookman Nip Howard

Washington, DC—Stanley Elliott scored on a tip-in after a missed shot with 1.0 seconds left to help Bethune-Cookman escape with a 66-64 win over Howard University in a Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference men's game at Burr Gymnasium.

After the Bison (6-21 overall, 4-10 in the MEAC) tied the game at 64 on a pair of free throws by Mike Phillips with 10 seconds remaining, the Wildcats (17-11 overall, 11-3 in the MEAC) pushed the ball up the floor and got a long three point attempt by Kevin Dukes that came off the right side of the rim and into the hands of Elliott, who used his left hand to tip the ball in the basket.

B-CU wins another close road game

WASHINGTON -- Stanley Elliott's tip-in with 1.1 seconds remaining gave Bethune-Cookman yet another fantastic finish on the road and a 66-64 victory over Howard in a Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference game Monday night.

B-CU (17-11, 11-3) concludes its MEAC road schedule with an 8-0 record -- seven of those decided by three points or less. It also clinched the third straight winning season for B-CU, which won its fourth straight.

"We were lucky to come out of here with a victory, but that's what we've done all year -- find a way to win," B-CU coach Cliff Reed said. "It's a testament to everyone's hard work this season. The guys gutted and played hard after an emotional double win Saturday at Hampton."

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SU Jaguars hold off A&M rally

When the final horn sounded and the Southern women’s basketball team walked off the floor with its 12th consecutive victory Monday night, players smiled, high-fived each other and hugged a few die-hard fans.

Their sense of joy was noticeable. But it was matched by a sense of relief. “This one got to me,” said coach Sandy Pugh, who watched her team hold off Alabama A&M for a 65-57 win. “I’m happy with the win, but not happy with our defensive performance in the second half.”

One look at the final statistics showed why.

Alabama A&M-SU women: By the numbers

Southern’s losing streak continues

Yet again, in a desperate attempt to keep up with an opponent, the Southern men’s basketball team tried almost everything Monday night against Alabama A&M.

The Jaguars took timeouts. They substituted liberally. They changed defensive schemes and tried an array of offensive sets. In the end, it was the same song, eighth verse.

The visiting Bulldogs spent the entire second half building on their lead, and pulling away for an easy 64-45 victory in the F.G. Clark Activity Center.

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Jackson State fires assistant baseball coach

FORMER JSU Coach Kevin Whiteside

JACKSON, Miss. – Jackson State University Interim Athletics Director Robert Walker announced that the university has terminated second-year JSU Assistant Baseball Coach Kevin Whiteside. The termination follows an on-field altercation on Saturday, Feb. 19 which involved a student athlete from an opposing team.

Suspensions and Fines for PV / JSU Baseball Altercation

Birmingham, Ala. (Feb. 21, 2011) - The Southwestern Athletic Conference announced today that four student-athletes and one assistant coach have been suspended for their participation in an on-field altercation Saturday, February 19 between the Jackson State and Prairie View A&M baseball teams. Each of the five individuals were ejected from Saturday’s game and per NCAA rules on fighting ejections, will serve a mandatory suspension without appeal.

Jackson State assistant coach Kevin Whiteside has been suspended by the league for six games and fined $2,000.00 for his involvement in the altercation.

Two Jackson State players, Kendall Logan and Marshum Hall, have been suspended for three games, and the university fined $1,000.00 for their involvement in the altercation.

Two Prairie View A&M players, Evan Richard and Andre Oliver, have been suspended for three games, and the university fined $1,000.00 for their involvement in the altercation.

The actions taken by each individual were in direct violation of the league’s policy prohibiting coaches and student-athletes from displaying unsportsmanlike behavior, which is subject to the league’s Schedule of Penalties approved by the SWAC Council of Presidents and Chancellors.

“The Southwestern Athletic Conference holds its coaches and student-athletes to a high standard, and we expect sportsmanship between our member institutions to be a high priority,” SWAC Commissioner Duer Sharp said. “Two of our baseball teams, while representing their respective universities, displayed completely unacceptable behavior. The integrity and reputation of the Southwestern Athletic Conference is too important to condone these actions.”

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READ RELATED BLOG: Stemming from fight: JSU fires assistant coach; SWAC suspends players (UPDATED)

Doug Williams leaving UFL job to return as coach of Grambling State Tigers

Doug Williams is leaving his position as general manager of the UFL's Virginia Destroyers to become coach of Grambling for the second time.

Williams previously succeeded Eddie Robinson in 1998 and compiled a 53-17 record in six seasons with three Southwestern Athletic Conference championships.

Part of the lure of returning to the job is the opportunity to coach his son, D.J. Williams, who signed with the school earlier this month.

Doug Williams returns to Grambling

Doug Williams succeeded legendary coach Eddie Robinson at Grambling in 1997. After leaving for other football ventures, Williams, the Super Bowl winning quarterback, is returning home.
This time, he’ll coach his son with the Tigers. Williams told ProFootballTalk.com that he is leaving his post as general manager of the Virginia Destroyers in the UFL.

“I was looking forward to working with the Destroyers, but this is a great opportunity for me and it is very rare that a father gets to coach his son at the college football level,” Williams told ProFootballTalk.com. “I went to school there, I coached there, and now I have a great opportunity to coach there again.

Va. UFL team's general manager leaving for Grambling State

General Manager Doug Williams' presence was stable through the Virginia Destroyers’ birth pains, which have included defections of coaches and team presidents.

No longer. Williams, once a Super Bowl-winning quarterback for the Washington Redskins, is out the door of the struggling United Football League team, too.

Williams was hired today as head coach at Grambling State University in Louisiana, where he played and also served as head coach from 1998 to 2003. He will be formally re-introduced Wednesday.

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Hampton Lady Pirates Win MEAC Indoor Track & Field Championships

Results

LANDOVER, Md. – The Hampton University women’s track & field team ran away with the 2011 Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference (MEAC) Indoor Track & Field Championships on Saturday at the Prince George’s Sports & Learning Complex.

The Lady Pirates have won eight of the last nine MEAC indoor championships, including seven straight from 2003-09. Hampton finished with a meet- and school-record 188.5 points, while Norfolk State finished second with 102.5 points.

Head coach Maurice Pierce was named the meet’s Most Outstanding Coach, while freshman Teiara Denmark (Virginia Beach, Va.) was named Most Outstanding Field Performer and senior Racquel Vassell (Irvington, N.J.) shared Most Outstanding Runner honors with Maryland Eastern Shore’s Cynthia Anais.

“Our freshmen stepped up to the plate,” Pierce said. “On top of Racquel’s performances, with our freshmen, it all came together today.”

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Credits:
1. Videographer: running1maryland, M&W 60 Dash Finals - MEAC
2. Videographer: running1maryland, M&W 60 Hurdle Finals - MEAC
3. Videographer: running1maryland, Womens Mile - MEAC
4. Videographer: running1maryland, Womens 400 - MEAC
5. Videographer: running1maryland, Womens Pentathlon 800 - MEAC
6. Videographer: running1maryland, Womens 200 - MEAC
7. Videographer: running1maryland, Mens Heptathlon 1000 - MEAC
8. Videographer: running1maryland, Mens Mile - MEAC

Outside the Game: Slam dunk jump over car scores for Blake Griffin

If you missed the NBA Slam Dunk Contest (I know you didn't), here are two memorable dunks by the 2011 NBA Slam Dunk Champion, Blake Griffin.

NSU Men Win 6th MEAC Indoor Track Title in a Row

Final Results

LANDOVER, Md. – The Norfolk State men’s track team won its sixth straight MEAC indoor track & field title on Saturday at the Prince George’s Sports & Learning Complex, breaking its own meet record with 200 points.

Combined with their streak of five straight MEAC outdoor championships, the Spartan men have now won the last 11 MEAC track championships that have been contested. They easily topped the 2010 team’s previous meet record of 188 points.

Junior Josef Tessema was named the MEAC Men’s Most Outstanding Runner. He earned victories Saturday in the mile and 3,000 meters to add to his wins Friday in the 5,000 and as part of the distance medley relay team. He had a hand in 32.5 points during the weekend, more than three entire men’s teams.

Spartan head coach Kenneth Giles was named the MEAC Men’s Most Outstanding Coach for the 11th time in his tenure as NSU track coach.



Videographer: running1maryland

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NCCU's 'Big Three' Lead Eagles To 82-72 Win Over Norfolk State Spartans

DURHAM, N.C. (www.NCCUEaglePride.com) – After being recognized prior to Saturday’s game for breaking the school’s single-season record for three-point field goals, North Carolina Central University junior Landon Clement added to his tally by nailing five triples for a season-high 28 points to lead the Eagles to an 82-72 victory over Norfolk State University inside McDougald-McLendon Gymnasium.

Clement had some help with 20 points from senior guard C.J. Wilkerson and the fourth double-double of the season by junior forward Nick Chasten with 19 points and 10 rebounds. Clement, Wilkerson and Chasten, who Clement referred to as the ‘Big Three,’ accounted for more than 81 percent of NCCU’s offense.



NCCU defeats Norfolk State University, 62-56

DURHAM, N.C. – On Saturday, Feb. 19, three was the magic number for North Carolina Central University to earn a 62-56 victory in McDougald-McLendon Gymnasium. Senior Jori Nwachukwu, sophomore J’Mia Pollock and freshman Sierra Solomon each netted in double-figures and provided season-high performances to lead the Lady Eagles past Norfolk State University.

Seizing her 11th double-double this season with a season-high 28 points and 13 rebounds was Nwachukwu. Pollock, who has had a breakout season as a sophomore, reached a season-high in points (15), rebounds (14) and assists (6). Solomon, who is developing and becoming more confident each contest, poured in 11 points.



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Howard Bison Use Free Throw Shooting To Down Florida A&M Rattlers

Washington, DC — Howard University was able to offset serious foul trouble with some good solid free throw shooting in the second half and pull away to a 59-50 win over Florida A&M University in a Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference men's game at Burr Gymnasium.

The Bison (6-20 overall, 4-9 in the MEAC), who have been undermanned all season, came into the game with nine players in uniform, two of which are walk-ons. The starting five, which has been logging an average of 36 minutes per game through most of the season, was put to the test when three of them were saddled with three fouls in the first 20 minutes.

Howard head coach Kevin Nickelberry went to his short bench early and often in an attempt to offset the disadvantage. The Bison got 10 points from...

Howard takes down FAMU at line

Howard offset foul trouble with solid free-throw shooting in the second half and pulled out a 59-50 win over the Rattlers in Washington.

The starting lineup for the Bison (6-20, 4-9 in MEAC) was put to the test when three players picked up three fouls in the first 20 minutes.

FAMU (11-16, 6-7) led 30-27 at halftime behind Amin Stevens' 14 points. Stevens finished with a game-high 22.

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Videographer: UrbanSportsITG

Texas Southern beats Arkansas-Pine Bluff, stays on top of SWAC

HOUSTON—Lawrence Johnson-Danner scored 15 points and Texas Southern hung on to defeat Arkansas-Pine Bluff 71-68 on Saturday.

Travele Jones and Justin Ray scored 14 points each for the Tigers (14-10, 12-1), who are in first place in the Southwestern Athletic Conference. Texas Southern has won six in a row.

Kevin Galloway had 10 assists for the Tigers.


Videographer: George Jensen / 11 Sports Photgrapher, khou.com

Texas Southern beats Arkansas-Pine Bluff 71-68

The target on Texas Southern’s back grows larger as the Southwestern Athletic Conference schedule nears its end. Arkansas-Pine Bluff gave TSU its best shot Saturday, but the SWAC frontrunner was able to fend off the threat.

Arkansas-Pine Bluff’s Savalace Townsend missed a game-tying 3-pointer as time expired, and the Tigers held on for a 71-68 victory before a crowd of 1,103 at the H&PE Arena.

TSU (14-10, 12-1) won its sixth consecutive game and swept its regular-season series with the Golden Lions (6-20, 6-8). Lawrence Johnson-Danner led the Tigers with 15 points, and Travele Jones and Justin Ray each scored 14.

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Keydets Drop BracketBusters Game to Morgan State

BALTIMORE, Md. - The Morgan State Bears held the VMI Keydets to 27 second half points, en route to a 67-62 win in the Sears ESPN BracketBusters game between the teams, played Saturday afternoon at Hille Field House in Baltimore, Md.

Morgan State (13-10) hit six straight free throws over the last 22 seconds of regulation to quell a VMI rally and extend the Bears win streak to three games. The Keydets saw their three-game win streak snapped and fell to 15-12 in the non-conference game.

VMI was led in scoring by senior guard Austin Kenon, who toiled through a 6-for-20 shooting afternoon but hit a trio of 3-pointers to finish with 18 points. Junior guard Keith Gabriel added 15 points, including 11 before intermission after nailing three 3-pointers in the first half. Freshman center D.J. Covington posted his third consecutive double figures scoring game with 10 points and led VMI with eight rebounds.

The Keydets didn't find an answer for Bears 6-9 power forward Kevin Thompson who hit all nine of his shot attempts from the floor to finish with a team-high 18 points. Center Rodney Stokes scored 16 points and grabbed 11 rebounds while sophomore forward Dewayne Jackson added 10 points. MSU junior forward Aric Brooks hit just 1-of-9 from the field, but converted seven of nine-from-the line including four straight in the waning seconds of regulation to preserve the win for the Bears.

VMI dropped only its second game in 15 outings when it held a lead at halftime.

The Keydets shot 44% in the first half but cooled down to 31% from the floor in the second half.

VMI trailed by as many as seven points in the first half (27-20) after Thompson hit a layup with 7:41 left in the opening half. VMI answered with an 11-2 run and jumped out on top when Gabriel canned back-to-back 3-pointers including a swisher with 2:02 to play before halftime.

Box Score

VMI led 35-34 at the break and pushed the lead to four points (40-36) following a pair of Austin Kenon free throws at the 16:46 mark.

The Bears used a string inside game to retake the lead with nine unanswered points as guard Larry Bastfield both started and sandwiched the string with a free throw and a layup to put Morgan State back on top. Thompson's back-to-back layups during the spurt put the Bears up for good and the hosts led 45-40 with 13:49 remaining.

VMI never retook the lead, but never trailed by more than seven points the rest of the way. Bastfiled nailed a jumper to push Morgan State ahead 61-54 with 4:19 left, but the Keydets twice cut the deficit to a one-possession scenario just under the three-minute mark. Stan Okoye hit a layup at the 2:37 mark to pull VMI within 61-58 and the Keydet defense generated stops on MSU's next three trips down the floor.

VMI could not capitalize, however, and missed back-to-back 3-point tries by Gabriel and Kenon converted one of two free throws by Covington to close within a pair, 61-59, with :24 left. The Bears then put the game away at the line with their string of six straight charity tosses and spoil VMI's debut in the BracketBusters event.

VMI returns to Big South play next Thursday at Clinton, South Carolina as it faces Presbyterian College at 7:00 p.m.

VMI HEAD COACH DUGGAR BAUCOM - "The guys fought hard and I was proud of them. They really competed. Morgan State made some plays down the end and he (Thompson) was virtually unstoppable. We had some open looks at the end and if we make those shots, it's a different outcome."

"We stopped making shots in the second half that we made in the first. It was a dogfight the entire second half. They made some 18-footers that you want them to shoot and made their free throws down the stretch when we chose to foul."

"The best thing about this is we didn't get anyone hurt. I told our guys it's time to move on and get ready for next week."

Courtesy: VMIKeydets.com             Release: 02/19/2011

Hampton Pirates fall in double O.T to B-CU; fall out of 1st

HAMPTON– The Hampton University men’s basketball team fell 78-76 in double overtime to Bethune-Cookman on Saturday at the HU Convocation Center. The Pirates (19-7, 9-4 MEAC) have lost back-to-back games for the first time this season and fall a game behind Bethune-Cookman in the conference standings.

C.J. Reed hit a floater as time expired to give the Wildcats (16-11, 10-3 MEAC) the win, after the Pirates fought back with a 6-0 run to tie the game at 76-76 on a layup from junior guard Kwame Morgan with 50 seconds left in the second overtime period.

HU loses double overtime heartbreaker to Bethune-Cookman

HAMPTON — Darrion Pellum knew how important Saturday's game was in terms of Hampton University's seeding situation with the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference men's basketball tournament two weeks away.

He'd only discussed it a few dozen times with his teammates in the days leading up to HU's meeting with Bethune-Cookman, which sat tied atop the MEAC with HU at 9-3 in the conference heading into the game.

After Bethune's 78-76 double overtime victory at HU's Convocation Center, Pellum and his teammates were left to wonder what it would mean for HU (19-7 overall, 9-4 MEAC). It's a serious blow to HU's confidence heading down the stretch in what is traditionally a one-NCAA tournament bid conference — and will be again this season.

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Taylor, defense lift Lady Trojans over Lady Bulldogs

ETTRICK, VA - Displaying an ability to find a way to win when things go awry is the mark of a good team. Having the wherewithal to do so late in the season and against a divisional foe, doubly so.

The Virginia State University women's basketball team did just that in a CIAA clash with Bowie State at Daniel Gymnasium on Saturday. The Lady Trojans overcame a first half in which they shot 17 percent from the field to win 50-43.

Spurred by solid team defense and a double-double from senior Rhon'Neisha Taylor, the Lady Trojans kept pace with the Lady Bulldogs and found a finishing kick from the bench to pull ahead late in the game.

Bowie State Bulldogs Overpower VSU Trojans

The Bowie State men's basketball team came into Daniel Gymnasium as the top-ranked team in the CIAA and played like it in a 92-71 win over Virginia State.

The Bulldogs never trailed and overcame a streaky showing from the Trojans with a consistent and well-balanced offensive effort.

"I thought we played well in spots," said interim coach Gene Thompson. "And then there were some situations where some people took a break and that is what killed us. You have to sustain it all the way."

The Bulldogs quickly extended an eight-point halftime advantage to 11 after the break but the Trojans assembled a run that led the VSU faithful to believe a season-defining win was on the horizon. D'Angelo Johnson drained a 3-pointer, Brandon Plummer knocked down a 12-foot jumper and Chris Washington came up with a backcourt steal and layup that cut the deficit to 63-58 with 11:04 remaining.

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Even without Eric Salley, Claflin Panthers record victory

Eric Salley's playing days with Claflin University are apparently over and teammates and coaches were placed under a self-imposed gag order by the administration about commenting about the ongoing controversy which abruptly ended his college basketball career.

"I have no comments about it," Claflin men's basketball coach Ron Woodard said. "All the issues with him should be directed to (Claflin Assistant Vice President for Communications and Marketing Sonja) Bennett."

Yet as the All-Southern Intercollegiate Athletic Conference guard inconspicuously sat in the Jonas T. Kennedy Center stands Saturday afternoon as the Panthers trailed Albany State by 11 points in the second half, his on-court non-presence was not easy to ignore.

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Benedict's Goode overpowers Paine

Marcus Goode had a triple-double with 30 points, 19 rebounds and 10 blocks to power Benedict to an 83-70 victory over Paine College on Saturday.

Former Laney standout Xavier Collier had 23 points for the Tigers (19-6, 18-4 SIAC). Tony Baker led the Lions (10-15, 9-14) with 16 points. Thomas Broughton and Mario Jordan each had 15.

In women's game, Brittany Jackson had 10 points and 11 rebounds to lead Benedict to a 65-47 win over Paine.

Alexus Jones had a game-high 15 points for the Lady Tigers (17-9, 15-7). Antionette McPhail scored 14 points to lead Paine (3-24, 2-19).

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Videographer: UrbanSportsITG

Tenth no-hitter in Francis Marion school history beats Winston-Salem State

FLORENCE, S.C. – Sophomore right-hander Don Sandifer tossed the 10th no-hitter in school history, allowing only two baserunners, as Francis Marion beat Winston-Salem State 13-0, Saturday afternoon in non-conference play.

FMU (6-3) picks up its fourth consecutive win, while Winston-Salem State drops to 5-6. Francis Marion will play host to Benedict College at 1 p.m. Sunday.

Sandifer (2-1), a native of Bamberg, S.C., fanned a career-high 14 batters and walked only one. That free pass came with two outs in the fifth inning. Earlier in the frame, a Ram batter reached on an FMU infield error but was then erased on a double-play line-out. The 14 punchouts were the most by a Patriot in four seasons and only three shy of the school record.

The 2010 Peach Belt Conference Freshman of the Year recorded eight ground ball-outs, one line-out, one pop-up, and only two fly-ball outs.

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Brewers, Weeks agree to four-year, $38.5 million deal

MILWAUKEE, WI — After a record-breaking season, the Milwaukee Brewers took the risk that Rickie Weeks’ injury-plagued career is firmly in the past. The former Southern University star agreed to a $38.5 million, four-year contract with the Milwaukee Brewers on Wednesday that contains a 2015 option that could increase the total value to $50 million.

“We are thrilled that Rickie has chosen to remain a Brewer,” general manager Doug Melvin said. “He has become one of the best leadoff hitters in the game today; possessing speed, plate discipline and power. His aggressive style sets the tone for our offense.”

Weeks, the No. 2 overall draft pick in the 2003 amateur draft, was a day from an arbitration hearing after saying last month he would end long-term contract talks with the team when he reported to spring training.

Rickie Weeks and the Brewers agree to $50 million extension

UPDATE: Rosenthal now says it’s a five-year deal worth $50 million, but the Brewers can void the fifth year if Weeks “is not an everyday player in 2013 and 2014.” That provision eliminates some of the health-related risks, but that’s still a huge investment in player who’s provided star-level value just once in five seasons.

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Southern routs UNO in season opener

Near the third-base dugout at Lee-Hines Field, just moments after his Southern baseball team routed the University of New Orleans 19-2 on college baseball’s opening night, longtime coach Roger Cador delivered a simple reminder to his smiling players.

“It’s one game,” he said, “and it has zero impact on what we’ll do the rest of the season. We’ve still got to go play baseball.”

Across the diamond, near the right-field foul line, UNO coach Bruce Peddie delivered a nearly identical message.

The teams play again at 4 p.m. Saturday at Maestri Field, followed by the series finale at 1 p.m. Sunday back in Baton Rouge. No one has scored in either of those games yet.

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SU-UNO: By the numbers

Former UMES Hawk on College Baseball Hall of Fame ballot

2010 MEAC Hall of Fame Induction Photo Gallery for Ira "Dude" Smith

LUBBOCK, Texas --The College Baseball Foundation has announced that Ira "Dude" Smith, former Hawk and two-time Division I batting champion, has been placed on the ballot for the National College Baseball Hall of Fame.

While attending the University of Maryland Eastern Shore, Smith became the first player in NCAA history to get back-to-back batting titles, hitting .488 in 1989 and .519 in 1990. Both years he was selected to the All-MEAC team. His 1990 season ranks sixth all-time in single-season play in NCAA history while his .431 career average ranks 14th all-time.

Smith also played a few seasons with the Virginia Shores, under the direction of veteran coach Dave Tyler.

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Howard Lady Bison Basketball Extends Home Win-Streak to Seven

WASHINGTON, DC – The Howard University women’s basketball team extended its home winning streak to seven with a 67-58 win over Florida A&M (13-11, 8-5 MEAC) on Saturday, February 19. With the win, the Lady Bison split the season series with the Rattlers and improve to 7-5 in MEAC play.

Saadia Doyle led the all scorers with 18 points and 13 rebounds. The redshirt-sophomore is now 29 points away from 1,000. Tamoria Holmes recorded a flawless game with 14 points, five assists, and no turnovers in 35 minutes of action. Adelle Walton proved to be a spark off the bench with 11 points off 4-of-6 shooting from the floor. Cheyenne Curley-Payne chipped in with eight points and eight boards.

“This win was very important,” said Curley-Payne. “Our goal is to finish with a good seed in the [conference] tournament.”

The HU defense converted 19 FAMU turnovers into 14 points. Howard also won the battle of the boards, 40-37 – including 15 offensive – and scored 13 points of second chance opportunities. The Lady Bison dominated in the paint, outscoring Florida A&M 36-12.

HU began the game with a 7-0 run, capped by a Doyle layup. FAMU was held scoreless until an Antonia Bennett basket at the 15:53 mark. The spread was 14-7 midway through the period and Howard used an 11-3 run over a three-plus span to take its largest lead of the game, 25-10 with 6:30 left in the half. The Lady Bison took a slim 29-21 advantage at intermission.

In the second stint, HU pushed the margin back to double-digits behind a Curley-Payne jumper to start the period. FAMU chipped into the Lady Bison lead and outscored Howard 12-7 over a three-plus span to make it 38-33 at the 12:47 mark. The Rattlers used a Tameka McKelton shot from behind the arc to for a 40-36 score with 11:49 remaining in regulation.

Florida A&M would not get any closer as Howard went on an 11-1 run to push the spread back to double-digits (52-37). Walton hit two three-pointers during that run. The San Diego, Calif. native went 3-for-5 from behind the arc.

For the Rattlers, Bennett tallied a game-high 19 points. McKelton and Jasmine Grice finished with 15 and 11 points, respectively.

Prior to the game, HU was tied for fourth place in the MEAC with North Carolina A&T, while Florida A&M held the third spot. Howard will look to continue its home win streak as it hosts Bethune-Cookman on Mon. Feb. 21 beginning at 6 p.m.

By Jamilah Corbitt
Assistant Director of Sports Information
Howard University