Jackson State University Football Signing Day 2012

Ivy hopes to remain at the controls

EAST ST. LOUIS, Illinois - With the bright lights and lure of playing on the national stage on Saturday afternoons during the next few years there for him to grab, East St. Louis senior Lamontiez Ivy has instead followed his heart. The premier quarterback in the Southwestern Conference for the past two years, Ivy will remain a quarterback after signing an NCAA Division I National Letter of Intent on Wednesday to attend Jackson State University in Jackson, Miss.

Ivy, who transferred to East St. Louis from Cahokia following his sophomore season, had several schools including Kansas and Illinois interested because of his athletic ability. But unlike Illinois, which was recruiting the 6-foot, 3-inch, 225-pound Ivy as a linebacker or tight end, Jackson State has offered him a chance to play quarterback at the Division I level.

"That was the deciding factor. My dream has always been to play quarterback at the Division I level. Kansas was in the picture for a minute, but really it came down to Jackson State and Illinois," Ivy said. "Illinois wanted me as a linebacker, Jackson State as a quarterback. I chose Jackson State.

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JACKSON, Mississippi - Below are the Tigers' newest crop of signees.

1. Lamontiez Ivy (Photo/Stats), QB, 6-2, 225, East St. Louis, IL (East St. Louis HS)

2. Preston Hughes, DB, 6-0, 185, Daphne, AL (Daphne HS)

3. Jabari Payton, TE, 6-4, 225, Carthage, MS (Carthage HS)

4. Coleman Johnson, DL, 6-2, 285, Pensacola, FL (Pensacola HS)

5. &Teddrick Terrell, LB, 6-2, 230, Jackson, MS (Lanier HS)

6. & Mike Johnson, LB, 5-11, 189, Tuskegee, AL (B.T. Washington HS)

& denotes prop student athlete.

Courtesy: JSU Office of Sports Media

JSU Signing Day Extravaganza

This is our running blog post updating you with Jackson State’s latest news on this day-long event that they call National Signing Day.

Keep checking back for updates. You can check this post’s headline for updates. We’ll update the signee count in parenthesis as we know of new signees.

Update (1 p.m.)

It appears that Jackson State may sign just the four today.

READ THE JSU BLOG 

Tennessee State Signs 18 on National Signing Day

NASHVILLE, Tennessee  -  Tennessee State University head football coach Rod Reed announced on Wednesday that 18 student-athletes signed their National Letter of Intent to join the football program in 2012.

Overall, TSU had five student-athletes enroll during the spring semester and are currently attending classes. Meanwhile, 13 others will join the program this summer.

The student-athletes are from five different states. The Tigers reached deep intro Florida this year, signing nine from the Sunshine State. TSU then inked two from Tennessee and Illinois, while adding one from Alabama and another from Georgia.

Four corner backs and linebackers were signed on the defensive side, while adding a linebacker to that group. On offense, the Big Blue added four linemen, three wide receivers and a quarterback.

"We are really excited about this signing class," said Coach Reed after completing his third recruiting class. "The class we've got is one of the better classes we've had."

The Tigers had three Nashville area signees with Maurice Box, Jr. (Gallatin High School), Anotino 'Tre' Haynes (Gallatin High School) and Darius Turner (McGavock High School).

"The only disappointing part is that we didn't sign more local area kids," noted Reed. "We targeted six or seven kids in the Nashville area, but a few of them decided to go to other Division I FCS programs or to smaller FBS schools."

2012 Mid-Semester Enrollees:

The following student-athletes have already enrolled at Tennessee State and are attending class during the Spring of 2012.

Greg Barksdale III - LB 6-2, 210

Northern Illinois/Crete Monee HS (University Park, Ill.)

Played in 15 games for Northern Illinois, primarily on the kickoff coverage squad...Recorded 12 total tackles, five solo, in two seasons...A three-year starter for Coach Jerry Verde at Crete-Monee, helped lead the Warriors to a 10-2 record and a trip to the quarterfinals of the state playoffs in 2009...An Illinois High School Football Coaches Association (IHSFCA) 6A first team All-State honoree in 2009...Recorded 90 tackles, 65 solo, three sacks, two interceptions, caused two fumbles and recovered two fumbles at linebacker his senior year...2009 Chicago Tribune second team All-State selection and Chicago Sun-Times All-Area special mention... Son of Tony Sleming and Gregory Barksdale Jr....Intends to major in criminal justice.

Chris James, Jr. - CB 6-2, 195

Atlanta Sports Academy/Dunbar HS (Fort Myers, Fla.)

Made 15 solo tackles and seven assisted tackles in ten games at Atlanta Sports Academy...Had four breakups, two interceptions and one fumble recovery in lone season at ASA...Selected as MVP a senior for Dunbar High and Coach Phil Vogt...Notched 28 solo tackles with 26 assisted tackles over ten games in final season...Had seven tackles for loss, two fumble recoveries and one interception...Plans to seek a career in Business Management...Son of Chris James.

Joe Johnson - FS 5-11, 200     Marshall/ New Smyrna Beach HS (New Smyrna Beach, Fla.)

Red-shirted as a freshman at Marshall...A standout performer for Coach Rocky Yocam at New Smyrna Beach High School...Credited with 85 tackles, six interceptions and 19 pass break-ups during his senior season...Rated as one of the top safety prospects in the country by several recruiting services...Rated three stars by Rivals...Also recruited by South Florida and Western Michigan among others...Son of Rosa Johnson...Lists his late father, Julius Johnson, as his biggest role model.

Demetrius Rhaney - OL 6-3, 300

Ellsworth CC/ Stranahan HS (Ft. Lauderdale, Fla.)

Competed two seasons for Coach Mike Virden at Ellsworth CC and was named All-Region as a freshman...Ranked as the No. 9 offensive guard in the country by 247Sports...Named to the Midwest Football All-Conference team as a sophomore...Garnered interest from several schools including Minnesota, USF and Kansas...Played for Joe Redmond at Stranahan High...Won the shot put event at the Florida High School 3A District 15 championships...Son of Ronnie Rhaney.

Darius Turner - CB 6-2, 200

Arkansas State/ McGavock HS (Nashville, Tenn.)

Orginally signed NLI in 2011-12 at Arkansas State, but did not play football in the fall semester...Four-year varsity letterman who holds McGavock's school record for all-purpose yards...Competed in the 2010 Tennessee East vs. West All-Star game...All-Metro and all-Conference choice as a senior...Helped lead McGavock to the state playoffs in 2009...2-star recruit by Rivals.com...Competed in track and field and baseball as well...Also recruited by Middle Tennessee, Kansas, Western Kentucky and Memphis...Son of Carmen and Wendell Turner.

Class of 2012 Signees - FINAL LIST - Listed in Order Received:

Willie Allen - WR 6-4, 190

Hales Franciscan HS (Chicago, Ill.)

A first team All-State and All-Conference wide receiver selection for Hales Franciscan High School out of Chicago...Played under Spartans head coach Randall Towensel...Rated a three star recruit from Scout.com and ranked the 135th best wideout prospect in the country...Earned a Tom Lemming Top 25 national prospect from MaxPreps.com...Has great size, strong hands and excellent speed...Lemming expects Allen to be a physical blocker and tough to bring down... Received several looks from Big 10 programs...Son of Denise Westbrook...Went to same high school as TSU men's basketball sophomore guard Patrick

Maurice Box, Jr. - LB 6-2, 220

Gallatin HS (Gallatin, Tenn.)

Three year All-District selection at Gallatin High School...Played for Gallatin legendary Coach Robert Lassiter...Scouts rate Box as a tough and physical linebacker...Was the team leading rusher for the Green Wave, playing on both sides of the ball...Rivals.com mentioned Box as one of the top high school linebackers in the state of Tennessee...Participated in the Tennessee All-Star Classic...Interest from Murray State, Tennessee Tech, and Kentucky. Plans to major in Criminal Justice at TSU... Son of LaToya Holcomb.

Ricky Foster, Jr. - WR 6-2, 180
Brighton HS (Brighton, Tenn.)
Three time All-District honoree in 13-AAA...Named All-Region and All-Shelby Metro in 2011...Earned the Harrison Simonton Football Scholarship in 2009...Set Brighton High School record with 52 receptions for 1,079 yards and 13 touchdowns in 2011...Helped the Cardinals to a 9-2 record and an appearance in the second round of the TSSAA Class 6-A playoffs...Played for head coach Will Wolf...Offered by defending Sun Belt Champion Arkansas State, Murray State, and Central Arkansas...Son of Ricky and Gennette Foster...Numerous family members played collegiate athletics including cousin Willie Foster for Jackson State men's basketball from 1981 to 1983.

Antonio 'Tre' Haynes - OL 6-4, 350
Gallatin HS (Gallatin, Tenn.)
Played for Coach Robert Lassiter and helped Gallatin High to a 10-2 mark...A two-way player as an offensive lineman and defensive tackle...Recorded 44 tackles as a senior...Considered as one of the Mid-States top offensive linemen...Offered by Alcorn State, Texas Southern and Tennessee Tech...Drew interest from Auburn and Tennessee.

Antonio Justice, Jr. - LB 6-1, 212
St. Jude Educational Institute (Montgomery, Ala.)
Helped St. Jude to an 8-2 record as a senior...Averaged 16.4 tackles per game and recorded six sacks...A two-time selection to the Alabama Sports Writers Association All-State team...Named as a Max Preps Player of the Week on 10-2-11...Garnered the rating of a 2-star recruit...Offered by Arkansas State, UAB, Alabama St. and Troy.

Jeremy Manning - CB 6-1, 190

Bartow HS (Bartow, Fla.)

Versatile athlete from Bartow High School...Played for Yellow Jackets head coach Brett Biggs...Earned all Florida Athletic Coaches Association first team and All-Polk County honors... Collected 59 tackles, picking up six interceptions, forcing three fumbles and picking up two recoveries...Caught 13 passes for 190 yards with one reception touchdown...Son of Laurie and Jeremiah Manning...Brother Jeremiah 'Joey' Manning played four seasons (2007-2010) of baseball at Vanderbilt University under head coach Tim Corbin.

Kevin Kenton - OL 6-3, 275
Palm Beach Lakes HS (West Palm Beach, Fla.)
An All-Star Team selection for Coach Alonzo Jefferson...Registered 35 Pancakes while playing center and left tackle...Had three sacks and 52 tackles as a defensive tackle...Recorded five tackles in Senior All-Star game...Qualified for regionals in the discuss as a junior...Son of Sephlin Kenton and Sylvester Kenton...Plans on majoring in Civil Engineering...Recruited by Marshall, Bethune-Cookman, and FIU.

Montrell Wood - OL 6-7, 325
Academy of Richmond County HS (Augusta, Ga.)
Played for Coach Chris Hughes at Academy of Richmond County...Selected to play in the Georgia Senior Bowl...Named to the Honor Roll...Son of Amanda Hudson and Elliott Wood...Intends to study in the field of Physical Therapy.

Kilu Fontaine-Ellis - OL 6-4, 270

Tampa Bay Tech HS (Tampa, Fla.)

A catalyst in helping Coach Jayson Roberts and Tampa Bay Tech to an 8-4 record...Key part of offensive line for a rushing attack that averaged 215 yards per game as a senior...Played for the south squad in the Blue-Grey National All-Star Classic...Named FCAC All-District and All-Hillsborough County...Honored as the Most Valuable offensive linemen as a senior...2-star recruit by Rivals.com...Received the Anne Frank Humanitarian Award...Had offers from Bethune-Cookman, Eastern Illinois, Florida A&M, Jacksonville State and North Carolina Central...Interested in pursuing a degree in Criminal Justice...Son of Delores Ellis.

Marquaveus Jackson - DE 6-4, 250
Merced Community College (CA)/Seabereeze High School (Daytona Beach, Fla.)
Garnered first team All-Gate Conference honors at Merced Community College under head coach Bob Casey...Second on the team with 53 tackles and led Merced with 17.0 tackles-for-loss and 9.5 sacks...Also recorded two blocks and two forced fumbles in 10 games...Considered one of the top defensive linemen in the junior college ranks...Played high school football at Seabreeze High School in Daytona Beach, Fla...Had offers from Middle Tennessee, Nevada and Texas State...Son of Alberta and Christopher Wilson.

Lavatiae Kelly - WR 6-1, 175
McArthur HS (Hollywood, Fla.)
Led the McArthur Mustangs with 72 receptions for 1,458 yards, an average of 20.25 yards per catch...Notched 15 touchdowns in 10 games...According to MaxPreps.com, ranked 13th nationally and the first in the Sunshine state among high school wide receivers in yards per game (145.8)...Named first team All-State for the Class 7A . Rivals.com and Scout.com both noted Kelly as one of the most underrated wide receivers in the state of Florida...Offered by Akron.



Jarvis Mott - LB 5-11, 225
Mainland HS (Daytona Beach, Fla.)
Earned first team All-State for Class 6-A at Mainland High School...First team All-Area selection in 2010 and 2011...Led Daytona Beach area with an astounding 182 tackles...Had 21.5 tackles for loss and 3.5 sacks during his senior campaign...Part of a defense that allowed 161 yards per game in 2011. Offered by UT-Chattanooga and Murray State.

Ronald Butler - QB 6-2, 185
Lincoln HS (Tallahassee, Fla).
Ranked as the 89th best quarterback by Scout.com...Had offers from Jacksonville State, UNLV and Southern Miss...Named team offensive MVP for Tallahassee's Lincoln High School...Helped Coach Yusuf Shakir's and the Trojans to a Class 4-A State Championship title in 2010...Threw 27 touchdowns and only five interceptions his senior season...Named All-Florida honorable mention for the 2011 season. Son of Ronald Butler and Daphne Williams.



Courtesy: Tennessee State University Sports Information

Gold Rush rally past Privateers 75-69 for season sweep

NEW ORLEANS -- Senior point guard Chris Iles scored 15 points on a career-best five 3-pointers Wednesday to lead Xavier University of Louisiana to a 75-69 men's basketball victory against the University of New Orleans at The Barn.

The Gold Rush (17-6), ranked 25th in NAIA Division I, completed a two-game season sweep of the Privateers (13-11).

Cordell Hadnot scored 13 points, Kevin Miller 12 and Denzell Erves 11 for Xavier. Brandon Canady scored a career-high 17 points for UNO, and Lovell Cook scored 16. Brandon Knight had nine assists, and Antonio Wertz grabbed nine rebounds for the Privateers.

UNO led 32-30 at halftime. There were 10 second-half lead changes before Iles passed to Hadnot for a layup with 5:37 remaining, putting Xavier ahead to stay at 61-59. Erves added a 3-point play at 5:03, and Hadnot scored on a pass from Wanto Joseph to make it 66-59 and cap a 7-0 Gold Rush run.

With Xavier leading 66-63, the Privateers' Max Banchy missed a 3-pointer, and the Gold Rush controlled the rebound. Xavier made 5-of-6 free throws in the final minute to clinch its 11th victory in 13 games and its seventh straight at home.

Xavier outshot the Privateers 50 to 41.1 percent from the floor and outrebounded them 35-25. Erves grabbed seven rebounds and Anthony Simmons six for the Gold Rush.

Xavier's next game will start at 7:30 p.m. Monday at Gulf Coast Athletic Conference and city rival SUNO. The Knights are 7-2 in the conference, a half-game behind leader Tougaloo (7-1) and a half-game ahead of Xavier (6-2).

NOTES: Xavier's other victory against UNO this season was 79-70 on Jan. 4 . . . Xavier has extended its school record of consecutive winning seasons to 12 . . . XU also is assured of its 21st consecutive season at .500 or better. The last losing season was in 1989-90 . . . UNO is an NCAA Division I independent which is transitioning to Division II.

By Ed Cassiere, Sports Information Director

VISIT: XULAATHLETICS

VISIT: XAVIER UNIVERSITY OF LOUISIANA

Bethune-Cookman Releases 2012 Football Schedule

DAYTONA BEACH, Florida  -  Returns to the MEAC/SWAC Challenge and FBS stalwart Miami along with a home game against a traditionally strong HBCU program highlight the 2012 Bethune-Cookman University football schedule released Wednesday.

For the second straight season, B-CU will open the season in Orlando, this year on September 2, 2012 against a SWAC opponent Alabama State University Hornets.  The Wildcats defeated Prairie View A&M 63-14 in 2011 in a game broadcasted on ESPN.

Two weeks later on September 15, the Wildcats will tangle with the Hurricanes again in Sun Life Stadium. B-CU had an early 7-0 lead on Miami last year and was within 21-14 in the third quarter before the national power pulled away in the final 15 minutes.



"We're extremely excited to continue these two dates over from last year," B-CU Athletic Director Lynn W. Thompson said. "The fan support was fantastic and the games generated a lot of interest in our football program."

The only new wrinkle to the schedule is the addition of Tennessee State, one of the most respected programs in all of Black College Football. The Tigers, with former B-CU assistant Rod Reed as Head Coach and former B-CU star Jeff Parker serving as passing game co-ordinator, will come to Daytona Beach on September 22 for the Wildcats' home opener, which will also serve as Hall of Fame Weekend.

B-CU will play at Tennessee State next season under the two-year contract.

2012-2013 SCHEDULE (html)

Date Opponent / Event Location Time /

09/02/12 TBD (MEAC/SWAC Challenge) Orlando, Fla. 
09/08/12 at South Carolina State * Orangeburg, S.C. 
09/15/12 at Miami Miami Gardens, Fla.
09/22/12 vs. Tennessee State (Hall of Fame Game) Daytona Beach, Fla. 
09/29/12 at Hampton University * Hampton, Va. TBA
10/06/12 vs. North Carolina A&T (Homecoming) * Daytona Beach, Fla.. 
10/20/12 vs. Norfolk State (Biker Classic) * Daytona Beach, Fla. 
10/27/12 vs. North Carolina Central (Senior Day) * Daytona Beach, Fla. TBA
11/03/12 at Morgan State * Baltimore, Md. TBA
11/10/12 at Savannah State * Savannah, Ga. TBA
11/17/12 vs. Florida A&M(Blue Cross Blue Shield Of Florida Classic) * Orlando, Fla. TBA

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Courtesy: Bethune-Cookman University Sports Information 

Alabama A&M football: 2012 Bulldogs' travels limited

HUNTSVILLE, Alabama - A first-ever game against a Southeastern Conference opponent, the 71st annual Magic City Classic against in-state rival Alabama State and four home games highlight Alabama A&M's 2012 football schedule.

The Bulldogs will visit Auburn on Nov. 17, take on the Hornets in Birmingham on Oct. 27 and host Prairie View, Grambling, Alcorn State and Southern at Louis Crews Stadium.

"This schedule is historic for us," A&M coach Anthony Jones said. "We only have four home games; however, we play seven games in the state of Alabama and for the first time since I've been here, we play in or near the four major cities in the state.

"We open in Mobile, we play the Magic City Classic in Birmingham and we play Auburn outside of Montgomery. We have big games in all four of our major cities and since we're trying to recruit the state of Alabama, that will only help us."

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Rison Returns to Central Michigan as Receivers Coach

Mose Rison, former NCCU head coach, will coach
 the Chippewas' receivers in 2012.
(Photo Courtesy: CMU Athletic Communications)

MOUNT PLEASANT, Michigan - Mose Rison, a member of Central Michigan's 1974 Division II national championship team and former assistant coach, has returned to CMU to coach the Chippewas' receivers, CMU head coach Dan Enos announced today.

"We are thrilled to welcome Mose back to CMU," Enos said. "His passion for Central Michigan University and expertise coaching the offensive skill positions will make him an invaluable part of our coaching staff."

A native of Flint, Mich., Rison was a four-year letterman (1974-77) who still ranks 10th in school history with 2,838 career rushing yards. He was CMU's Most Valuable Player and an All-Mid-American Conference first team selection after rushing for 1,241 yards and scoring 12 touchdowns (11 rushing, one kickoff return) in 1977.

He earned his bachelor's degree from CMU in 1978 and master's degree in 1983.

Rison's coaching career began at CMU, where he coached receivers and directed the special teams from 1981-88. He spent two seasons at Navy (1989-90) and five at Rutgers (1991-95) before a six-year run at Stanford (1996-2001) that included a Pac-10 Conference championship in 1999 and trip to the Rose Bowl. At Stanford, he worked directly with 1999 Biletnikoff Award winner Troy Walters.

Rison spent two seasons in the National Football League, coaching the New York Jets' receivers in 2001 and 2002. He was part of a staff that helped lead the Jets to the AFC Wild Card in 2001 and an AFC East championship in 2002. Rison also completed four summer internships with NFL teams during the early portion of his coaching career, gaining experience with the Detroit Lions (1988), New York Jets (1993), Chicago Bears (1999) and Baltimore Ravens (2000).

Following the 2002 season, Rison returned to the collegiate ranks where he served as receivers coach and passing game coordinator at Arizona (2003), offensive coordinator at Livingstone College (2004) and quarterbacks coach, receivers coach and passing game coordinator at Davidson College (2005).

In 2006, Rison was named assistant head coach, offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach at North Carolina Central. While mentoring a freshman quarterback, he helped install a new offensive system that produced a school-record 30.9 points per game as the Eagles finished 11-1 and won the Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association title.

Rison was named head coach in 2007 and led NCCU's transition from NCAA Division II to the Football Championship Subdivision level. He was 16-22 in three and a half seasons as NCCU's head coach, including a 6-4 mark in 2007, the Eagles' first season as a member of the FCS.

Courtesy: Scott Rex/CMU Athletics

North Carolina Central Covers Eleven States with 2012 Class

DURHAM, North Carolina - NCCU head football coach Henry Frazier III chats with play-by-play voice of the NCCU Sports Network Chris Hooks about his 2012 signing class. The Eagles had 27 student-athletes sign on the dotted line to become members of the NCCU football program.

Check http://www.nccueaglepride.com/ for more detailed information about the 2012 signing class.



VIEW LIST OF SIGNEES AND THEIR VIDEO HERE

N.C. Central scores big in Central Region

RICHMOND, Virginia - The North Carolina Central football team isn't talked about much in the Richmond area. The Durham, N.C., school just completed its first season as a full member of Division I and doesn't have a player from Richmond on its roster.

But that will change today when four players from the Central Region sign letters of intent with the Eagles: Malcolm Bell of Henrico, Tony Tate of Varina, Darius Spruill of Thomas Dale and Tim Thaniel of Clover Hill.

In charge of recruiting the area for N.C. Central is assistant Mike McGlinchey. He's been at NCCU for three seasons, but he was given the territory just this year. He has plenty of familiarity with Richmond, as he recruited it when he was with Towson for eight seasons.

McGlinchey decided he'd hit Richmond hard, and the initial results have been positive.

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Florida A&M Announces Recruits Signed In Class of 2012

COACH JOE TAYLOR HAS SIGNED
27 CHAMPIONSHIP CALIBER PLAYERS
FOR THE CLASS OF 2012 

TALLAHASSEE, Florida  -  Coach Joe Taylor Announced the 2012 signing class today at 3 p.m. at the Galimore-Powell Fieldhouse. With 27 seniors last season, there were holes to fill on the Rattler football squad.

Taylor is very excited about the recruits this year, possibly his best class ever. "We pretty much met all of our needs. I think its very important to get local talent. It probably stems from our first-ever 7-on-7 tournaments. When you can go to the local talent that won a state championship, it's certainly helpful...and when they play, they bring in a whole community of people," Taylor said.

Taylor is also making preparation for future seasons. "We are bringing in kids that can help us in the future in some positions. In building a program, you must get what you need immediately and down the line. When a young man comes in right away, he normally plays on special teams, but it has happened where kids come right in and play considerable time at a position. The guys on my wall who are NFL players, had the caliber of talent to play their first year," Taylor said.

Here is a list of the class of 2012:

Name Ht Wt. Pos. Class. Hometown / Previous School
1. Amos, Christopher 6-2 180 SS Fr. McDonough, Ga. / Henry County
Snake Bites: Recorded 10 INTs his senior season earning First Team All-State and Second Team All-District honors; He was named the team's Most Valuable Player his junior and senior season.

2. Blanton, Colby 6-0 175 K Fr. Jacksonville, Fla. / Atlantic Coast HS
Snake Bites: Finished season nine-for-11 in field goals with his longest being for 48 yards, while tallying a 42.0 punting average; Also had 80 percent of his kickoffs for touch backs. Served as team Captain his senior season, while earning First Team All-Area and Atlantic Coast Honors and participated in the Shrine Bowl;

3. Blount, Akil 6-3 215 LB Fr. Clayville, Pa./Linsly HS
Snake Bites: Recorded 49 tackles and seven sacks earning First Team All-Conference and All-State honors, while serving as Team Captain; In addition, broke the school record for sacks; Also played in the Nike All-Star Game; Son of NFL Hall of Famer Mel Blount, that played for the Pittsburgh Steelers (1970-1983);is also an outstanding basketball player.

4. Bone, Trevor 6-3 225 OLB Fr. Orlando, Fla. /Winter Springs HS
Snake Bites: Recorded 58 tackles, eight tackles for loss and five sacks, earning First Team All-State and All-Conference honors, while serving as Team Captain his senior season; Played in the Nike All-
Star Game;

5. Caffey, Timmy 6-4 210 QB Fr. Port St. Lucie, Fla. / Centennial

Snake Bites: Served as Team Captain his senior season as he reaped First Team All-State and All-Area honors and participated in the Nike All Star Game;

6. Cunningham, Neal 6-2 190 FS Fr. Pompano, Fla./Pompano Beach HS
Snake Bites: Recorded 52 tackles and six interceptions on the season, while leading his team to a 2A Region Four Championship, while earning First Team All-Area honors; Served as the team's Co-Captain and was rated a two-star athlete by Rivals.com; Enrolled in January of 2012;

7. Escandon, Ignacio 6-4 285 OL Fr. Miami, Fla. / Hialeah HS
Snake Bites: Received First Team All-Dade County Honors; Played in the Dolphins Under-Armor All-Star Game; Recorded 10 pancakes in a game;

8. Gay, Jamal 6-3 275 OL Fr. Tallahassee, Fla. / Florida HS
Snake Bites: Received First Team All-State honors; Played in the Nike All-Star Game; Served as Team Captain his Senior Season and rated as a 3-Star Player;

9. Godbolt, Marshane 5-10 175 CB Fr. Crawfordville, Fla./Wakulla HS
Snake Bites: Recorded 87 tackles and five interceptions his senior season earning First Team All-Area honors.

10. Hall, Bryce 6-4 270 OL Fr. Ft. Pierce, Fla./ Central HS
Snake Bites: Recorded 10 pancakes in a game his senior season earning First Team All-Area honors, while serving as the team's Co-Captain; Also played in the Treasure Coast and the North vs. South All-Star Game;

11. Helms, Caleb 6-4 255 DE Fr. Tallahassee, Fla. / N. Fla. Christian
Snake Bites: Recorded eight sacks and five tackles for loss his senior season earning First Team All-Area honors, leading North Florida Christian to a perfect 13-0 season winning a State Championship.

12. Lennon, Daniel 6-3 290 OL Fr. Miramar, Fla. / Miramar HS
Snake Bites : Team Captain Senior Season; Second Team All-Broward County; Played in Nike Under Armor Games; Recorded 15 Pancakes in a game; Brother of FAMU wide receiver Lenworth Lennnon;

13. Lewis, Victor 6-1 175 CB Fr. Orlando, Fla. / Lake Nona HS
Snake Bites: Earned First Team All-District honors and was named the team's Most Valuable Player and was named the Defensive Backs Most Valuable Player.

14. Lovejoy, Michael 6-3 280 DL Fr. Pensacola, Fla. / Escambia HS
Snake Bites: Recorded 47 tackles, ten tackles for loss and six sacks his senior season earning First Team All-State and All County Honors and served as the Team Captain.

15. Orr, DaLawrence 6-3 175 WR Fr. Miami, Fla./McArthur HS

Snake Bites: Earned First Team All-State and All Area honors; Served as Team Captain his senior season and played in the Nike All-Star Game; In his senior season recorded 700 receiving yards on 40 catches with 12 TDs on the season.

16. Patterson, Zerrie 6-3 315 OL Fr. Ft. Pierce, Fla. / Central HS
Snake Bites: First Team All-Area; Second Team All-State; Played in the Treasure Coast and North vs. South All-Star game; Recorded 10 pancakes in a game;

17. Riley, Tyler 6-0 220 LS Fr. Ocala, Fla. / Ocala Trinity Catholic
Snake Bites: Lead his team to a 2009 State Championship and earned First Team All-Area honors and served as the Team's Captain his senior season; Also a member of the Honor Roll;

18. Rios, Ivan 6-3 300 OL Fr. Orlando, Fla. / East River HS

19. Sarvary, Drew 6-6 315 OL Fr. Tallahassee, Fla. / N. Fla. Christian
Snake Bites: Led a North Florida Christian to a State Championship as they finished the season a perfect 13-0; Recorded 10 pancakes in game and was named Team Captain his senior season;

20. Turner, Reggie 6-4 330 OL Fr. Kissimmee, Fla. / Osceola HS
Snake Bites: Received First Team and Second Team All - Broward County honors; Team Captain Senior season and recorded 12 pancakes his senior season; The No. 5 Wrestler in the State of Florida his junior season.

21. White, David 6-2 200 OLB Fr. Tampa, Fla./Jefferson HS
Snake Bites: Recorded 87 tackles for ten sacks earning First Team All-State and All-Conference honors, while serving as Team Captain; Grandson of FAMU Hall of Famer Chuck White, who was a three sport athlete at FAMU during the 1950's;

22. Williams, Denzel 6-2 275 LS Fr. Wildwood, Fla. / Wildwood HS
Snake Bites: Served as Team Captain his senior season, while earning First Team  and All State Honors; Also member of the Honor Roll;

23. Williams, Ziaire 6-3 225 OLB Fr. Apopka, Fla. / Wekiva, Fla.
Snake Bites: Recorded 60 tackles, eight sacks and two tackles for loss earning First Team and All-County honor his senior, while serving as the Team Captain .

24. Chisholm, Romario 6-4 230 DE Fr. Orlando, Fla. / Evans HS

Snake Bites: Earned First Team All-Metro and All-Area honor, while serving as Team Captain his senior season and recording ten sacks on the season; Played in the Nike All-Star Game;

25. Williams, Lee 5-10 180 RB Fr. Tallahassee, Fla. / Maclay HS
Snake Bites: Earned First Team -State and All Area honors; Rushed for 2,300 yards and 28 TDs, while serving as Team Captain his senior season and is rated as a two-star athlete by Rivals.com;

26. Mayo, Tyreece 6-1 175 FS Fr. Eufaula, Ala./ Eufaula HS

Snake Bites: Recorded 18 career INTs and 72 tackles. He was named the 5A Player of the Year, Outstanding Defensive Back and Out Standing Wide Receiving and earned First Team All-State honors;

27. Kinsey, Eric 6-2 230 OLB Fr. Miami, Fla. / Northwestern HS

Snake Bites: Received First Team All-Dade County and Second Team All-State Honors; Posted a time of 4.6 in the forty-yard dash.

Courtesy: Florida A&M University Sports Information

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FAMU football loads up on offensive lineman on National Signing Day
UPDATE: Godbolt thrilled to be heading to FAMU
Largo's Shawn Barker, Lakeif Daniels both sign

King running back Alonzo signs with Texas Southern

CORPUS CHRISTI — Fullback Rudy Alonzo signed a National Letter of Intent with Texas Southern University to play college football Wednesday at Richard King High School.

The Mustangs' leading rusher in 2011, Alonzo was named the 28-5A offensive MVP and to the Caller-Times' All-South Texas first-team offense.

Alonzo rushed for more than 2,300 yards in the past two years for King, reaching the playoffs each season. He earned a varsity letter in football and track in each of his four years in high school.


#21 Rudy Alonzo, 5'9"/190 FB, King H.S. (Green & White Jersey) November 3, 2011 game highlights of game against Carroll.

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FAMU track team makes regional poll

TALLAHASSEE, Florida  -  A shiny trophy on the top rung of a shelf in his office is the most obvious evidence that Wayne Angel can point to as proof he is making headway in his plans to turn around the Florida A&M men's track team.

The Rattlers won the prize with a second-place finish in the MEAC cross-country championships last year.



The FAMU 4x400m relay team used a strong anchor leg by Elijah Owens to win the race at the 2012 Gator Invite at the O'Connell Center on the campus of the University of Florida on Jan. 22, 2012.

There is something else that's further proof that things are changing for the Rattlers, as they head into the stretch run of the indoor season. The team is ranked 10th in the South Region of the United States Track and Field Cross Country Coaches Association's poll.

It's a first for the program since the coaches began to release the weekly poll a few years ago.
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Norfolk lures MEAC hoop tournaments

NORFOLK, Virginia - The Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference men's and women's basketball tournaments will come to Norfolk for at least the next three years, officials will announce at a news conference Thursday morning at Scope.

The MEAC and Norfolk have agreed to a three-year contract, with a two-year option to renew, to play the tournaments at Scope beginning in March 2013, according to sources who asked not to be identified because they are not authorized to release the information.

City officials, led by Vice Mayor Anthony L. Burfoot, have long tried to attract the MEAC tournaments to Norfolk, saying it will fill hotel rooms and restaurants and increase the city's profile.

Norfolk State and Hampton University play in the MEAC, whose champions gain automatic bids to the NCAA tournament. Its men's basketball championship game is televised on ESPN2.

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Success at Alabama A&M worth celebrating

HUNTSVILLE, Alabama  -  Alabama A&M has a long and rich history when it comes to sports teams. Football and basketball have produced its share of stars, but so has women's track and field, men's soccer, men's golf, volleyball and women's basketball and bowling.

The names of those stars and occasions of their triumps are too numerous to mention, but in honor of Black History Month, The Times is going to try to do just that.

Throughout the month, The Times will highlight some of the best Bulldogs and Lady Bulldogs who ever ran the ball, caught the ball, kicked the ball, dunked the ball, shot the ball, spiked the ball, hit the ball, bowled a ball or participated in track and field events. We'll highlight some of the milestone achievements in the program's history. We will also highlight other individuals, coaches and administrators who have impacted A&M's sports history. We hope our readers will enjoy these snippets of information.

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Laney wide receiver Tevin Clay headed to Fayetteville State

NEW HANOVER COUNTY, NC (WECT) – Laney wide out Tevin Clay is headed to Fayetteville State. Clay will sign his national letter of intent on Wednesday.

During his senior season, Clay had 79 catches for 1,084 yards and 16 touchdowns for a Laney team that went 8-4. Western Carolina and Western Michigan also had interest in Clay.


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TSU Football Signing Day Central

NASHVILLE, Tennessee  -  National Signing Day 2012 has finally arrived and excitement is here as Tennessee State University is proud to announce the latest additions to the Big Blue football team.

TSUTigers.com will have a live updates all day here and via our social media pages (Twitter -@TSU_Tigers and Facebook.com/TSU_Tigers). Once our compliance office (@TNSTcompliance) has certified the National Letter of Intent, we'll post information about the newest signees.

Remember to join Coach Rod Reed and the TSU coaching staff to discuss the Class of 2012 at the annual Signing Day Event this evening. The event will be held at the TSU Faculty Dining Hall at 6:30 p.m. All attendees will receive a complimentary ticket to the Lady Tigers women's basketball game versus Eastern Kentucky.

Class of 2012 Signees:

Courtesy: Tennessee State University

TSU's Chelsea Hudson named adidas® Freshman of the Week

#30 CHELSEA HUDSON
6'- 0" FORWARD, REDSHIRT FRESHMAN
HOMETOWN: MIDLAND, TEXAS
MIDLAND HIGH SCHOOL
TSU LADY TIGERS BASKETBALL

NASHVILLE, Tennessee - Tennessee State University women's basketball player Chelsea Hudson was named the Ohio Valley Conference Freshman of the Week on Tuesday, Jan. 31.

Chelsea Hudson had a break-out week for Tennessee State as the Lady Tigers went 1-1 in OVC action. She shot over 65 percent from the field and was nearly perfect from the free-throw line, with only one miss on 17 attempts through both games.

She exploded for 38 points and pulled down 17 rebounds for a double-double against UT Martin. The 6-0, Forward went 13-of-18 from the field and 12-of-13 from the free-throw line. She also recorded 10 offensive rebounds and two blocks in the game.

In TSU's win over Austin Peay on Saturday, Hudson had eight points, five rebounds, one assist and no turnovers in 18 minutes. She was a perfect 4-of-4 from the charity stripe in the win.

A native of Midland, Texas, Hudson became only the fourth player in TSU history to score 38 points in a game. Junior Jasmin Shuler posted 38 points last week for the Lady Tigers against Morehead State as Carolyn Aldridge (1993-94 vs. Oregon St.) and Valencia Hunter (1984-85 vs. Grambling St.) also reached the 38-point mark.

Hudson is the fifth Lady Tiger to garner OVC weekly honors this season as Rachel Allen has been named Freshman of the Week twice and Destiney Gaston and Jasmin Shuler have each received Player of the Week nods.

Courtesy: Tennessee State University Sports Information 

XU Gold Rush are ninth in NAIA preseason coaches poll



ZACH TAYLOR
5' 8"/160 SENIOR
MONROE, LOUISIANA
ST. FREDERICK (VENTURA JC)



NEW ORLEANS -- Xavier University of Louisiana is beginning the 2012 men's tennis season the way it finished 2011: among the top 10 NAIA teams in the country.

The Gold Rush are ninth in the preseason coaches poll announced Tuesday. The XU men were eighth -- their highest ranking ever -- in the final poll a year ago and reached the second round of the NAIA National Championship for the third consecutive season.

Beginning with the poll of April 4, 2007, Xavier has been in every men's top 25.

This is the first Xavier team to earn a preseason top-10 ranking since the women's basketball team was seventh to start 1997-98.

In the women's tennis preseason poll, Xavier collected one point did not make the top 25. The Gold Nuggets had appeared in 44 consecutive top 25s before that streak ended in 2011.

Both Xavier teams, losers to Tulane in their openers during the weekend, will play the University of New Orleans at 4 p.m. Friday at City Park/Pepsi Tennis Center. The duals were pushed back from Wednesday by mutual agreement of coaches Alan Green of Xavier and Burzis Kanga of UNO.

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

Scores That Matters!!

January 30, 2012

WOMEN'S BASKETBALL



MEAC
Hampton 74, Morgan State 60
Coppin State 61, Norfolk State 58
Maryland Eastern Shore 54, North Carolina Central 46
Howard 69, South Carolina State 46
North Carolina A&T 57, Delaware State 49

OVC
Tennessee-Martin 105, Tennessee State 90

GCAC
Southern-New Orleans 64, Dillard 62 (1/31/12)
Talladega 75, Edward Waters 62
Tougaloo 65, Philander Smith 46
William Carey 62, Xavier 59
Fisk vs. Selma

SWAC
Jackson State 59, Arkansas Pine Bluff 51
Mississippi Valley State 63, Grambling State 55
Alabama State 68, Texas Southern 47
Alabama A&M 55, Prairie View A&M 53

SIAC
Stillman 85, Benedict 78 (O.T.)
Tuskegee 61, Paine 49

CIAA
Johnson C. Smith 70, Winston Salem State 61
Shaw 79, Fayetteville State 51
St. Augustine's 86, Livingstone 76
Virginia State 75, Bowie State 58
Virginia Union 45, Lincoln Pa. 41

OTHER
Paul Quinn TX 85, Southwest New Mexico 79
Martin Methodist TN 83, Allen SC 59
Point Park Pa. 83, Wilberforce OH 58
Missouri Valley

1/30/12
Langston OK 88, St. Thomas TX 43
Wiley TX 61, Texas Wesleyan 58
SAGU TX 58, Huston-Tillotson TX 52
Jarvis Christian TX 69, Bacone OK 56



MEN'S BASKETBALL

MEAC
Delaware State 56, North Carolina A&T 41
Howard 82, South Carolina State 76
Coppin State 87, Norfolk State 82
Hampton 68, Morgan State 63
North Carolina Central 77, Maryland Eastern Shore 46

OVC
Tennessee State 77, Austin Peay 57

GCAC
Talladega 70, Edward Waters 62
Tougaloo 88, Philander Smith 59
Xavier 63, William Carey 47

SIAC
Tuskegee 79, Paine 74
Stillman 76, Benedict 73

CIAA
Bowie State 58, Virginia State 48
Lincoln Pa. 86, Virginia Union 81 (O.T.)
Shaw 92, Fayetteville State 84 (2 O.T.)
Johnson C. Smith 76, Winston Salem State 70
Livingstone 64, St. Augustine's 61

OTHER (1/31/12)
Mountain State 85, Voorhees SC 81
Point Park Pa. 88, Wilberforce OH 71
Missouri Valley 61, Harris-Stowe State Mo. 54

1/30/12
St. Thomas TX 51, Langston OK 47
Texas Wesleyan 103, Wiley TX 95
Morris SC 92, Coker 87
Jarvis Christian TX 109, Bacone OK 73
Martin Methodist TN 65, Oakwood College 60

BASEBALL 1/31/12
St. Thomas FL 10, Florida Memorial 5
Belhaven MS 11, Tougaloo 1

1/30/12
Huston-Tillotson TX 8, Northwestern Oklahoma St. 6
Northwestern Oklahoma State 7, Huston-Tillotson TX 5
Shorter Ga. 12, Edward Waters 3

AAMU Bulldogs rally from 20 points down to beat PV Panthers

HUNTSVILLE, Alabama - Alabama A&M had struggled closing out games heading into Monday night's Southwestern Athletic Conference contest against Prairie View. In five of their SWAC losses, the Bulldogs were in position to win all of them. Instead, they lost all of them.

A&M suffered a pair of three-point losses, a five-point loss, a six-point loss and fell by 12 Saturday night against Texas Southern in a game it trailed by five points with just less than seven minutes to play. Things changed Monday night.

The Bulldogs, down by as many as 20 points with four minutes into the second half, battled back and then dominated the second half en route to a 64-52 victory over the Panthers before an announced crowd of 1,252 at Elmore Gym.

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This one may live as a milestone victory for A&M's Willie Hayes

HUNTSVILLE, Alabama -- There's not all that much to sift through for comparison. Not for a new head coach, especially having played a schedule where it wasn't a matter of whether the team might lose, but simply by how much.

This was Willie Hayes' fifth win as Alabama A&M's head basketball coach. It was his 18th game. None has been sweeter. None may be more important.
None was more astounding.

"So far, it would be (the most gratifying)," Hayes said late Monday night after the Bulldogs' 64-54 win over Prairie View, a victory that left him fielding handshakes and hugs all the way to the locker room.

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Hampton Lady Pirates bounce Morgan State, 74-60

HAMPTON, Virginia — His team bounced back from its first Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference defeat in 20 games with a win against Morgan State on Monday night, but Hampton women's basketball coach David Six wasn't exactly what you'd call happy.

"We're not going to win a championship like that. I can tell you that," Six said. "We've got to commit to the defensive end of the floor."

Morgan State shot 24-of-60 from the floor (40 percent) and 8-of-22 from 3-point range – a percentage of 36.4 that is 16 points higher than the season average of HU opponents. The Lady Bears also edged the Lady Pirates 24-23 in defensive rebounds.

The Lady Pirates (16-4, 8-1 MEAC) came into Monday's game ranked fifth in the nation in scoring defense, giving up 49.8 points per game, and had held 14 opponents to less than 60 points and 10 to less than 50.

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Shaw beats Fayetteville, takes 10th straight victory

RALEIGH, North Carolina -- Aslea Williams led four players in double figures with 21 points as Shaw downed Fayetteville State 79-51 on Monday night at C.C. Spaulding Gymnasium for its 10th straight victory.

Kyria Buford added 15 points and nine rebounds and Sequoyah Griffin had 14 points and Brittany Ransom 11 for the Bears (14-5, 9-0), who remain unbeaten in CIAA play.

The Broncos (7-10, 2-7) played well early, and were effective defensively, holding Shaw to just 36 percent shooting from the floor in the first half.

But Buford hit 3-pointers on three straight possessions, spurring a 13-0 run to give Shaw a 36-16 lead with 4 minutes, 7 seconds to go in the half.

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Mooney leads Lincoln to tough OT win

LINCOLN UNIVERSITY, Pennsylvania  -  The Lincoln University men’s basketball team recovered from its heartbreaking loss just two days ago and gave Virginia Union its first CIAA Northern Division loss as the Lions knocked off the Panthers, 86-81, in overtime on Monday night at Manuel Rivero Hall.

“I am happy to get the win,” Lincoln head coach John Hill said. “We are a fragile team and to go into overtime for the second night in a row, I just didn’t know if we were going to be able to bounce back. I’m glad the basketball gods really shined on us and allowed us to make a few plays and we were able to win tonight.”

Denzel Mooney did most of his damage at the free-throw line as he poured in a season-high 28 points, 16 of them coming at the charity stripe, to lead Lincoln (9-12 overall, 4-6 CIAA). Kenny Sharpe added 20 points, eight rebounds and four assists, while Derrick Washington chipped in with 13 points as the Lions shot 48 percent from the floor.

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"Little Stevie" Joyner making his mark at WSSU

CHARLOTTE, North Carolina  –  One of the advantages of getting to Brayboy Gym early on Monday night was a chance to talk with Steve Joyner Sr. and his son Steve Jr., who were getting ready for their respective games.

Joyner Sr., a near-legendary figure and coach of the Johnson C. Smith men, is one of my favorites around the CIAA. He’s a Winston-Salem native and former star of the old Atkins High School who grew up just down the street from where Big House Gaines and his wife, Clara, lived.



And Steve Jr., who is the women’s coach at Winston-Salem State, is fast becoming a rising star in the coaching world around the CIAA. Steve Jr., in just a year and half on the job at WSSU, has turned the Rams into a real contender for the CIAA title in March.

The Rams women wound up ...

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TSU to Visit Miami (Ohio) in BracketBusters

NASHVILLE, Tennessee  -  Tennessee State University will face Miami University (Ohio) in the 10th annual ESPN Sears BracketBusters. The game is scheduled for a 2 p.m. (CT)/3 p.m. (ET) tip-off on Sunday, Feb. 19 at Millett Hall in Miami.

The RedHawks are 5-14 with a 1-6 record in the Mid-American Conference. Earlier this season, Miami knocked off Belmont, 66-61, and dropped a close 69-62 contest at Vanderbilt on Jan. 2.

In conference play, the RedHawks' only win is a 52-51 victory over the University of Buffalo. Miami has dropped four consecutive games.

Tennessee State is 13-10, 6-4 in Ohio Valley Conference play this season. As of Monday, Jan. 30, the Tigers boast an RPI of 209, while the RedHawks have a 257 ratings percentage index.

For the seventh-consecutive year, every Ohio Valley Conference school will be participating in the event. Austin Peay, Eastern Illinois, Eastern Kentucky, Jacksonville State, Murray State and SIUE will serve as host institutions while Morehead State, Southeast Missouri State, Tennessee State, Tennessee Tech and UT Martin will play road contests.

The NCAA hopefuls will be selected from a pool of 142 teams from 16 conferences, the largest SearsBracketBusters pool in the event's history, which includes two teams that reached the 2011 Final Four in Houston.

Sears BracketBusters is part of ESPN's college basketball franchise programming, along with Rivalry Week, Feast Week presented by Lowe's, Holiday Hoops Presented by Kay Jewelers, Judgment Week and Championship Week Presented by Dick's Sporting Goods.

Teams participating this season in Sears BracketBusters have produced 87 appearances in the last six NCAA Championships.

Courtesy: Tennessee State University Sports Information

XU Gold Rush get defensive with William Carey again

NEW ORLEANS — Chris Iles scored nine of his 11 points in the second half Monday to help NAIA No. 25 Xavier University of Louisiana earn a 63-47 men's basketball victory against William Carey.

The Gold Rush (16-6) won for the ninth time in 11 games and the sixth consecutive time at The Barn. The Crusaders (9-13) lost for the seventh time in nine games.

Iles, who had six assists and made all three of his 3-point attempts, was the only Xavier player to reach double figures. But 10 of Iles' 12 teammates scored, including walk-on freshman Gil Mathieu with season highs of eight points and three steals. Cordell Hadnot and Nick Haywood scored seven points apiece.

Roderick Little scored 13 points and Donzedrick Smith 10 for William Carey.

Xavier led 27-15 at halftime after limiting the Crusaders to 2-for-14 from the floor. Xavier held a double-digit lead for the final 19:02 and had its biggest advantage, 57-36, after Haywood made two free throws with 5:16 remaining.

The Gold Rush outshot William Carey 37 to 28.2 percent from the floor. It was the second time this season the Gold Rush limited the Crusaders to less than 30 percent. The XU defense allowed less than 50 points for the second straight game and the fifth time this season. Xavier made 8-of-14 3-pointers for a season-best 57.1 percent.

William Carey has lost seven straight on opponents' courts.

Xavier will play the University of New Orleans at 7 p.m. Wednesday at The Barn. It will be the final Gold Rush non-conference game of the regular season.

Box Score

By Ed Cassiere, Sports Information Director

VISIT: XULAATHLETICS

VISIT: XAVIER UNIVERSITY OF LOUISIANA