ASU Rams and Lady Rams wrap up final home games with wins

ALBANY, Georgia - In their final home games of the season and the final home game ever for the seniors both Albany State basketball teams delivered wins over Claflin. The ASU men edged Claflin 65-63 on senior night. Rachard Lofton helped the Rams overcome a 7 point halftime deficit and finished with a team high 15 points, Demarcus Blunt added 13 points. The Rams improved to 11-12 in the conference and will play at Stillman on the 23rd.



Meanwhile, the Lady Rams overcame a Claflin run midway through the 2nd half and eventually beat the Lady Panthers 78-65. Senior Symone Wilkerson scored a game high 21 points. Both Breanna Fields and April Thomas added 16 points. The win ended a 3 game skid for Albany State.

READ MORE

Tennessee State Tigers Travel to Miami (Ohio) for BracketBuster

IAMI, Ohio  -  Tennessee State partakes in the annual Sears BracketBusters when the Tigers visit the Miami (Ohio) RedHawks on Sunday, Feb. 19. Tipoff is slated for 3 p.m. (ET)/2 p.m. (CT) at Millett Hall in Oxford, Ohio.

Coming into Sunday's contest, the Big Blue (18-10, 11-4 Ohio Valley) is riding an eight game win streak. TSU's 69-64 overtime win over Jacksonville State kept the team's streak intact. A victory over the RedHawks would tie the team's longest winning streak since 1994-95.

Miami (8-16, 4-8 Mid-American Conference) has won three of its' last five games. The RedHawks dropped a 74-59 decision to league-leading Akron on Feb. 15. Forward Julian Muvanga leads the 'Hawks with 16.8 points and 9.5 rebounds in 24 games. Brian Sullivan is also averaging double-figures with 10.6 points and a team-best 66 made triples.

Sunday marks the first time Tennessee State and Miami will meet on the hardwood. It is the fourth time the Tigers have faced a MAC opponent in the ESPN Sears BracketBusters. The Tigers previously played Ball State, Central Michigan and Northern Illinois. However, the Huskies and TSU did not actually play on the BracketBuster weekend due to a campus shooting at NIU. Earlier this season, the Tigers defeated MAC opponent Central Michigan, 65-57 on Dec. 10.

Robert Covington, the reigning OVC Co-Player of the Week and the College Sports Madness Mid-Major National Player of the Week, corralled 28 points and 12 rebounds against the Gamecocks.

The double-double was his league-best eighth of the season and 18^th in his career. The junior forward moved into 19^th all-time scoring at TSU with 1,274 points, passing John Barnhill and Mike Johnson. Covington needs just 27 points to move into 18^th all-time.

Patrick Miller is also boasting double-figures with 11.0 points and a team-best 98 assists in 28 contests. Nationally, the Tigers are ranked No. 25 in the CollegeInsider.com Mid-Major poll. TSU also ranks No. 2 in the Boxtorow and Dr. Cavil HBCU polls.

Will Brown and Mark Pittman are calling the action on the Big Blue Sports Network (102.1 FM The Light/ 101.9 FM Clarksville). Live stats and video for Sunday's matchup is available online at TSUTigers.com.

Game Notes...

SCOUTING THE REDHAWKS: Miami (8-16, 4-8) has won three out of its' last five games. On Wednesday, the RedHawks fell 75-59 at league-leading Akron. This season, Miami is averaging 61.1 points and shooting 43 percent (506x1175) through 24 games. Outside the arch, the RedHawks have knocked down 177 triples and holding opponents to just 125 makes. Miami is rebounding 30.1 per game, giving up 31.5 to opponents. Forward Julian Muvanga is posting 16.8 points and 9.5 rebounds per contest. MU's Brian Sullivan is the other double-figure points lead with 10.6 points and a team-best 66 made triples.

IT'S MILLER TIME: Patrick Miller is second on the team with 11.1 ppg and leads the team with 98 assists. He has reached double-digits in 18 games. Miller has multiple assists in 21 straight games. Miller is averaging 9.0 points, 4.5 rebounds and 3.6 assists in the last 8 games.

FEBRUARY - THE MONTH OF GROWTH: February has been a solid month for the Tigers the past three seasons. TSU has not posted a losing record during the span. Last year, the Tigers were 4-4 and in John Cooper's first season Tennessee State managed a 5-3 mark. The Tiger's best record was 6-2 during the 2008-09 campaign. This year's 6-3 January record was the best for TSU since notching a 6-5 record in the 2007-08 season. Four straight wins in the second month has TSU at 4-0 this season.

TIGERS NATIONALLY RANKED: Tennessee State cracked the CollegeInsider.com Mid-Major Top-25 poll, ranking 25th after a win over Murray State. The Tigers are No. 2 in the Dr. Cavil Top 10 HBCU Division I Poll and the Boxtorow HBCU Division I Poll released on Feb. 14.

CONSISTENTLY COVINGTON: The consistency of Robert Covington has been one of TSU's strongest weapons this season. He has been the leading scorer in 21 of 28 games played this season. He anchored his 18th career double-double and eight this season with 26 points and 12 boards in the OT win over Jacksonville State (Feb. 14). Covington garnered OVC Co-Player of the Week and College Sports Madness Mid-Major National Player of the Week honors after averaging 16.5 points and 5.5 rebounds in wins over Murray State and TTU. The Chicago product has reached double-figures in 27 straight games. Covington has collected 17 20-plus point performances in his career. With 17 points against UTM (Dec. 29), Covington eclipsed the 1,000 points mark becoming the first TSU player since Gerald Robinson, Jr. in 2009 to reach that milestone. On Feb. 6, Covington was announced as Boxtorow HBCU National Player of the Week. 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. This season, Covington ranks second in the OVC (40th NCAA) with 18.0 ppg and second in the OVC (87th NCAA) in rebounding (8.0 per game). TSU is 13-5 this season when Covington scores 17 or more points.

PLAYING IT CLOSE: TSU is 11-6 in single-digit games, having played the last 10 out of 12 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.

SECURING THE NO. 2 SEED: A Murray State win over SEMO on Wednesday secured the Tigers' No. 2 seed in the upcoming OVC Tournament. TSU receives a double-bye into the semi-finals. The Tigers will play on Friday, March 2 versus the winner of the No. 3 vs. No. 6/7 seed.

IT'S GREAT TO BE AT THE GENTRY: The Tigers boast a 22-3 record at the Gentry Center during the past two seasons. TSU has won 11 consecutive contests at home and finished with a 4-1 record against non-conference opponents at the Gentry. TSU has a 10 game win streak against OVC opponents dating back to Feb. 5, 2011. The Tigers' only home blemishes were losses to Belmont (2010), Murray State (2011) and MTSU (2011). TSU has a +11.2 average scoring margin at home this season.

WIL POWER: Nashville native and Whites Creek product Wil Peters has been instrumental in the rise of the TSU program. Peters has played in 120 games and 3,390 minutes during his four-year career. The senior has 96 assists in 28 games (3.4 apg). He has totaled 368 assists for 3.1 per game in his tenure. On the season, Peters is averaging 7.8 points with an average of 33 minutes played per game.

TIGERS SETS HISTORIC NIGHT WITH WIN OVER RACERS: Before the Murray State win on Feb. 9, the Big Blue was 0-10 against nationally ranked opponents in the Associated Press poll since 2002. Earlier this season, the Big Blue fell 69-102 at then ranked No. 1 North Carolina. The 72-68 win versus the Racers was the first ever win against a ranked opponent. Here is a list of opponents and results since 2002:

Feb. 9, 2012 - @#9 Murray State - W, 72-68
Nov. 22, 2011 - @#1 North Carolina - L, 69-102
Jan. 2, 2011 - @#21 Memphis - L, 86-91
Dec. 22, 2007 - @#17 Vanderbilt - L, 74-83
Dec. 3, 2007 - @#15 Indiana - L, 72-84
Dec. 2, 2006 - @#6 Alabama - L, 60-78
Nov. 21, 2006 - @#10 Kansas - L, 54-89
Jan. 2, 2005 - @#17 Louisville - L, 64-98
Dec. 18, 2004 - @#17 Alabama - L, 79-87
Dec. 6, 2003 - @#13 Georgia Tech - L, 43-94
Dec. 30, 2002 - @#20 Kentucky - L, 87-115

LOOKING AT THE NUMBERS (RPI): During the past two weeks, Tennessee State moved up 68 spots in the RPI rankings. In the rankings released on Feb. 13th, TSU moved to 141st nationally and second in the OVC. TSU has faced four opponents with a top-100 RPI: North Carolina 8, Saint Louis 23, Middle Tennessee 38 and Belmont 79. TSU defeated Murray State (54) once and will play the Racers again on Feb. 23.

GRABBING THE BOARDS: TSU ranks fourth in the OVC and is 110th in the NCAA with a +2.3 rebounding margin. TSU is pulling in 34.6 rebounds per contest, while limiting opponents to 32.3 per game. Robert Covington leads TSU with 8.0 rebounds a contest, ranking second in the conference. The Tigers are 14-4 when grabbing 35+ rebounds.

LIMITING THE OPPOSITION: When TSU limits its' opposition to 45 percent or less shooting, the Tigers are a remarkable 15-1. TSU is also 13-2 when they hold opponents to less than 67 points. The Big Blue has a 9-0 record when opponents bank less than 40 percent of their FGAs. In contrast, the Tigers are 1-7 when giving up 50 percent or more.

TRIPLE THREAT: The Tigers have plenty of options when it comes to 3-point shooting. TSU ranks fifth in the OVC with a 35.8 average (179-of-500). Four players have combined for 341 career made 3-pointers: Robert Covington (133), Wil Peters (123), Kenny Moore (51) and Patrick Miller (40). Covington's four treys versus JSU moved him into a tie with Rico Beasley and Kevin Samuels for seventh all-time. Petes is just one triple shy of moving into 10th all-time.

LINE ME UP: Coach John Cooper has experimented with nine different lineups. The Tigers hold an 10-1 record in the past 11 games with the combination of G Wil Peters, G Patrick Miller, G Jay Harris, F Robert Covington and F M.J. Rhett. The Tiger's only blemish was a 69-63 road loss to Austin Peay.

MARGINALLY TELLING: Tennessee State has played in many closely contested games since the 2008-09 seasons. During that span, the Tigers are 11-22 on the road in games decided by six points or less. In contrast, the Tigers boast a 16-2 record at the Gentry.

YOU GELLIN' KELLEN?: Kellen Thornton has been on fire in the past eight contests. The Illinois State transfer is posting 12.1 ppg and 4.9 rpg. Thornton has clipped 60 percent (34-of-57) during that stretch, while grabbing 39 rebounds. On Feb. 6, he was named OVC Newcomer of the Week after tallying 15.0 ppg and 5.5 rpg in two wins.

SETTING THE MARK: Robert Covington and Wil Peters are close to reaching some career marks at Tennessee State. Covington moved into 19th all-time with 1,274 career points passing Mike Johnson and John Barnhill. He is just 27 shy of passing Ronnie Cage's (1981-84) mark of 1,300. Covington is three rebounds away from reaching 13th on the all-time list. He has corralled 656 rebounds in 90 career games played. Covington is 12 triples away from moving into sixth all-time. Peters needs 74 points to reach 1,000 points in his career. He is 83 assists shy of becoming the all-time assists leader at Tennessee State.

PLENTY OF KENNY: Senior Kenny Moore is averaging 10.0 ppg and 4.0 rpg in the last eight games. The Philadelphia product is shooting 42 percent (24-of-57) from the field, while grabbing 12 steals and dishing out 16 assists during that span. Moore is tallying 7.4 points and 3.1 rebounds in 21 games this season.

COURTESY: TENNESSEE STATE UNIVERSITY SPORTS INFORMATION

XU Rush extend state record; Jackson closes in on 200 wins

JACKSONVILLE, Florida — Anthony Simmons scored 16 points and grabbed 10 rebounds Saturday to help NAIA No. 25 Xavier University of Louisiana earn a 68-57 Gulf Coast Athletic Conference men's basketball victory against Edward Waters.

The Gold Rush (20-7 overall, 9-3 GCAC) reached 20 victories for the second straight year and the 27th time overall to extend XU's Louisiana men's collegiate record. Dannton Jackson reached 20 victories for the seventh time in his nine seasons as XU's head coach. Jackson is 199-88 at Xavier and can become the third consecutive Gold Rush coach to reach 200 victories when XU visits Fisk at 7:30 p.m. Monday.

ANTHONY SIMMONS

Jamaan Kenner matched his season high of 12 points for the Rush, and Denzell Erves had 10 points and 11 rebounds for his team-leading fifth double-double of the season. It's the first time since Nov. 9, 2007 — when Kelechi Okoroha and current XU assistant coach Alfred Williams did it — that the Gold Rush had two players produce double-doubles in the same game.

Jermonte Bush scored 21 points for Edward Waters (11-15, 6-8), and Dylan Watts had 13.

Xavier scored the first four points and never lost the lead. The Rush led 41-26 at halftime — Kenner scored nine in the first half — and twice by 17 points in the first four minutes of the second half. Bush's two free throws with 8:49 remaining cut Xavier's lead to 55-49, but the Tigers did not draw closer.

The Gold Rush outshot the Tigers 45.9 to 33.3 percent from the floor and outrebounded them 48-29.

Xavier won for the sixth time in seven games and is 8-0 this season when allowing fewer than 60 points. The Rush completed a two-game regular-season sweep of Edward Waters.

Xavier's women defeated Edward Waters 60-53 prior to the men's game for their 20th victory of the season. It's the 15th time the Gold Rush and Gold Nuggets reached 20 victories in the same season and the first time since 2004 that both reached 20 on the same day.

BOX SCORE

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

Basketball Hall of Fame announces field for 2012 Tip-Off Tournament

SPRINGFIELD, Massachusetts – The Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame announced the field of teams and brackets for the 2012 Tip-Off Tournament.

The annual NCAA men’s exempt tournament, sponsored by the Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference, will take place the weekend of Nov. 16-18 at Mohegan Sun Arena in Uncasville, Conn., featuring eight schools in two four-team brackets. All teams will also compete in two campus round games.

Teams scheduled to participate in this year’s Tip-Off tournament are Loyola University Maryland (MAAC), Norfolk State University (MEAC), Ohio State University (Big Ten), Seton Hall University (Big East), University of Albany (America East), University of Missouri-Kansas City (Summit League), University of Rhode Island (Atlantic 10) and University of Washington (Pac-12).

“This year’s Tip-Off Tournament will once again showcase some of the best college basketball programs in the country,” said John L. Doleva, president and CEO of the Basketball Hall of Fame. “We are looking forward to welcoming each of these teams, as they compete at Mohegan Sun, one of the finest facilities in the country.”

READ MORE

Southern Jaguars fall 5-1 to UC Irvine Anteaters

HOUSTON, Texas — Southern’s strong pitching continued Saturday afternoon in the MLB Urban Invitational. Unfortunately, the Jaguars offense and defense didn’t follow suit. Three key errors and only three hits on offense were too much for Southern to overcome as the Jaguars fell to UC Irvine 5-1 at Minute Maid Park.

Southern errors in the fourth, sixth and eighth inning led to three of the Anteaters’ runs, while the Jaguars were limited to just five baserunners.

“We made a couple mistakes, and we just didn’t hit the ball today,” Southern coach Roger Cador said. “We just need to concentrate and make better at-bats. Every chance you get, you have to make them work for it, and we didn’t do that today.”

Southern pitchers Jose De Leon, Daniel Garcia and Santos Saldivar did a good job limiting the damage on the mound. After two games, the Jaguars have given up only four earned runs.  “I thought our pitchers threw the ball ...

READ MORE

Fayetteville State Broncos fall to CIAA leader Shaw

FAYETTEVILLE, North Carolina - The Fayetteville State Broncos put every ounce of energy and spirit in Saturday's CIAA showdown with Shaw.  But with the Bears playing like a team even better than their No. 9 ranking in the NCAA Division II national poll, the Broncos just couldn't keep pace and dropped an 86-74 decision at Capel Arena.

Shaw rode a 26-point, 12-rebound performance by junior forward Junius Chaney and made 29 of 40 shots at the foul line in rolling to its 14th consecutive CIAA win. The Bears, 22-2 overall, have games remaining against Winston-Salem State and Saint Augustine's to complete a perfect regular season in league play.

"It's been a goal from day one,'' Shaw coach Cleo Hill Jr. said of achieving CIAA perfection. "This is a very tough league and we thought it would be a tough goal. And to this point, it has been tough. We're two games away from completing a task like that, but we haven't had any easy games, especially on the road.''

Or at home, for that matter. The last time the Bears met the Broncos on Jan. 30 in Raleigh, FSU took them to double overtime before losing, 92-84.

READ MORE

Rain postpones Xavier matches vs. Tougaloo, Belhaven

NEW ORLEANS — Xavier University of Louisiana's men's and women's tennis dual matches against Tougaloo and Belhaven were postponed Saturday because of rain.

The matches will be rescheduled. They were to be played at the University of New Orleans Tennis Center.

Xavier's women will travel to Southeastern Louisiana for a 6 p.m. dual Friday, and both XU teams will play William Carey at 10 a.m. next Saturday at City Park/Pepsi Tennis Center.

By Ed Cassiere, Sports Information Director

VISIT: XAVIER UNIVERSITY OF LOUISIANA

VISIT: XULAATHLETICS

Howard Lady Bison Captures 20th Win, Extends Streak to Seven

HOWARD UNIVERSITY 2011-12 LADY BISON BASKETBALL TEAM

ROSTER

Record: 20-7, 12-2 MEAC (Tied for 1st place with Hampton & FAMU)

HEAD COACH: Niki Reid Geckeler, 4th season (Georgetown '93)
Associate Head Coach: James Simmons, 1st season (Belford '98)
Assistant Coach: Brian Johnson, 4th season (Drexel '98)
Assistant Coach: Mathew Jones, 1st season


(Click photo to enlarge)

BALTIMORE, Maryland  -- Tamoria Holmes hit a three pointer in the last six seconds of regulation to secure a 50-49 victory for Howard (20-7, 12-2 MEAC) in an exciting MEAC matchup against Coppin State (15-11, 10-3 MEAC). This marks the first 20-win season for the Lady Bison since the 2000-01 campaign when the team went 21-10 under head coach Cathy Parson.

The win also marks the seventh consecutive victory for the Lady Bison and puts HU ahead of Coppin in the MEAC standings, just under Hampton and Florida A&M.

Holmes tallied a game-high of 23 points while collecting four steals and grabbing five boards on the night. Saadia Doyle put together a solid effort with 12 points, six rebounds, and five steals.

Prior to tipoff, CSU was called for an administrative technical foul. HU gained a one point lead after converting on one-out-of two free throw attempts.

The Eagles began regulation with five-straight points. Doyle ended the run at 16:05 with a basket. Holmes then scored a lay-up to put the team to within one at the 15:41 mark.

The score remained tight as both teams battled to take the lead. By halftime the score was knotted 21-21.

Second half tipped off with a quick jumper by Holmes at the 19:40 mark for a 23-21 margin. Crystal Whittington tied the score again on the following play.

Larrissa Carter made a three-point play to give CSU a 46-43 advantage at the 2:13 mark. With 51 seconds left, Holmes then dropped a bucket inside the paint to decrease the margin to 46-45. CSU responded with a lay-up by Leola Spotwood with 41 seconds left in the ball game. Seconds later, a foul placed Spotwood on the free throw line. Spotwood converted just on one the stripe. Holmes answered with an immediate shot off the glass at 18 seconds. With the score set at 49-47, Holmes ended the game with a deep three-ball to win the game 50-49 over Coppin State.

Carter led CSU with 11 points and nine boards. Leola Spotwood pitched in with nine points. Crystal Whittington and Shawntae Payne both grabbed nine off the glass.

Howard forced CSU into 24 turnovers and gained 11 points from the Eagles' mishaps. The battle of the boards was won by Coppin State, 50-35. CSU converted only four points off of HU's 16 turnovers. Tough shooting night for both teams as Howard went 27 percent from the field (16-for-58), while Coppin State finished with a 33.9 clip (19-for-56).

HU will return home to face Maryland-Eastern Shore on Mon. Feb. 20 for senior night. Jump ball is set for 5:30 p.m. in Burr Gymnasium.

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.

BOXSCORE

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

Jamilah Corbitt, Assistant Director of Sports Information

VISIT: HOWARD-BISON.COM

VISIT: HOWARD UNIVERSITY

Air Force Downed by Alcorn State 7-5, at 'The Box'

BATON ROUGE, Louisiana - Air Force baseball opened the 2012 season with a 7-5 loss to Alcorn State Friday morning at LSU's Alex Box Stadium. The Falcons return to action later tonight, taking on LSU at 7 p.m. (CST).

Air Force could not hold a 5-0 lead as Alcorn State scored seven unanswered runs to rally to the win. After scoring its first run of the game in the sixth, the Braves put up a five-run seventh inning to take the lead.

The Falcons got a solid opening outing out of starting pitcher Evan Abrecht. Abrecht held Alcorn State in check for most of the game, holding the Braves scoreless through his first five innings. The senior pitched 6.2 innings, allowing four runs while striking out one.

Air Force had seven hits in the game, led by catcher Garrett Custons. Custons went 3-for-4 with three doubles in his first three at bats. Leftfielder and leadoff hitter Taylor Ausbun also played well, going 2-for-4 in his Falcon debut.

READ MORE

Hoop dreams draw national spotlight to Hampton University

By Wayne Dawkins

HAMPTON, Virginia  -  Hampton University is in the news, mostly for better, a little for worse.

Darian Pellum, star of the men’s basketball team, performed a dunk so spectacular it was rated the No. 2 most spectacular athletic move on Feb. 16 ESPN Top Plays.

During the second half of the game against Division 1 rival University of Maryland-Eastern Shore, Pellum stole the ball at midcourt, took several dribbles then launched the sphere against the backboard. He leaped over a shorter defender to catch his rebound and then dunk ferociously with two hands.

Pellum’s play trumped continuing Lin-sanity! in New York, where the Knicks’ Jeremy Lin cooled off his 20-plus point per game scoring. Instead, the point guard from Harvard rung up 13 assists and facilitated a dunk-a-thon blowout for consecutive win No. 7.

Here, in Virginia, a well done to Pellum for calling national attention to HU.

So, since viewers were drawn to the second-best ballers on our campus, they should linger the on campus stars: The women’s basketball team, last year’s conference champs and currently 10-1 in their conference and 18-4 overall.

READ MORE AT POLITICS IN COLOR

Roberts plays big-time game plays well in small-town Grambling

GRAMBLING, Louisiana — Bright lights, big city, most famous basketball arena in the world, Quincy Roberts has been there and done that. Small towns, back roads, courts with little or no fanfare, Roberts is doing that now — and loving it.

The former St. John's University star has blended seamlessly into small-town Grambling, both on and off the court. "Grambling's excellent, man," Roberts said. "They do a good job. They make me feel comfortable. The students around the area are all friendly. I felt at home the minute I got here."

Nowhere does Roberts feel as comfortable as on the court. Since becoming eligible 13 games ago, the 6-foot-5, 210-pound Harrisburg, Pa., native has given the Tigers' offense a New York City-sized boost.

Pairing a jumper with seemingly unlimited range and an ability to get to the basket, Roberts carries a 24 points per game scoring average into GSU's 5 p.m. today contest against Jackson State. He has done so with no ego, something GSU coach Bobby Washington wasn't sure would happen.

READ MORE

Offseason surgery, injuries force Bulldogs to miss spring practice

HUNTSVILLE, Alabama - Alabama A&M will be without six key players, including four potential starters, when spring practice begins Friday.

Coach Anthony Jones' team will be without offensive tackle Alan Cruz, defensive end Melvin Payne, defensive tackle Quinton Robinson, inside linebacker Denzel Cotton and defensive backs Derrick Harris and Jeremy Isabelle.

Cruz, Cotton and Robinson are out after undergoing offseason knee surgery, while Payne is out after having offseason shoulder surgery. Cruz, Cotton and Payne are potential starters next season. Harris, who started at cornerback last season, has a back injury, while Isabelle, who sustained a neck injury late last season, hasn't fully recovered according to Jones.

"We'd love to have those guys this spring, but they need time to get healthy," he said. "This will give us a chance to look at some other guys and hopefully, develop some much-needed depth."

READ MORE

Urban Invitational helps MLB try to lure more blacks to baseball

HOUSTON, Texas  -  For Michael Robertson at Texas Southern, Waskyla Cullivan at Prairie View A&M and the other coaches at Major League Baseball's Urban Invitational, coaching at a historically black university is a mixture of outreach and pragmatism. 

In a sport where black participation is dwindling, Robertson, Cullivan and their colleagues are determined to advance their schools' traditional mission of expanding opportunities. But they also want to - and have to - win games.

And so the six-team field that will compete through Sunday at Minute Maid Park and at Sylvester Turner Park in Acres Homes looks a lot like America - and unlike the bulk of NCAA baseball teams. Blacks accounted for only 5.1 percent of baseball players in NCAA Division I in 2010-11, down from 6.6 percent in 1999-2000. Across all NCAA divisions, blacks make up 3.9 percent of baseball players, down from 4.6 percent in 1999-2000.

By contrast, teams such as TSU, Prairie View and traditional Southwestern Athletic Conference powerhouse Southern are likely to include significant numbers of non-black players.

READ MORE

FAMU refocused after first MEAC loss

SAVANNAH, Georgia  -  Two games prior to suffering its first loss in conference play, the Florida A&M women's basketball team managed to put itself within reach of making school history despite chronic ball-control issues. So when Howard handed the Rattlers their first Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference loss, 68-61, last weekend, it wasn't all that shocking to see FAMU was the victim of 23 turnovers.

"It woke us up and let us know that we can be beat any given time," FAMU coach LeDawn Gibson said. "It was very emotional for them. Some girls even shed some tears. It let me know that it bothered them, but they are refocused and ready to go."

The loss in Washington, snapped a 14-game win streak and one more victory would have tied the school record for consecutive victories. FAMU looks to get back on the winning path during its final two road games, first at Savannah State today and then South Carolina State on Monday.

FAMU (17-6, 10-1) has had an entire week to ...

READ MORE

Big Dance could have some new participants

WASHINGTON, D.C. - This is a club with 306 members, from Air Force to Yale. There are more just dying to get in, from Bethune-Cookman to Youngstown State.  It's the Big Dance Club, and there is only one simple entry rule: Qualify for the NCAA basketball tournament. Just once is all you need, and then you're in the same record book with UCLA and Kentucky.

While 306 schools have done it, new enchanted faces show up every year -- is there any time more magical than the first time? -- with more likely in March.

The top candidates for 2012? Glad you asked.

Savannah State never has made it. But the Tigers lead the MEAC at the moment, although they were picked to finish 11th in the preseason poll. They have won 11 of 12, and hardened themselves with a nonconference march that included Georgetown, Indiana, Wisconsin, Arkansas and Georgia Tech.

READ MORE

Dunk of the Year Candidate: Hampton’s Derrion Pellum

HAMPTON, Virginia - Whereas most players who attempt an off-the-backboard dunk in a game are accused of favoring style over substance, Hampton's Derrion Pellum managed to pull off the risky move at a time when it wasn't all flash.

In Wednesday night's game against Maryland Eastern Shore, Pellum poked away the ball from guard Mark Robertson at midcourt but didn't have a good angle after he retrieved the ball and raced up court in transition. As a result, Pellum evaded Robertson by tossing the ball off the glass, moving around him and throwing down an emphatic two-handed slam.


Pellum's dunk, posted on YouTube has received more the 1.15 Million Views in 72 hours.

Pellum's self alley-oop earned top play honors on "SportsCenter" and helped the Hampton star receive the type of exposure that is typically difficult for players in the MEAC to get.

Pellum, a senior guard, leads the MEAC in scoring at 18.4 points per game. He scored 33 points against Maryland Eastern Shore, three shy of his career high.

READ MORE

WSSU badly needs win against J.C. Smith

WINSTON SALEM, North Carolina - No room for error. That's the situation Winston-Salem State is in after two straight losses, to No. 9 Shaw and to Livingstone.

The fast-fading Rams (17-6, 3-4 CIAA Southern Division) are ranked No. 7 in the Atlantic Region and clinging to hopes of making the NCAA Division II Tournament, but they need to win. They'll try to end their losing streak tonight when they play Johnson C. Smith (10-13, 3-4) at 7 o'clock at the Gaines Center.

The Rams have three regular-season games left before the CIAA tournament in Charlotte. Losses in four of the last six games will make their road to the NCAA tournament tougher, with only the top eight in each region advancing.

Coach Bobby Collins was not happy after Monday's lethargic 83-65 loss to Livingstone. There was an hour-long meeting after the game to clear the air, and Collins also put the Rams through a 6 a.m. practice later in the week.

READ MORE

FSU carries hot streak into CIAA showdown with Shaw

FAYETTEVILLE, North Carolina  -  Learning how to win meant losing a lot for the Fayetteville State men's basketball team this season. But after enduring a seven-game losing streak that included two overtime defeats in late January and early February, the Broncos have won four of their least five and three straight.

Coach Alphonza Kee hopes FSU can continue its hot streak into the Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association Tournament that begins Feb. 28 in Charlotte. But first the Broncos must close out the regular season with three pivotal CIAA games, starting today when Shaw comes to Capel Arena for a 7:30 p.m. game.

The Bears (21-2 overall, 13-0 CIAA) are the nation's No. 9-ranked NCAA Division II team and feature senior point guard Malik Allen. Allen ranks second in CIAA scoring (20.7) and is averaging 3.9 assists.

READ MORE

Cedric Blossom discusses his commitment to Morgan State

BALTIMORE, Maryland  - During the summer he was the leading scorer on his AAU team. For his powerhouse high school program, he’s the ultimate “glue guy.” No matter the level of competition, and no matter the quantifiable contributions, Cedric Blossom’s do-it-all game has made him a favorite of coaches and players alike.

Blossom’s versatility also made him a prime mid-major recruit, with Bryant, Dartmouth, Holy Cross, Loyola, Morgan State, New Hampshire and Towson among the programs that expressed interest in the 6-foot-6, 225-pound forward. For the Montrose Christian co-captain and Columbia resident, one school seemingly always stood out above the rest.



“Morgan State first saw me on the AAU circuit, probably this summer actually,” Blossom said. “That’s where the head coach basically told me he fell in love with me. He said he needed me on the team.”

Blossom accepted Todd Bozeman’s offer last weekend, giving the Bears coach someone who “does all the little things to help you win.”

READ MORE 

J.C. Smith loses assistant coaches Flowers, Minter

CHARLOTTE, North Carolina - Johnson C. Smith football has lost a pair of high-profile assistant coaches during the offseason.

According to campus sources, offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach Maurice Flowers has taken the same position at CIAA South rival Shaw while defensive passing game coordinator Mike Minter left for the special teams coordinator’s position at Liberty University (Va.), an FCS program playing in the Big South Conference. Minter’s photo and biography are on Liberty’s football website.

Flowers, a former JCSU quarterback and East Mecklenburg High graduate, turned the Golden Bulls’ offense into one of the CIAA’s best in two seasons.

READ MORE

JSU Baseball to Open Season with Tournament

JACKSON, Mississippi  -  The Jackson State baseball team will open its 2012 season this weekend when the Tigers host Mississippi Valley State, Eastern Illinois and Florida A&M in the JSU Tournament at the Robert "Bob" Braddy, Sr. field on the JSU campus.

Jackson State will take on Florida A&M at 6 pm on Friday, Feb. 17. On Saturday, Feb. 18 JSU will face Eastern Illinois at noon and FAMU at 3 pm. The Tigers and Eastern Illinois will square off again Sunday, Feb. 19 at 1 pm. For ticket information, call the JSU Athletics Ticket Office at 601-979-2420.

2012 Jackson State University Baseball Outlook

The Jackson State Tigers baseball team has experienced tremendous success under sixth year head coach Omar Johnson. In five seasons at the helm of the Tiger program, Johnson has recorded a .608 winning percentage (which is the highest winning percentage in school history for anyone that has coached over two seasons). His 169 victories ranks second in program history, behind Robert "Bob" Braddy's 811 wins during his 28 year career as JSU's baseball coach. Johnson's program has produced All-American and All-Conference standouts, set school records for single-season wins and finished as the top team in the SWAC at the conclusion of the regular season. The only thing that is missing from Johnson's stellar JSU resume is a Southwestern Athletic Conference Championship.

"Our outlook is basically the same every season," Johnson said. "Our goals are to (1) win our division, (2) win the conference tournament and (3) win in the regional. We are not changing our philosophy. We are going to be aggressive on the bases, situational hit, pitch and play defense. Hopefully we will continue to do that this season and if we hit the ball well, I am confident that we will have the success that we are expecting."

Last season the Tigers finished with a 27-26 overall record and a 14-11 conference mark. JSU went into the conference tournament as a No. 2 seed. The Tigers opened the 2011 SWAC Tournament with a 6-3 win over Prairie View A&M, but 13-6 to Southern. JSU bounced back to beat Prairie View A&M 6-2, eliminating the Panthers from the tournament and JSU advanced to the semifinals. However, the Tigers faced Southern for the second time in the tournament and fell 14-9 to the Jaguars.

Individually, Desmond Russell (So., UT, Freeport, Bahamas), Charles Epperson (Jr., OF/P, Huntsville, AL) and Jose Cruz (So., C, Kissimmee, FL) all received All-SWAC honors. Russell was named SWAC Freshman of the Year and received a second team All-SWAC nod. He was also named a Louisville Slugger Freshman All-American. Epperson was a first team All-SWAC member and Cruz was a second team member.

"These players got a significant amount of playing time last season," said Johnson. "I am expecting them all to perform better than they did last season. "

The Team - Jackson State will have a seasoned team. The Tigers will have 10 players who competed in at least 30 games last season and another six returners with game experience. JSU's key contributors from last season include: Kendall Logan (Sr., OF, Natchez, MS), Frank Solis (Sr., 3B, Miami Lakes, FL), Quintavious Drains (Sr., P, Riverdale, GA), Jose Garcia (So., UT, Deltona, FL), Cruz, Russell, Epperson and Stephen Curtis (So., IF, Nassau, Bahamas).

Logan had a .366 batting average, with 67 hits, 63 runs, 44 RBI and a team-high 12 home runs. He also was 19-21 in stolen base attempts. Solis had a .302 batting average, with 55 hits, 41 runs and 21 RBI. Drains posted a team high seven wins as a starting pitcher. He had a 4.24 earned run average last season. In 99.2 innings pitched he struck out 95 batters while giving up 102 hits and 54 runs. Garcia finished the season with a 4.18 ERA. He struck out 36 batters, while giving up 29 hits in 32 innings of work. Cruz posted a .199 batting average last season, with 30 hits, 18 runs and 19 RBI. Russell hit .310 with 13 doubles, 4 triples, 5 homers, 49 RBI, 10 stolen bases. As a pitcher he had a 4-6 record, 4.52 ERA, 3 saves, 79 strikeouts, 32 walks in 81 2/3 innings. Epperson had a .299 batting average with 56 hits, 12 doubles, four home runs and 39 RBI. He was also 14-15 in stolen base attempts. Curtis hit .289, with 43 hits, five doubles and three home runs. He was 10-11 in stolen base attempts.

Pitchers and Catchers - Drains returns as the projected ace of the Tigers pitching staff. His 7-3 record led the team in wins. His 95 strikeouts also led the team. Over the last two seasons he has a 20-7 record and 183 strikeouts to go along with 11 complete games. Drains may also have the opportunity to break JSU's all time pitching wins record this season.

Russell is expected to record even better numbers as a sophomore. He was tied for third on the team in wins (4) behind Drains and Terrance Washington (5). Russell will also play a field position. Kiarious Hall (Sr., P, Moss Point, MS) is expected to make significant contributions for the Tigers as a member of the rotation. Last season he was the only member of the staff who did not suffer a loss, with his 3-0 record. In 10 appearances he pitched 21 innings and allowed 21 hits.

The other returners to the pitching staff include Raymond Rodriguez, Jose Garcia and Andre Rodriguez.

The returning catchers include Cruz, who coach Johnson believes will swing the bat better this season, and Gary Mele (So., C, Atlanta, GA).

Infield and Outfield The Tigers have experience and talent in the infield and outfield. JSU's infield will be anchored by third baseman Frank Solis. Solis is a three year starter for JSU. He is the only player on the team who has played every year he has been here.

"We are expecting him to be one of our big leaders, but at the same time play defense like he has played the past three years," Johnson said. "He has only committed 10 errors in the three he has played, which is outstanding."

JSU will return all three starting outfielders in Kendall Logan, Charles Epperson, and Gabriel Babineaux.

Newcomers - Jackson State will not have many freshmen this season, but the following players will have an opportunity to get some playing time: Luis Torres (Fr., Ceiba, Puerto Rico), Gary Thompson (Fr., Meridian, MS) and Aric Thompson (Fr., Memphis, TN). Gary Thomas and Aric Thompson are expected to compete for shortstop position this season.

COURTESY: JACKSON STATE UNIVERSITY OFFICE OF SPORTS MEDIA

Virginia State Trojan Football Releases 2012 Football Schedule

PETERSBURG, Virginia  -  Virginia State University has released its 2012 football schedule that features Norfolk State University coming from the MEAC conference, Benedict College coming from the SIAC conference, and West Liberty State University coming from WVIAC conference. The Trojans will host five home games this season compared to only having three home games the entire last season. The Trojans practically lived on the road last season taking on two NCAA I-AA schools in Norfolk State University and Gardner-Webb University.

Virginia State will kick-off their season on Sept. 1 in Norfolk, VA at the Annual Labor Day Classic against Norfolk State University. The Trojans suffered a disappointing lost to the Spartans, falling 37-3 in last season’s match. On Sept. 8 the Trojans open at home against the visiting West Liberty State University at Rogers Stadium in Ettrick, VA.

Virginia State will hit the road for the next two weekends traveling to Columbia, SC and Charlotte, NC. The Trojans take on Benedict College on Sept. 15 and then begin their CIAA conference schedule headed to Charlotte, NC, to play the Golden Bulls of Johnson C. Smith University. Last season the Trojans suffered a heart breaking lost to the Golden Bulls 14-7. The Trojans lost on a last second offensive turnover that lead to a Golden Bulls score with under a minute left in regulation. VSU looks to avenge the tough lost last season.

On Sept. 29, VSU will play their home conference opener against Shaw University at Rogers Stadium in Ettrick, VA. The Trojans and Bears last squared off in the 2010 CIAA Championship game with the Bears edging the Trojans 14-7 at Durham County Stadium.



Their next opponent will be northern divisional rival Elizabeth City State University on Oct. 6. Last season the Vikings finished the regular season with a record of 8-4 and 6-1 in conference play. They also played in the CIAA Championship game and fell to the Rams of Winston-Salem State University.

On Oct. 13, the Trojans travel to Bowie, MD to take on the Bulldogs of Bowie State in another northern divisional game. Last season, the Trojans defeated the Bulldogs 28-21 in a thrilling overtime game at home. Freshmen running back, Tyler Wilson carried the Trojans to a win with 149 all-purpose yards.

On Saturday, October 20th Virginia State University’s football team will host Homecoming 2012 against Lincoln (Pa.) at 1:30 p.m. in Rogers Stadium. VSU holds a 6-0 lead in the series, winning last season meeting 21-16 on the road in West Grove, PA.

Following Homecoming the Trojans will host the visiting Hawks of Chowan closing out the 2012 home schedule on Saturday, Oct. 27. In their last meeting the Trojans defeated the Hawks at home in a superior fashion, 38-20. Prior to the kickoff versus the Hawks, Virginia State will honor its 2012 senior class.

Virginia State closes the season with a road game against I-95 rival, Virginia Union University on Nov. 3 in Richmond, VA. The Trojans tamed the Panthers last season with a 39-14 win on Homecoming 2011.

2012 VIRGINIA STATE UNIVERSITY FOOTBALL SCHEDULE
DATE   OPPONENT  LOCATION TIME
9/01/12 at Norfolk State, Norfolk, VA  6:00 p.m.
9/08/12 West Liberty State, Ettrick, VA  4:00 p.m.
9/15/12 at Benedict College, Columbia, SC 4:00 p.m.
9/22/12 at Johnson C. Smith, Charlotte, NC TBA
9/29/12 Shaw University, Ettrick, VA  6:00 p.m.
10/6/12 Elizabeth City State, Ettrick, VA 6:00 p.m.
10/13/12 at Bowie State, Bowie, MD TBA
10/20/12 Lincoln (Pa.) (Homecoming), Ettrick, VA 1:30 p.m.
10/27/12 Chowan, Ettrick, VA  1:30 p.m.
11/03/12 at Virginia Union, Richmond, VA TBA

COURTESY: VIRGINIA STATE UNIVERSITY SPORTS INFORMATION

Jackson State Releases 2012 Football Schedule

JACKSON, Mississippi - The Jackson State University Department of Intercollegiate Athletics has released its 2012 football schedule. The Tigers offer JSU fans an exciting 11 game slate of football action, four of which are home games.

JSU, which finished the 2011 season with a 9-2 record, opens the season with a trip to Starkville, MS to take on the Mississippi State Bulldogs in only the second ever meeting on the gridiron on Sept. 1. The Tigers will remain on the road for the next two weeks. On Sept. 8 JSU will take on the Tennessee State Tigers in Memphis, TN for the Southern Heritage Classic. JSU will then travel to Houston, TX to face the Texas Southern Tigers in their brand new stadium, which is shared with the Houston Dynamos professional soccer team.

JSU will open its home schedule on Sept. 22 for the Battle of the Big Cats game against the Southern Jaguars. The Tigers will round out the first month of the season against the Prairie View A&M Panthers on Sept. 29 at Mississippi Veterans Memorial Stadium.



The Tigers will open the month of October with a two game road trip. On Oct. 6, JSU will travel to Pine Bluff, AK to face the Arkansas Pine Bluff Golden Lions. The Tigers will then make their way to Montgomery, AL to face the Alabama State Hornets on Oct. 13.

The 2012 homecoming football game is set for Oct. 20 when the Mississippi Valley State Delta Devils visit Memorial Stadium. The Tigers will have an open week before traveling to Grambling, LA to face the Grambling State Tigers on Nov. 3. JSU's final home game is set for Nov. 10 when the Alabama A&M Bulldogs come to Jackson for senior day and military appreciation day. The Tigers and the Alcorn State Braves will square off in the regular season finale (Capital City Classic) on Nov. 17 at Memorial Stadium.

Jackson State will make 2012 football season tickets available to the general public on May 7 and roll out special ticket promotions prior to that date.

2012 Jackson State Football Schedule

Sept. 1 at Mississippi State "Bulldogs"
Sept. 8 vs. Tennessee State "Tigers" (Southern Heritage Classic)
Sept. 15 at Texas Southern "Tigers"
Sept 22 Southern "Jaguars" (Battle of the Big Cats/Honoring W.C. Gorden)
Sept. 29 Prairie View A&M "Panthers" (High School Day)
Oct. 6 at Arkansas Pine Bluff "Golden Lions"
Oct. 13 at Alabama State "Hornets"
Oct. 20 Mississippi Valley State "Delta Devils" (Homecoming)
Oct. 27 Open
Nov. 3 at Grambling State "Tigers"
Nov. 10 Alabama A&M "Bulldogs" (Senior Day/Fan and Military Appreciation Day)
Nov. 17 Alcorn State "Braves" (Capital City Classic)
Dec. 8 SWAC Championship Game

COURTESY: JACKSON STATE UNIVERSITY OFFICE OF SPORTS MEDIA

Dutchtown's Hill is Nuggets' first signee for 2012 season

JODI HILL

NEW ORLEANS — Jodi Hill, a 5-foot-9 middle blocker from Prairieville, La., and Dutchtown High School, is Xavier University of Louisiana's first women's volleyball signee for the 2012 season.

Hill signed an XU scholarship Thursday afternoon at her school.

Hill was a Baton Rouge Advocate All-Metro selection as a senior and junior.

In 2011 she had 391 kills and 83 blocks to help the Griffins reach the second round of the Division I (Class 5A) state playoffs. Hill had 387 kills and 111 blocks her junior season.

She was first-team all-district as a junior and senior and second-team all-district as a sophomore. Hill helped Dutchtown reach the state quarterfinals in 2010 and the second round in 2009. Her match highs include 23 kills and 14 blocks, both recorded in the same contest her senior year.

"I'm very excited about Jodi coming to Xavier," XU coach Christabell Hamilton said. "I'm really impressed by her physique and her athleticism. She will add depth to our team. She's also a great young lady from a great family. She's very respectful. She's going to fit right in with our Xavier volleyball family."

Hill plays club ball for Louisiana Volleyball Baton Rouge. She plans to major in political science at Xavier and attend law school after graduation. Her great grandmother was an XU graduate.

Xavier's Gold Nuggets were 23-7 in 2011, won the Gulf Coast Athletic Conference regular-season and tournament championships and qualified for the NAIA National Championship.

photos from the signing ceremony (via Facebook) Jodi Hill's YouTube video

By Ed Cassiere, Sports Information Director
VISIT: XAVIER UNIVERSITY OF LOUISIANA
VISIT: XULAATHLETICS
VISIT: XULA ATHLETICS AT FACEBOOK.COM

2012 Tennessee State University Football Schedule Released

2012 TSU FOOTBALL SCHEDULE PDF 

Nashville, Tenn. - This fall brings a lot of excitement as the Tennessee State University Athletic Department announced its 2012 football schedule on Thursday.
The Big Blue will play 11 games and renews rivalries with three HBCU programs. TSU will also play five home games during the 2012 campaign.

TSU opens the season with long-time rival Florida A&M at LP Field in the 14th annual John Merritt Classic on Saturday, Sept. 1. The Rattlers and Tigers are renewing a rivalry that was briefly halted last season. September's meeting will be the 50th between the two historic programs.

The following weekend on Sept. 8, the Tigers face rival Jackson State for the 21st time in the 23rd annual Southern Heritage Classic presented by Fed Ex.

TSU reignites some historic memories in honor of the University's 100th centennial celebration. The Tigers welcome in-state rival Austin Peay to Hale Stadium, affectionately known as the Hole, on Sept. 15.



From there, Tennessee State visits Bethune-Cookman on Sept. 22 for the seventh time and the first meeting since 1987.

Arkansas-Pine Bluff and the Big Blue are meeting for the first time on the girdiron during the Tigers' annual Homecoming celebration on Sept. 29 at LP Field.

TSU resumes OVC action when Eastern Kentucky travels to Nashville on Oct. 6. The Tigers embark on a two game road swing at Southeast Missouri (Oct. 13) and Jacksonville State (Oct. 20).

Senior Day 2012 is slated for Oct. 27 when Tennessee Tech visits the Music City. The Tigers close out the season with trips to Murray State (Nov. 3) and UT Martin (Nov. 17).

Tennessee State is coming off 5-6 overall mark in 2011 and a fifth place finish in the OVC (4-4), moving up four spots from the 2010 season.

"We are very excited about the schedule this season," said TSU Athletics Director Teresa Phillips. "This schedule allows TSU to connect with some of our historic rivals, while rekindling fond memories of Hale Stadium. The team is headed in the right direction under head coach Rod Reed and we look forward to the 2012 campaign."

Season ticket prices and details, as well as game times will be announced at a later date.

COURTESY: TENNESSEE STATE UNIVERSITY SPORTS INFORMATION