Carey wins 62-59 in another Monday malaise for Xavier

HATTIESBURG, Mississippi -- Monday road games continue to be a losing proposition for the Xavier University of Louisiana women's basketball team this season.

The Gold Nuggets are 0-3 in those scenarios after their 62-59 defeat at William Carey.

Reserves Erica Moore and Ciera Sibley scored 14 points apiece for the Lady Crusaders (9-10). They gained a split of their two-game season series with the Gold Nuggets (17-7), who are ranked 17th in NAIA Division I.

William Carey outdueled Xavier at the free-throw line, making 5-of-6 in the final 54 seconds. The Gold Nuggets made 2-of-7 free throws in the final two minutes after making 17 of their first 21.

Keldra Hall scored 12 points for Xavier, and Jasmine Grant and SiMon Franklin had 11 apiece. Grant, whose 3-pointer with nine seconds remaining gave the Nuggets a one-point victory at Shorter on Jan. 4, missed with one second remaining on a 3-pointer which could've forced overtime.

Xavier missed another late chance to tie when Jazmoné Kelly scored a basket and was fouled with 20 seconds remaining, cutting Carey's lead to 60-59. Kelly missed the free throw and Franklin grabbed the rebound -- but Kendria Young stole the ball from Brandi Young with six seconds remaining. Grant then fouled Young, who made 2-of-2 free throws with three seconds to play.

Franklin's 3-point play with 5:17 remaining gave Xavier its final lead, 52-50. The Lady Crusaders scored seven of the next eight points but did not take the lead for good until TeAnna Carter made the first of two free throws for a 58-57 advantage with 54 seconds remaining.

Xavier, which led 32-29 at halftime, shot 38 percent from the floor. William Carey shot 47.2 percent. The Lady Crusaders made 25-of-37 free throws, and Xavier made 19-of-28. Xavier, led by Kelly's eight rebounds, had a 34-30 advantage on the boards.

The Nuggets' next game will start at 5:30 p.m. next Monday at Gulf Coast Athletic Conference opponent SUNO. Xavier is 7-1 in the GCAC and leads the conference by a half-game over SUNO.

Box score 

By Ed Cassiere, Sports Information Director

VISIT: XULAATHLETICS

VISIT: XAVIER UNIVERSITY OF LOUISIANA

Howard Dominates SCSU in a 23 point Victory

ORANGEBURG, South Carolina  --  Four players finished in double figures to lead the Howard Women’s basketball team (15-7 overall, 7-2 MEAC) to a 23 point victory (69-46) over the South Carolina State on Jan 30.

With the absence of Tamoria Holmes, HU was led by the leadership of Cheyenne Curley-Payne who finished with a game-high 20 points, shooting 7-9 from the field, while dishing out seven assists and collecting three swipes. Saadia Doyle dominated in the paint, recording her 10th double-double of the season with 19 points and 11 rebounds. Kara Smith tallied a season high 14 points, shooting 6-7 from the field, and pulled down four off the glass. Zykia Brown chipped in with 10 points while Nicole Deterville pitched in with eight boards.

SCSU opened up the first half with a bucket inside the lane by Tracey Flowers. HU responded with a tip-in by Curley-Payne to tie the score at 2-2 at the 18:31 mark.

From there, Howard went on an 8-0 run to capture its first lead of the match (10-2) by the 15:26 mark. The Bulldogs ended the run with a jumper by Cabriel Duren, however.

SCSU climbed its way back into the match to knot the score at 13-13 at 10:04.

Intensity began to pick up as both teams went toe-to-toe to try and capture the lead. HU held on until the Bulldogs took their second lead of the half with a trey from downtown at the 1:33 mark to make it 26-25.
HU’s Smith quickly responded with a layup to put the Bulldog’s on their heels going into halftime break. The Bison ran into the locker room with a one-point lead over SCSU, 27-26.

To jump into the last 20 minutes of the ball game, Doyle hit a jumper from inside the paint to spread HU’s lead to 29-26. The Bulldogs held on and scored a basket to put them down by one, 29-28.

By the 17:51 mark, the score was tied at 31-31.

From there, HU went on a 21-0 spurt over a 7:48 stretch to break the game open at 52-31. Curley-Payne accounted for 12 of the points during the run and assisted on two baskets.

SCSU ended the run with a three-pointer by Lauren Johnson with 9:51 left in the game.

The Bulldogs tried to decrease the margin, but could not manage to recover from the deficit. There was no coming back for SCSU, as Howard ran away with their second consecutive win on the road.

HU outscored the Bulldogs 42-20 in the second half.

The Bulldogs were led by Tracey Flowers who tallied 11 points and six rebounds in 34 minutes of action. Tiara Knotts contributed nine points.

Howard will travel to Maryland Eastern-Shore in Princess Anne, Md. on Feb 4. The game is slated for 6 p.m.

Follow Coach G's fan page on facebook to get a behind the scenes look at the team as they make their push toward the Big Dance. http://www.facebook.com/NikiGeckeler.

Box Score

Written by Julee O'Neal, W. Basketball, Broadcast Journalism '13

Jamilah Corbitt, Asst. Director of Sports Information
VISIT: HOWARD-BISON
VISIT: HOWARD UNIVERSITY

Norfolk State Spartans' slow start leads to first MEAC loss

NORFOLK, Virginia - This is Norfolk State's finest Division I season. It was not its finest first half. A dismal opening 20 minutes for Norfolk State sentenced the Spartans to their first MEAC loss of the season, an 87-82 defeat to visiting Coppin State (11-11, 6-3) that kept NSU (16-7, 8-1) from breaking its school-record for Division I wins in a season.

Even so, Norfolk State remained in first place in the MEAC by 1-1/2 games over Bethune-Cookman and Savannah State, and it has eight more chances to set a school record.

Red hot Spartans conference streak ends: wavy.com

"It doesn't take away any of our wins, it doesn't take away our lead," senior center Kyle O'Quinn said. "Almost no one makes it through undefeated. You build a lead in case this happens. This is why you play so hard early."

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Wakulla's Godbolt elated to be joining Taylor, FAMU; Rattlers expect to sign CHAMPIONSHIP class

TALLAHASSEE, Florida  -  Marshane Godbolt knew for several weeks that he would commit to playing the next level in his college football career at Florida A&M. But Godbolt said his face-to-face meeting with Rattlers coach Joe Taylor sealed the deal during a weekend visit.  Godbolt said he saw all he wanted to see in the coach's eyes when they talked.

"I felt like it was going to happen because we were looking at each other the whole time," Godbolt said Sunday afternoon. "I knew then he was dead serious about wanting me to come. "When I got there, some of the players and coaches sat down and we talked. I felt like I was home. They showed us a lot of love over there."

Godbolt said he also had offers from Tennessee State as well as South Carolina State and Bethune-Cookman. He settled on FAMU because ...

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CB/RB/WR Marshane Godbolt

FAMU RATTLERS EXPECTING A CHAMPIONSHIP SIGNING CLASS

Fans... here is what we have been able to confirm so far regarding the 2012 verbal commitments expected to sign with the Florida A&M Rattlers on National Signing Day -- February 1. The Division I FCS Rattlers have ten (10) talented Sunshine State players that have made non-binding verbal commitments to come to the Hill and be a part of an expectant championship program.

Coach Taylor and staff are awaiting decisions on the 41 offers issued to high school football players during the recruiting season. Five Florida players in this pool have given non-binding verbal commitments to Division I FBS programs like North Texas, Kent State, Kentucky, Buffalo, and Utah State.  If you didn't know it, Florida is feeding the nation in football talent -- not just the state's big 7 -- FSU, UF, Miami, USF, UCF, FIU and FAU.   It appears the Rattlers are winning the battle with outsiders like Tennessee State, South Carolina State, North Carolina Central, and Hampton that like to recruit Florida talent (speed) over the local talent in their back yards.

Only one player from out-of-state was offered by FAMU -- Chris Jones, a 5'-11" 200 pound running back from Laural High School, Laurel, Delaware.

The talented 10 that have confirmed their commitments to the Rattlers and are expected to sign with FAMU are:

1. Marshane Godbolt Jr., CB, Wakulla H.S., Crawfordville, FL 5'10" 175 (see video above). (Click on each player's name for related Article/Story).

2. Timmy Caffey, QB, Port St. Lucie West Centennial H.S., Port St. Lucie, FL, 6'3" 210, 4.7 40.



3. Neal Cunningham, WR, Pompano Beach H.S., Pompano Beach, FL, 6'1" 186, Rivals 2 Stars.



4. Lakeif Daniels, WR, Largo H.S., Largo, FL, 6'1" 172, Rival 2 Stars.  Daniels catches the ball very well and has pretty good footwork. He gets in and out of breaks very well and has good size.

5. Ignacio Escandon, OL, Hialeah H.S., Hialeah, FL, 6'5" 260, Rivals 2 Stars.



6. Zerrie Patterson, OL, Fort Pierce Central H.S., Fort Pierce, FL,
6'3" 320.



7. Ivan Rios Jr., OL, Orlando East River H.S., Orlando, FL, 6'5" 280, Rivals 2 Stars.



8. David White, DE, Tampa Jefferson H.S., Tampa, FL, 6'3" 210.

9. Lee Williams, WR, Tallahassee Maclay, Tallahassee, FL, 5'7" 160.



10. Zi’Aire ‘Zay’ Williams, LB, Apopka Wekiva H.S., Apopka, FL, 6'1" 225.

Here is a link (below) to the listing of the other 41 players that were offered by FAMU. Don't expect all to come aboard on National Signing Day, but these are the players on the Rattlers radar. You can find out your MEAC or SWAC program targeted players, by plugging in the name of your school on this linked site:

2012 Florida A&M Football Offers & Commitments

The Rattlers coach Joe Taylor has become the hardest working man in Florida, as he has the state covered from Homestead to Panama City. Go Rattlers!

-beepbeep

XU coach pleasantly surprised despite loss to Tulane

NEW ORLEANS — Not all 7-0 losses are created the same.

That's why Xavier University of Louisiana women's tennis coach Alan Green wasn't feeling badly Sunday about his team's season-opening loss at Tulane.

A year ago the Gold Nuggets opened their spring semester with the same opponent, won just one game in singles and lost by the same team score. But this time XU's singles players won 23 games. And at the No. 1 flight Kourtney Howell split sets with Emma Levy before dropping the super-tiebreaker in a 6-2, 2-6, 1-0 (10-4) decision.

"I didn't have any expectations for this match," Green said. "I just wanted to see where we were in this match compared to our last match last season. I was pleasantly surprised by the way we played. We put up a lot more numbers on the scoreboard than we did against Tulane a year ago. We have a lot to look forward to."

Looking forward is understandable for the Nuggets, who were 4-18 a year ago and played the entire regular season with five players. They saw their top-25 poll streak end at 44 weeks, lost in the semifinals of their NAIA unaffiliated group tournament and failed to qualify for the NAIA National Championship for just the second time in seven seasons.

Howell, a sophomore who was ineligible a year ago after transferring from Navy, made her Xavier debut Sunday. So did freshmen Amanda Materre, a 6-4, 6-4 loser to Hila Elster at No. 3 singles, and Jordyn Goody, a 6-0, 6-1 loser to Jessica Lange at No. 5.

Xavier did not win a game in any of its three doubles matches against the NCAA Division I Green Wave (2-0).

"Tulane has a good and very deep team," Green said.

Green announced that his teams' next dual matches have been pushed back two days by mutual agreement. So the XU women and men will play the University of New Orleans at 4 p.m. Friday at City Park/Pepsi Tennis Center.

Xavier - Tulane Box Score

By Ed Cassiere, Sports Information Director

VISIT: XULAATHLETICS
VISIT: XAVIER UNIVERSITY OF LOUISIANA

Successful Day at TSU Invite

NASHVILLE, Tennessee  -  The Tennessee State men's and women's track and field teams completed a successful day on Sunday at the TSU Invite. The Tigerbelles claimed ten first place finishes of the 16 events and had 25 individuals medal. The Flying Tigers had 23 individuals stand on the podium, including six on the top step.

Ashontae Jackson led the way with four victories. The redshirt-freshman opened the day jumping 5.53 meters in the long jump. The Tigerbelles would go 1-2-3 in the event as Felicia Oladakun finished second with a leap of 5.14 meters and Daniecce Ward claimed third at 5.11 meters.

Jackson then hit the track and claimed back-to-back season best wins in the 50 meter dash (7.15) and the 200 meter (24.87). The Gordonsville, Va. native closed out the day by running the anchor leg for the Tigerbelles winning 4x400 meter relay team. Jackson was teamed with Gabrielle Todd, Kya Riley, and Breanna Adams in the final event of the day.

Todd claimed the title in the 400 meter with a winning time of 56.89. Oladakun would finish third in the same event at 59.53, marking the first time the freshman would break the one-minute mark in the event.



In the jumps, Ward captured titles in the high jump with a leap of 1.63 meters and in the triple jump with a mark of 11.32 meters. Oladakun finished second in the triple jump after reaching 11.07 meters..The freshman would then team with Diera Taylor, Brielle Moore and Charita Harris for a third place finish in the 4x400 meter relay.

Moore posted an individual best 8.52 as she won the 55 meter hurdles. LaTia Carney followewd with a second place finish in the same event with a career best 8.56.

Taylor would again reach the podium with a third place in the 200 with a time of 25.93. Adams received her second medal finishing second in the 800 with a career best 2:16.99.

In the 5000 meter run, sophomore Tiffany Harris finished first in a time of 22:27.46.

Brittani Logan finished on top of the weight throw with a toss of 14.54 meters.

The Flying Tigers finished 1-2-3 in the 400 led by Michael Johnson who crossed the line at 50.33. Freshmen Tamorron Key (51.61) and Osafa Hippolyte (52.39) completed the trio as both finished with career best times.

TSU also went 1-2 in the 800 meter as Jamill Jackson won in a time of 1:54.73, while Jonathan Owens was second crossing at 1:57.24. Owens added a second place finish in the mile to his accomplishments on the day. The junior finished recorded a personal best 4:38.58.



Jackson teamed with Jahleel Michael, Lamonte Burton and LeQuinn Davis to win the 4x400 in a time of 3:20.48. The Flying Tigers also claimed third in the relay with the team of Avian Hughes, Royce Dates, Arthur Combest and Adrien Hill who crossed at 3:26.82.

Hughes jumped 6.37 meters in the long jump, finishing second, while Combest claimed third place in the 55 meter hurdles in a time of 7.68.

In the sprints, Davis finished second in the 55 meter dash in 6.48. Burton earned the same position in the 200 with a time of 22.37. Both were career best times.

Freshman Sean Jenkins cleared the bar at 1.93 meters for a career best in the high jump.

Redshirt freshman Adrian McDaniel claimed the title in the 5000 meter run with a time of 19:02.64.

Alex Griffin grabbed two second place finishes in the throws. The freshman reached 12.92 in the shot put and bested his previous toss in the weight throw by over 1.4 meters, as he checked in at 11.46.

Both teams will be back in action on Saturday, February 11, as they travel to Murfreesboro, Tenn. to take place in the MTSU Valentine Invitational.

TSU INVITE RESULTS

Courtesy: Tennessee State University Sports Information
VISIT: TSUTIGERS
VISIT: TENNESSEE STATE UNIVERSITY
VISIT: OVCSports 

2012 Honda Battle of the Bands

Henderson Guides FSU Lady Broncos To Historic 600th Win

FAYETTEVILLE, North Carolina  -  There was little fanfare. While they briefly stopped play to acknowledge the achievement with a team picture and some words of congratulations, the moment soon passed as the games resumed.  To the relief of head coach and program architect Bobby Henderson, the Fayetteville State Lady Broncos recorded their 600th victory on Sunday. Then they went out and did what they always do.

Win some more.

Fayetteville State (25-1), the defending CIAA Bowling Champion and the first CIAA program to reach 600 wins, finished the three-day Southern Division meet in much the same way it has done in so many other divisional competitions. Clear and utter domination.

The Lady Broncos, who have won 10 CIAA division titles in 11 years and two league championships in the last four seasons, completed the meet at their home B&B Bowling Lanes with a perfect 15-0 mark. Needing 12 wins coming into the weekend to hit 600, Fayetteville State reached that lofty perch with a dominant win over Johnson C. Smith during Sunday's second Baker match.

"I can rest now," said a breathless Henderson, who built the program from scratch in 2001. "I can sleep now, because I didn't sleep at all last night."

After that, it was on to wins 601, 602 and 603.

Not that there wasn't some minor trepidation. The Lady Broncos, who romped through play with a 10-0 mark the first two days, only managed to slip past Winston-Salem State in the first Baker match on Sunday, clipping the Lady Rams by a mere eight pins.

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Watch live streaming video from fsubroncos at livestream.com

Fayetteville State Broncos bowling coach builds titles, legacy

FAYETTEVILLE, North Carolina – Bobby Henderson came to Fayetteville State nearly 40 years ago with dreams of making his name as a basketball player. If he ever leaves FSU, he’ll go out as a bowling legend.

Ranked as the No. 1 youth bowler growing up and the son of a professional bowler who is in the North Carolina Bowling Hall of Fame, it should’ve seemed logical all along Henderson would leave his mark on one hardwood rather than the other.

But Henderson didn’t see it that way. “I gave bowling up to be a basketball player,” Henderson said. “I wanted to be a basketball player. There was no money in bowling.” Maybe not. But there was something more.

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St. Aug's ends WSSU's win streak

RALEIGH, North Carolina -- The sense of urgency that Winston-Salem State had during its eight-game winning streak was missing Saturday against St. Augustine's. Playing in Emery Gym, which seats about 750 but held about 800, the Falcons took it right to the Rams, winning the CIAA game 61-55 and stopping the streak.

"A lot of things didn't go right," said point guard Marcus Wells, one of the many Rams who struggled. "I feel like we took a break. The same thing happened when we were on the floor; we took a break for some reason. We kind of got all caught up in our record and waiting for the second half to pull it out, but now it's about bouncing back."

The Rams (15-3, 1-1 Southern Division) had a season-high 24 turnovers, shot 32 percent and had little offensive flow against the Falcons (11-7, 1-1) and their zone defense.



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Mississippi Valley moves to 8-0 for first time in SWAC play

ITTA BENA, Mississippi — Eight and oh-my. Mississippi Valley State reached a SWAC milestone Saturday, but point guard Kevin Burwell refuses to talk about it and forward Cor-J Cox briefly mentions it.

And to their coach, Sean Woods, this is no big deal. "What we're doing," he said, "is not a surprise." The Delta Devils - focused as ever - beat Jackson State 60-54 to reach a historic mark and set off a wild celebration in their tiny gymnasium.

Valley (9-11) is 8-0 in the Southwestern Athletic Conference for the first time in school history, claiming that feat while snapping a four-game losing streak to the rival JSU Tigers (5-15, 3-5 SWAC).

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Xavier men shut down Dillard, 64-37

WANTO JOSEPH #3
5' - 9" GUARD, JUNIOR
HOMETOWN: NEW ORLEANS
PERRY O. WALKER HIGH SCHOOL

NEW ORLEANS -- Wanto Joseph scored 11 points Saturday to lead Xavier University of Louisiana in a stifling 64-37 Gulf Coast Athletic Conference men's basketball victory against Dillard in the Crosstown Classic.

A capacity crowd of 1,300 at The Barn saw the Gold Rush (15-6 overall, 6-2 GCAC) allow its fewest points to the Bleu Devils (1-19, 1-6) since the first meeting of series in the 1947-48 season -- a 66-35 XU victory. Xavier leads the series 75-47.

Xavier also scored the largest winning margin in the series since its 102-72 decision in 1971-72.

Joseph, a junior guard, did not start but was 5-of-9 from the floor in 19 minutes. Another reserve junior guard, Nick Haywood, scored 10 points and ended his shooting slump by making 3-of-4 3-pointers. Haywood was 0-of-9 from long range the previous seven games.

Lorenzo Mitchell scored 10 points for Dillard.

Denzell Erves, Kevin Miller and Cordell Hadnot scored all the points for Xavier in a 12-0 run in the first eight minutes. Dillard did not score until Terry Church made the second of two free throws at 11:57. The Gold Rush led 32-15 at halftime and by at least 20 points for the final 11:52.

Xavier shot a season-best 58.1 percent from the floor -- 7-of-10 on 3-pointers -- and limited Dillard to 25 percent. The Gold Rush, led by Anthony Simmons' nine rebounds, had a 33-28 advantage on the boards. Xavier blocked a season-best seven shots, with Erves and Miller swatting two apiece.

Xavier has beaten Dillard five straight times and in 12 of the past 13 meetings. They'll meet again Feb. 25 at Dillard.

By Ed Cassiere, Sports Information Director
VISIT: XULAATHLETICS
VISIT: XAVIER UNIVERSITY OF LOUISIANA

TSU Outlasts EKU in 91-85 Double OT Thriller

NASHVILLE, TENNESSEE - Fans enjoyed a thrilling contest on Saturday evening, which saw 19 lead changes, as Tennessee State battled and captured a 91-85 double-overtime victory over Eastern Kentucky Saturday evening at the Gentry Center.

TSU (13-10, 6-4 Ohio Valley) trailed by as many as 12 points in the second half before making a late surge. Eastern Kentucky (12-11, 5-5 OVC) built a five point lead in regulation with 2:44 left, but the Tigers never stopped. TSU used a Kenny Moore three pointer and a Jordan Cyphers layup to tie the game at 67.

From there, EKU's Mike DiNunno inked one of his seven three-pointers to regain the lead. TSU fought back with three free throws to tie the game, 70-70. TSU led on three occasions in the first OT period, but EKU knotted it up with free throws.

In the second overtime, the Tigers used a layup from M.J. Rhett and two free throws from Patrick Miller to take the go-ahead lead. Saturday's win gave TSU a 19-3 mark at home during the past two seasons and extended the home winning streak to seven games over OVC opponents.

Five Tigers reached double-figures as TSU shot 48 percent (31-of-64) for the game. The Tigers out-rebounded EKU 37-to-34 and dished out 18 assists, while recording 11 steals.


Tennessee State head coach John Cooper's post-game comments after a 91-85 double-overtime victory over Eastern Kentucky on Saturday, Jan. 28.

Robert Covington notched a team-best 22 points and eight points. The Bellwood, Ill., product dished out two assists, swatted away two shots and stole two passes in 40 minutes played.

Moore had 15 points, two assists and a career-high five steals against EKU. Kellen Thornton added 14 points, knocking down 6-of-7 from the field.

Rhett managed a season-best 11 points and five rebounds with an assist and a block. Also making 11 was sophomore Patrick Miller. The Chicago native tied a career-high with eight rebounds, making four assists and totaling three steals.

Wil Peters added nine points and five assists, while Cyphers scored seven in 20 minutes. EKU's DiNunno and Jaron Jones finished with 33 and 30 points, respectively.

The Tigers trailed by six, 38-32, to EKU in the first half. The Colonels shot 60 percent (15-of-25) from the field. TSU was held to 44 percent, knocking down 12 out of 27 shots. Thornton led the Tigers with 10 points and three rebounds.


Kenny Moore and Robert Covington talked about TSU's thrilling 91-85 double-overtime win over Eastern Kentucky on Saturday, Jan. 28, 2012.

Tennessee State and Eastern Kentucky battled back and forth with both teams trading baskets in the first 10 minutes. EKU used a triple and layup by Jones to take a 21-17 lead with 8:35 on the clock.

TSU reset the game at 24-24, but the Colonels again used a triple and a basket to stretch the advantage at five.

To close the half, Eastern Kentucky used a 14-to-8 run, taking a 38-32 lead in the locker room.

Keeping the iron hot, EKU extended their lead to 12 until TSU roared in a comeback to take a 54-48 advantage. EKU went back up and took a five point lead with less than three minutes remaining.

However, TSU used momentum to tie the game, 70-70, at the end of regulation. The Tigers battled with EKU in the first overtime, taking the lead three times. However, EKU managed to tie the game with a pair of free throws forcing a second frame.

In the final stanza, the Tigers used a six point run to close the game and pick up their third consecutive win.

On Monday, TSU welcomes rival Austin Peay for a 7 p.m. tip. The first 500 fans in attendance will receive a rally towel courtesy of Pepsi.

Box Score

Courtesy: Tennessee State University Sports Information

HU Bison Roll Over SSU Tigers with 13-point Victory

 SAADIA DOYLE RECORDS NINTH DOUBLE-DOUBLE OF SEASON
WITH GAME HIGH 22 POINTS, 10 REBOUNDS

SAVANNAH, Georgia -- Saadia Doyle and Tamoria Holmes finished with a combined total of 35 points to lead the Howard Women’s basketball team (14-7 overall, 6-2 in MEAC) to a 64-51 win over the Savannah State (8-12, 2-6) in Tiger Arena on Jan. 28.

Doyle recorded her ninth double-double of the season with a game-high 22 points and 10 boards. Holmes tallied 13 points in 40 minutes of action. Nicole Deterville ended the match with a career-high 13 rebounds and tied Zykia Brown with eight points.

“I’m pleased with the overall interior play,” said head coach Niki Geckeler. “Saadia and the Deterville twins had a combined 32 points and 26 rebounds. Anytime we can get a 13-point win on the road, I’m happy.”

“Howard is a very well coached team,” says Savannah State’s head coach Cedric Baker. “They are very disciplined in what they want to do on defense. We had problems with their length and athleticism.”

To start the first 20-minute segment, Ezinne Kalu scored the first basket to put Savannah St. ahead 2-0. Doyle responded with a bucket of her own to knot the score 2-2 at the 17:42 mark. A Kara Smith layup ignited an 8-0 run for HU to take the lead, 13-4, by the 12:55 mark. SSU answered with six straight points to decrease the margin to 13-10. Holmes ended the run with a traditional three-point play at the 10:39 mark.

The Tiger’s Smiljana Cuk, quickly scored a bucket to place the score at 16-12 with 10:23 left in the first half.

HU outscored SSU 19-13 for a 10 point lead heading into the lockerroom (35-25).

To open up the second period, Savannah’s Jasmine Kirkland hit a jumper in the paint to decrease the lead to 35-27 in the opening minute.

With the Tigers trailing 40-27 at the 17:31 mark, they picked up their intensity and outscored the Bison 14-10 over the proceeding seven-plus minutes for a 50-41 spread. With nine minutes left in the ball game, the Tigers made a layup decreasing the margin to just six points, 50-44. Howard held its composure and pulled away with the double-digit victory, however.

Kirkland paced the Tigers with 15 points in 32 minutes of action. Kalu chipped in with 11 points in 37 minutes.

HU will travel to Orangeburg, South Carolina to face South Carolina St. on Jan. 30 for its second-straight MEAC win. Tip-off is set for 5:30pm.

Follow Coach G's fan page on facebook to get a behind the scenes look at the team as they make their push toward the Big Dance. www.facebook.com/NikiGeckeler

Box Score
Written by Julee O'Neal, W. Basketball, Broadcast Journalism '13

Jamilah Corbett, Assistant Sports Information Director
VISIT: HOWARD-BISON

VISIT: HOWARD UNIVERSITY

2012 Honda BOTB

ATLANTA, Georgia - The 10th annual Honda Battle of the Bands attracted thousands to the Georgia Dome on Saturday to see precision marching and dance moves from eight colleges.  The high-stepping began with a sobering moment of silence for a Florida A&M University marching band member who died Nov. 19 after a brutal hazing incident.

A Florida medical examiner said drum major Robert Champion, a Southwest DeKalb High School graduate, was so severely beaten during a FAMU Marching 100 band trip to Orlando that he died within an hour of being attacked. The Lithonia 26-year-old's death was declared a homicide.

Photo Gallery: Honda Battle of the Bands

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Videographer: Cassfl - The opening performance at the 2012 Honda Battle of the Bands was a Drumiine exhibition by the eight HBCU marching bands. The order of the drumline performances was in inverse order of the full marching bands, e.g. Bethune Cookman was first here, and will be last in the Invitational Showcase. Tennessee State University Aristocrat of Bands is the third to perform here, and will be the sixth of the eight in the Showcase.



Videographer: Cassfl - All eight marching bands collaborated for the grand finale of the Honda Battle of the Bands in a Mass Band performance, which was a medley of various songs, lasting about four minutes. The bands were from Albany State, Bethune Cookman, Jackson State, South Carolina State, Tennessee State, Virginia State, and Winston-Salem State Universities.

Xavier Nuggets defeat Dillard 74-60, regain GCAC's top spot

NEW ORLEANS -- Jasmine Grant had 17 points Saturday to lead four Xavier University of Louisiana scorers in double figures in a 74-60 Gulf Coast Athletic Conference women's basketball victory against Dillard in the Crosstown Classic.

The Gold Nuggets (17-6 overall, 7-1 GCAC) won for the 10th time in 11 games and regained first place in the conference. They ended the season-best six-game win streak of the Lady Bleu Devils (9-7, 6-1).

Xavier also assured itself of an 11th consecutive winning season, which extends a program record. The Gold Nuggets will finish above .500 for the 19th time in 20 seasons.

Keldra Hall had 15 points and eight rebounds for Xavier. Jazmoné Kelly scored 11, and Paige Gauthier had a season-high 11.

Grant made four 3-pointers, two during a 26-6 run which extended the Nuggets' 36-24 lead to 62-30 with 8:55 remaining. Also during the burst Dalila Robinson and Gauthier made 3-pointers, and Brandi Young had four of her five assists.

SiMon Franklin's streak of five games in double figures for Xavier ended, but she had a career-high-tying five assists and a career-best seven steals.

Ariel Mitchell scored 23 points for Dillard, 11 after the Nuggets built their 32-point lead. Lauren Daniel scored 10 points, and Keylantra Taylor grabbed a season-high 10 rebounds, But the Nuggets limited Jazzmin Smith, the Lady Bleu Devils' No. 2 scorer this season, to a season-low four points in 35 minutes.

Hall's basket in the third minute put Xavier ahead to stay. The Gold Nuggets led 31-21 at halftime.

Dillard outshot Xavier 45.7 to 43.8 percent from the floor, but the Nuggets tied a season high with eight 3-pointers made. Grant raised her career total to 173 treys, third best in Gold Nuggets history. Xavier outrebounded Dillard 38-33, committed 16 turnovers and gained 23 with the help of 15 steals.

Xavier has beaten Dillard six straight times and in 15 of the past 16 meetings. The Nuggets lead the series 56-19.

By Ed Cassiere, Sports Information Director
VISIT: XAVIER UNIVERSITY OF LOUISIANA
VISIT: XULAATHLETICS

Scores That Matters!!

January 28, 2012

MEN'S BASKETBALL

OVC
Tennessee State 91, Eastern Kentucky 85 (2O.T.)

SWAC
Mississippi Valley State 60, Jackson State 54
Southern 65, Alcorn State 54
Texas Southern 73, Alabama A&M 61
Prairie View A&M 64, Alabama State 57
Grambling State 60, Arkansas Pine Bluff 55

MEAC
Norfolk State 76, Morgan State 59
Savannah State 71, Howard 50
Florida A&M 68, Bethune-Cookman 62
Coppin State 73, Hampton 70
North Carolina A&T 91, Maryland Eastern Shore 66
Delaware State 76, North Carolina Central 70

CIAA
Bowie State 84, Lincoln Pa.76
Johnson C. Smith 83, Fayetteville State 75
Morris SC 61, Livingstone 59
St. Augustine's 61, Winston Salem State 55
Virginia Union 79, Chowan 75
Elizabeth City State 87, Virginia State 55

SIAC
Stillman 87, Paine 79
Albany State 68, Morehouse 59
Central State OH 81, Kentucky State 57
Tuskegee 76, Benedict 71
Clark Atlanta 73, Fort Valley State 69
Miles 55, Claflin 54

GCAC
Fisk vs. Oakwood
Tougaloo 55, Edward Waters 42
Xavier 64, Dillard 37
Talladega 96, Philander Smith 79

OTHERS
Our Lady of the Lakes TX  96, Wiley TX 88
Texas College 77, Bacone OK 62
Harris-Stowe State MO 81, Williams Baptist AR 68
Morris SC 61, Livingstone 59
Paul Quinn TX 85, Langston OK 74
St. Thomas TX 72, Huston-Tillotson TX 54
Warner FL 82, Florida Memorial 74
Point GA 81, Bluefield VA 80

WOMEN'S BASKETBALL

OVC
Tennessee State 82, Austin Peay 77

SWAC
Southern 67, Alcorn State 62
Mississippi Valley State 66, Jackson State 56
Alabama A&M 56, Texas Southern 36
Alabama State 67, Prairie View 53
Grambling State 69, Arkansas Pine Bluff 56

MEAC
Florida A&M 65, Bethune-Cookman 51
Coppin State 69, Hampton 66 (O.T.)
Howard 64, Savannah State 51
North Carolina A&T 53, Maryland Eastern Shore 50
Delaware State 66, North Carolina Central 55
Morgan State 75, Norfolk State 68

CIAA
Bowie State 63, Lincoln Pa. 44
Winston Salem State 100, St. Augustine's 67
Shaw 101, Livingstone 72
Elizabeth City State 62, Virginia State 52
Johnson C. Smith 80, Fayetteville State 55
Virginia Union 67, Chowan 59

SIAC
Kentucky State 51, Central State OH 44
Miles 65, Claflin 58
Clark Atlanta 86, Fort Valley State 77
Paine 75, Stillman 54
Tuskegee 67, Benedict 51

GCAC
Xavier 74, Dillard 60
Fisk , Oakwood
Tougaloo 71, Edward Waters 47
Talladega 65, Philander Smith 49

OTHERS
Jarvis Christian TX 83, Southwest TX 73
Wiley TX 74, Our Lady of the Lake TX 73
Texas College 75, Bacone OK 66
Williams Baptist AR 76, Harris-Stowe State MO 50
Huston-Tillotson TX 66, St. Thomas TX 58
Roberts Wesleyan NY 92, Wilberforce OH 46
Florida Memorial 49, St. Thomas FL 45
Bluefield VA 69, Point GA 61

MEN'S TENNIS
Florida A&M 4, Florida Gulf Coast 3
Belhaven MS 9, Mississippi Valley State 0
Tulane 5, Xavier University of Louisiana 0

WOMEN'S TENNIS
Tulane 5, Xavier University of Louisiana 0

BASEBALL
Florida Memorial 4, Edward Waters 4*
(Game stop due to darkness)
Edward Waters 8, Florida Memorial 3
Point GA 9, Fla. Christian College 4
FL Christian College 4, Point GA 0
Texas College 1, Science & Arts 0
Science & Arts 4, Texas College 1
Texas College 1, Science & Arts 0

Track & Field Hosts TSU Invite on Sunday

NASHVILLE, Tennessee  -  The Tennessee State University track & field program hosts its final regular season home indoor meet, the TSU Invite, on Sunday, Jan. 29 at the Gentry Center. The meet officially kicks off with field events at 8 a.m.

The TSU Invite is the second to last regular season indoor meet for the Big Blue. Seven other programs will participate in the one day event, which includes Alabama A&M, Fisk and Lipscomb.

Tigerbelles' Ashontae Jackson and Daniecce Ward have several top-5 marks in the Ohio Valley Conference.

2012 TSU Invite Meet Information

TSU Invite Meet Program

Jackson, a redshirt freshman, is fourth in the long jump (5.56m/18-3) and 200-meter dash (25.13). The Gordonville, Va., native also has a time of 7.75 in the 60-meter dash recorded at the UNC Dick Taylor Invitational, ranking fifth in the league.

Ward has two of the league's top marks. Ward is first in the long jump with a distance of 18-9 ¼ (5.72m) notched at the Ed Temple Classic earlier this month. The Milwaukee product is also first in the triple jump, leaping 38-8 ¾ (11.80m) at the MTSU Christmas Invitational on Dec. 10.

For the Flying Tigers, sophomore Royce Dates leads the OVC with the top mark in the men's long jump. The Memphis product leapt 24-1 ¾ (7.36m) at the UNC Dick Taylor Invitational. He is also fourth in the high jump, clearing 6-5 (1.96m).

Arthur Combest has the league's best high jump, clearing 6-8 (2.03m) at the Ed Temple Classic. Combest is fourth in the 60-meter hurdles, running a time of 8.24 seconds at the Illini Classic.

Lamonte Burton's registered time of 22.18 seconds in the 200-meter dash is the fifth best mark in the league. Freshman Tamarron Key's cleared height of 11-1 ¾ (3.40m) in the pole vault currently sits fifth in the OVC.

Admission to the meet is free and open to the public. Fans can follow Sunday's action via a live blog at TSUTigers.com and through Twitter (@TSU_Tigers). Official results will be online at TSUTigers.com following the conclusion of the meet.

Courtesy: Tennessee State University Sports Information

Devilish preparation: Steeled Valley now 7-0 in SWAC

ITTA BENA, Mississippi - One was more than 10 weeks ago, another some two months old and a third about 3 1/2 weeks past. Still, Mississippi Valley State coach Sean Woods feels the frustration from his team's near-upsets against major college basketball teams.

"We are (ticked) off because we had a chance to knock off those big boys," Woods said. His team feels the same about that 1-11 start to the year. So much so that the Delta Devils are taking their anger out on their Southwestern Athletic Conference opponents.



Valley is 7-0 in league play and ranked as high as the No. 2 black college hoops team in the nation, ripping through the first three weeks of the conference season by burying its competition with a barrage of 3-pointers and a share-the-ball mentality.

The Devils are venting some frustration from a back-breaking preconference schedule that perfected their craft.

READ MORE

Freshmen helps lead Paine Lions to the top of the SIAC standings

Augusta, Georgia -- In the preseason polls, the SIAC coaches picked Paine to finish 8th in the conference. With a month to go in the season, the Lions are now on top of the heap sitting in first place by a half game. Sure there are eight teams within two games of the top spot, but the lions are proving they belong.

They really proved that in beating Benedict the other night that helped propel the Lions to the top. While Mario Jordan and Geno Green are getting plenty of pop, the man who's making them go is freshman Kendric Taylor. He does it all for the Lions and is second in scoring on the team. He's playing 30 minutes a game and his value is skyrocketing.


"The guy is really good" said coach Jimmy Link "He's a triple double type guy every night in spots. He really gets the guys involved, gets the players shots, he's hard to guard off the dribble, ball screens, he's a leader on the court and the guys respond to him."

READ MORE

WSSU band ready to unleash a sea of sound at The Honda

WINSTON SALEM, North Carolina - Promoters often call the Honda Battle of the Bands the Super Bowl for marching bands at historically black colleges and universities. If that's the case then Winston-Salem State University's Red Sea of Sound is starting to resemble the New England Patriots.

WSSU's band will perform in the prestigious band showcase today, marking its third appearance since 2008. About 60,000 people are expected to attend the show at Atlanta's Georgia Dome.

Eight bands from a field of 48 were chosen to participate in what has come to be known simply as The Honda. Fans, band directors and college presidents voted for the bands they think have demonstrated the best creativity and musicianship over the course of the football season. WSSU is the only band from North Carolina picked for this year's Honda.


Freshman Scott Tomberlin plays trumpet with WSSU's Red Sea of Sound band, who will perform in the Honda Battle of the Bands today, in Atlanta.

The trip to Atlanta will be a sweet payoff for Scott Tomberlin, a trumpet player who carefully vetted WSSU's band program last year while deciding which college to attend.

READ MORE 

TSU Welcomes EKU for Coaches vs. Cancer Game

NASHVILLE, Tennessee  -- After a three-game road swing, the Tennessee State University men's basketball team returns home on Saturday, Jan. 28 to host Eastern Kentucky University. Saturday's scheduled tip-off is at 7 p.m. and is Coaches vs. Cancer/80s Night at the Gentry Center.

The Tigers (12-10, 5-4 Ohio Valley) bring a two-game winning streak to the Gentry after picking up a 72-59 victory over UT Martin on Thursday. TSU scored 25 points off turnovers, while guard Patrick Miller led the Tigers with 17 points. Miller is averaging 11.9 points and leads the Tigers with 78 assists.

Eastern Kentucky (12-10, 5-4 OVC) has lost three out of its' last five games, including a 82-65 defeat to Tennessee Tech on Thursday. The Colonels have lost five straight road games and have not picked up a road win since defeating Jacksonville State, 59-53, on Jan. 17.

From the field, EKU is shooting 44 percent (508x1156) and averaging 66.3 points per game. The Colonels are committing an average of just 11.1 turnovers this season. Eastern Kentucky is led by Jaron Jones who is averaging 16.4 points per game. Freshman Eric Stutz is the leading rebounder, notching 5.1 boards per contest.

EKU has won the last two games in the series and four out of the last five. Earlier this season, TSU dropped a 73-68 contest to the Colonels in Richmond.

Robert Covington's 11 points against UTM marked the 21st straight game for Covington to reach double-figures. The junior forward is fourth in the OVC and 48th nationally with 17.5 points per contest. Covington is second in the OVC with 7.8 rebounds and third with 1.3 blocks each game.

OVC Co-Newcomer of the Week Kellen Thornton posted 14 points and three rebounds in the win at UTM. The Chicago product is averaging 10.8 ppg in the past five contests.

The Tigers are third nationally in the Boxtorow HBCU Top-5 poll, while ranking 10th in the Dr. Cavil HBCU Top-10 Major Division I HBCU poll. TSU leads the OVC with 34.7 rebounds per game, holding opponents to just 31 rebounds.

TSU Head Coach John Cooper will participate in the annual Coaches vs. Cancer® Suits and Sneakers awareness weekend, a collaborative initiative of the American Cancer Society and the National Association of Basketball Coaches (NABC). The TSU staff will wear sneakers instead of dress shoes with their suits during weekend games to demonstrate their support for the American Cancer Society and its vision of a world with less cancer and more birthdays.

Fans may support this cause by texting COACH to 20222 from any wireless phone to make a $5.00 donation toward Coaches vs. Cancer and help in the search for a cure. For more information, visit the Coaches vs. Cancer Facebook page, facebook.com/coachesvscancer.

Fans can listen to Saturday's game on the Big Blue Network (102.1 FM The Light and 101.9 FM Clarksville) as Albert Dawson and Mark Pittman describe the action. Live stats and video will be available online at TSUTigers.com.

TSU Aristocrats of Bands performs at Tri-Cities High School as they prepare for the 2012 Honda Battle of the Bands, January 28 in Atlanta.

Game Notes...

SCOUTING THE COLONELS: Eastern Kentucky (12-10, 5-4 OVC) has lost three out of its' last five games. The Colonels dropped an 82-65 decision to Tennessee Tech on Thursday evening. EKU has not won a road game since defeating Jacksonville State 59-53 on Jan. 17. Jaron Jones leads the Colonels with 16.4 points per game. Near double-figures is Joshua Jones (9.3 ppg) and Eric Stutz (9.0). Stutz is EKU's leading rebounder with an average of 5.0 boards. From the field, Eastern Kentucky is shooting 44 percent (508x1156) and 33 percent (154x461) from 3-point range. The Colonels are committing only 11.1 turnovers per game in 22 contests played this season.

IT'S MILLER TIME: Patrick Miller is second on the team with 11.9 ppg, leading the team in assists (78) and second with 30 steals. He has reached double-digits in 16 out of the last 19 games. Miller has multiple assists in 15 straight games. He tied a career-high with 17 points in the win at UTM. In the last five games, Miller is averaging 11.8 ppg, 3.8 rpg and 3.8 apg.

NEW YEAR, NEW RESOLUTION: TSU has not posted a winning record in the month of January since the 2007-2008 campaign. However, that mark seems to be trending upward under third-year head coach John Cooper. And this year, the Tigers are hoping that is their New Year's resolution. The Tigers posted a 4-4 mark last season. The Tigers went 1-9 in 2009-10 and 3-6 during the 2008-09 season. The Tigers notched a 6-5 record in 2007-08 under then head coach Cy Alexander. TSU is currently 4-3 after a win over UT Martin.

TIGERS RANKED: TSU is currently ranked No. 3 in the Boxtorow HBCU Division I Poll and No. 10 in the Dr. Cavil Top 10 Poll released earlier this week.

R.C. ON A TEAR: Junior forward Robert Covington has led Tennessee State in scoring in 16 of 22 games played this season. At Austin Peay (Jan. 16), Covington inked his 16th career double-double by tying his career-high with 30 points. Covington also hit four treys to move to 10th all-time in made triples at TSU (119). Covington scored 11 and inked three steals in the win at UTM. He has reached double-figures in 21 games. With 17 points against UTM, Covington eclipsed the 1,000 points mark becoming the first TSU player since Gerald Robinson, Jr. in 2009 to reach that milestone. Covington has collected 14 20-plus point performances in his career. He was named to the Continental Tire Las Vegas Invitational All-Tournament team earlier this season and garnered OVC Player of the Week honors on Nov. 21. On the season, Covington ranks fourth in the OVC (48th NCAA) with 17.5 ppg, is second in the OVC in rebounding (7.8 per game) and fourth in blocks (1.3 per game). TSU is 9-5 this season when Covington scores 17 or more points.

PLAYING IT CLOSE: This season, TSU is 7-6 in single-digit games, having played the last seven contests in single margins. The 2010-11 season saw the Tigers play 18 of their 30 games, including three overtime games, in tight-nit fashion. TSU finished 9-9 in those games, 2-1 with an extra session. Ten games in a 12-game stretch from Dec. 19 (Morehead State) to Feb. 7 (Jacksonville State) all finished with less than ten points deciding the outcome.

GIVE ME A HAND: The Tigers are just 5-8 this season when dishing out 13 or fewer assists. On the contrast, the Tigers are 7-2 when they reach 15 or more assists. Earlier this season, the Tigers dished out 24 balls vs. LeMoyne-Owen, the most since notching 24 against Morehead State in 2005.

IT'S GREAT TO BE AT THE GENTRY: The Tigers boast an 18-3 record at the Gentry Center during the past two seasons. TSU has won five consecutive contests at home and finished with a 4-1 record against non-conference opponents at the Gentry. TSU has a six-game win streak against OVC opponents dating back to Feb. 5, 2011. The Tigers' only blemishes were losses to Belmont (2010), Murray State (2011) and MTSU (2011). TSU has a +11.0 average scoring margin at home this season.

THE IRONMAN - WIL POWER: Nashville native and Whites Creek product Wil Peters has been instrumental in the rise of the TSU program. Peters has played in 114 games and 3,177 minutes during his four-year career. The senior has 73 assists in 22 games (3.3 apg). He has totaled 344 assists for 3.0 per game in his tenure. Miller leads the Tigers with 32 steals. During the last five games, he has dished out 16 assists. Peters is averaging 7.9 points and 33 minutes per game this season.

LOOKING AT THE NUMBERS (RPI): The recent RPI ratings released on Monday, Jan. 23 gave TSU a number of 239, ranking them seventh in the OVC. TSU has faced four opponents with a top-100 RPI: North Carolina 13, Saint Louis 51, Middle Tennessee 54 and Belmont 94. TSU will also play OVC-foe Murray State twice this season, which holds a 33 RPI.

GRABBING THE BOARDS: Tennessee State leads the OVC and is 66th in the NCAA with a +3.7 rebounding margin. TSU is pulling in 34.7 rebounds per contest, while limiting opponents to 31.0 per game. Robert Covington leads TSU with 7.8 rebounds a contest, ranking second in the conference. The Tigers are 9-4 when grabbing 35+ rebounds. TSU's streak of out-rebounding opponents was snapped at 11 against UTM.

LIMITING THE OPPOSITION: When TSU limits its' opposition to 45 percent or less shooting, the Tigers are a remarkable 11-1. TSU is also 10-2 when they hold opponents to less than 67 points. TSU has a 6-0 record when opponents bank less than 40 percent of their FGAs. In contrast, the Tigers are 0-7 when giving up 50 percent or more.

TRIPLE THREAT: The Tigers have plenty of options when it comes to 3-point shooting. TSU ranks sixth in the OVC with a 35.9 average (144-of-401). Four players have combined for 322 career made 3-pointers: Robert Covington (119), Wil Peters (118), Kenny Moore (45) and Patrick Miller (40). Covington ranks 10th all-time at TSU with 119 triples, passing former teammate Jacquan Nobles' mark of 117.

NEWCOMERS PROVIDING SCORING DEPTH: TSU newcomers have added much needed depth for the Tigers. Transfers Jordan Cyphers and Kellen Thornton are averaging 8.3 and 8.1 ppg, respectively. Thornton was named OVC Co-Newcomer of the Week on Jan. 23 after posting 11.0 points and 6.5 rebounds in games against APSU and EIU. He scored 14 points in the victory at UTM.

MARGINALLY TELLING: Tennessee State has played in many closely contested games since the 2008-09 seasons. During that span, the Tigers are 9-22 on the road in games decided by six points or less. In contrast, the Tigers boast a 14-2 record at the Gentry.

RHETT MAKING NOISE: Redshirt freshman forward M.J. Rhett has made some considerable noise in the past five games. He has averaged 5.2 boards per game during that span. Rhett has reached double-digit rebounds in three games this season. He is averaging 4.7 rebounds per game, which ranks second on the squad.

SETTING THE MARK: Robert Covington and Wil Peters are close to reaching some career marks at Tennessee State. Covington is just 96 points away from reaching TSU's top-20 list for points scored and passing Mike Johnson's mark of 1,251 points set during the 1972-76 seasons. Covington is just 54 rebounds away from reaching 13th on the all-time list. He has corralled 605 rebounds in 84 career games played. Peters is 121 points away from reaching 1,000 points in his career. Peters is also 105 assists shy of becoming the all-time assists leader at Tennessee State.

WHO WE GOT?: Tennessee State will find out on Monday, Jan. 30 who the Tigers will face in the Sears ESPN BracketBuster.

Courtesy: Tennessee State University Sports Information

Coach G Uses Facebook to Offer an Inside Look at the Howard Women’s Basketball Program

Washington D.C. -- Head women’s basketball coach Niki Geckeler offers fans a behind the scenes look at the Howard Women’s Basketball program by utilizing Facebook. The community can follow the team by going to www.facebook.com/NikiGeckeler and clicking “like.” It is a way for Coach G. to keep supporters informed with the progress of the program, and also engage with alumni/fans.

“I think this is a great way to reach out to the community and the Howard University Bison family,” says Coach G. “It will keep them up to date on the Howard Women's Basketball program.”

Last year, the Bison ended the season with a disappointing loss to the MEAC two-time champions, Hampton University. As HU women’s basketball took time to prepare during the off-season, they used the defeat as fuel for this year.

With the big picture in mind, the Bison understand the steps they need to take in order to walk away with the MEAC title.

After finishing runner-up in the MEAC 2010-11 Tournament, Howard was invited to the Preseason Women’s National-Invitational Tournament (WNIT) for the opening of the 2011-12 fall season.

HU began the WNIT competition facing Big-12 opponent, Baylor University. After falling to both Baylor and Akron in the first two games, Howard found success by edging Detroit, 60-58, for its first win of the season.

To push through its tough schedule, HU was handed consecutive losses to Ohio State, Loyola and St. John’s.

On Dec 3, the Bison tipped off the month with their first conference match against Coppin St. After defeating the Eagles, the Bison jumped into a nine game winning streak by upsetting teams such as ACC opponent, Wake Forest and Big East opponent, Seton Hall.

HU was on-a-roll with an improving 10-5 record. During that stretch, the Bison notched eight double-digit wins, including its widest margin of victory against Buffalo, 81-57. The streak came to a sudden halt with a disappointing loss to Hampton, however.


The Bison are currently 13-7 overall, and 5-2 in MEAC play.



Jamilah Corbett

As the community continues to support the Howard women’s basketball team on their road to the MEAC Championship title, follow Coach G on Facebook to get a behind the scenes look at their push to the Big Dance: www.facebook.com/NikiGeckeler .



Jamilah Corbett, Asst. Director of Sports Information

VISIT: HOWARD-BISON

VISIT: HOWARD UNIVERSITY

Scores That Matters!!

January 26, 2012

WOMEN'S BASKETBALL

MEAC
Savannah State 74, Talladega 58
Maryland Eastern Shore 59, Lincoln Pa. 45 (1/25/12)

GCAC
Cumberland TN 60, Fisk 52

CIAA
Virginia Union 59, Virginia State 48
Chowan 68, Elizabeth City State 59
Livingstone 80, Allen 68 (1/25/12)

OTHERS
Voorhees SC 59, Morris SC 40
LSU Shreveport 75, Wiley TX 70
Langston OK 86, Texas College 63
Jarvis Christian TX 51, Huston-Tillotson TX 49
William Woods 68 Harris-Stowe State (MO) 44

SIAC
Tuskegee 74, Lane 60
Stillman 58, Kentucky State 54
Benedict 48, Claflin 45
Albany State 81, Miles 69
Fort Valley State 74, LeMoyne-Owen 64



MEN BASKETBALL

CIAA
Chowan 80, Elizabeth City State 72
Shaw 80, Livingstone 77

OTHER
Harris-Stowe State (MO) 71, William Woods
Morris SC 87, Voorhees SC 70
Abilene Christian 88, Paul Quinn TX 70
Jarvis Christian TX 106, Huston-Tillotson TX 86
Texas College 79, Langston OK 77
LSU Shreveport 67, Wiley TX 56
Life GA 108, Oakwood AL 91

SIAC
Claflin 77, Benedict 58
Stillman 79, Kentucky State 76
Lane 83, Tuskegee 66
Miles 60, Albany State 56
Clark Atlanta 77, Morehouse 64
LeMoyne-Owen 73, Fort Valley State 68

GCAC
Mountain State WV 84, Talladega 67


Fort Valley State University Blue Machine Marching Band Recruitment Video 2012