TSU Announces Recruiting Class for 2013-14

Nashville, Tennessee - Men's Basketball head coach Travis Williams has announced the class of 2016. Jamontae Davis (Nashville), Jamonte Graham (Nashville), and Rhyan Townes (Memphis) will join the Tigers for the 2013-14 season.

"We are always trying to stay local when the talent presents itself in the state of Tennessee," said Williams. "We were able to get two local guys in Davis and Graham out of respectable programs, which had tremendous summers on the AAU scene. For our first recruiting class, it is great to be able to get these types of players to set the foundation for future success of the program. These guys are impact players. There is always an adjustment process coming from high school to college, but I believe these young men will adjust quite nicely."
 

Davis is a 6-8, 200-pound forward and is listed as the No. 50-ranked forward according to ESPN Recruiting Nation. The Hillsboro High School product was selected to the All-City team as a freshman and was a part of the AAU Team Nashville that was ranked as high as 11th in the nation in 2012. The two-year member of the Avid Program intends to major in Business at TSU. Davis has been involved with humanitarian projects, such as clean-up help to flood victims and building access ramps for a teammate's parent's home.

"He is a very skilled combo player who reminds me of Robert Covington," Williams said. "He comes with a little more body size. He is very capable of playing inside/outside, three-point shooting, and putting it on the floor with good ball skills." 

A 6-1, 195-pound guard, Graham hails from Father Ryan High School and intends to major in Special Education. Graham helped head coach Doug Bondrager and FRHS reach the semifinals at the Tennessee State Championships in 2012. He was named to the All-Region team as a sophomore and to the All-State team as a junior after averaging 18 points per game. A multiple sport athlete at Father Ryan, Graham was selected to the All-Mid Region, All-Mid State and All-State teams in football as a junior. His brother Jamie, played basketball as a freshman at Vanderbilt and competed for the Commodores football team for three seasons. Jamie completed his collegiate football career at UCLA.

"[Graham] is a talented two sport star at Father Ryan. He is a player that succeeds wherever they put him on the field. As far as basketball, he is a tough hard-nosed player capable of playing the combo position for us. He brings a physicality to the program that I am very excited about."

Townes is a 6-5, 192-pound guard who prepped at Arlington High School and played for head coach Don Deaton. In 2012, Townes guided AHS to the second round of regionals for the first time in school history. As a junior, he averaged 14 points per game, including a season high 28 points against defending state champions Craigmont High School. For his play he was named a part of the Pepsi/Commercial Appeal AAA Best of the Preps. Townes played for Jerry Starks and Team Thad who finished as 2012 AAU Tennessee State champions and finished the summer ranked 11th in the nation. In the classroom, he has shown excellence academically and has been a member of the Principals Honor Roll every semester. Townes is a member of the National Honor Society, National Science Honor Society and the National Beta Club. He plans to major in Civil Engineering.

"[Townes] epitomizes what it means to be a student-athlete. Bottom line, he is taking care of business academically. On the court, you look at his skill set and he is a very talented player that had a great summer. Academically and athletically, he is the type of player we are recruiting to Tennessee State University."

 

 

COURTESY TENNESSEE STATE UNIVERSITY SPORTS INFORMATION

9-1 Gold Rush are 13th in poll after climbing six places

NEW ORLEANS -- Nine victories in the first 10 games helped Xavier University of Louisiana climb six spots to 13th Tuesday in the NAIA Division I Men's Basketball Coaches' Top 25 Poll.

The poll is the first since the NAIA announced preseason rankings Oct. 23. The next two polls will be announced Dec. 11 and Jan. 8.

The Gold Rush defeated NCAA Division II opponents Morehouse and Tuskegee en route to a 6-0 start. William Carey won 78-68 at Xavier on Nov. 19, but since then Xavier won three in a row to give Dannton Jackson his sixth start of 9-1 or better in 10 seasons as head coach.

Xavier is in the top 25 for the 13th consecutive time and the 26th time in 27 polls.

Oklahoma Baptist is No. 1. One of Xavier's city and Gulf Coast Athletic Conference rivals, SUNO, climbed three places to 21st. A third GCAC school, second-year member Philander Smith, received three points to tie for 34th. William Carey, which received no votes in the preseason, is 15th.

Coupled with Xavier's No. 10 position in the new women's poll, it's the first time since Feb. 7, 2011 -- and just the second time since the start of the 2004-05 season -- that both XU basketball teams are among the NAIA's top 13.

Both XU teams will play city rival Loyola on Wednesday at the Convocation Center. The men will tip off at 7:30 p.m. and follow a 5:30 women's game. Loyola was the other school to receive three points in the men's poll.

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

Xavier Gold Nuggets earn first top-10 ranking since 2005

NEW ORLEANS -- Xavier University of Louisiana, aided by consecutive home victories against preseason ranked teams, climbed one spot to 10th Tuesday in the NAIA Division I Women's Basketball Coaches' Top 25 Poll. It's the first time since Feb. 8, 2005, that the Gold Nuggets have been among the top 10.

This is the first poll since the NAIA announced preseason rankings Oct. 23. The next two polls will be announced Dec. 11 and Jan. 8.

The Gold Nuggets (6-1) beat then-19th-ranked LSU-Shreveport 46-45 on Nov. 19, then defeated then-No. 14 Langston 46-38 three days later. LSUS is No. 17 in the new poll, but Langston received no votes. Xavier's loss was 62-50 at home Nov. 17 to Westminster (Utah), which was preseason No. 5 but climbed to fourth.

Xavier is in the top 25 for the 33rd consecutive time dating to January 2010. It's the Nuggets' longest top-25 streak since 34 straight polls from Jan. 13, 2003-March 8, 2005.

Future opponents in the top 25 are No. 13 Bethel (Tenn.) and No. 25 Faulkner. Xavier will play Faulkner on Dec. 29 in the Coaches vs. Cancer Classic at Montgomery, Ala., and Bethel on Jan. 2 at XU's new Convocation Center. Lubbock Christian is No. 1 for the second consecutive time.

Coupled with Xavier's No. 13 position in the new men's poll, it's the first time since Feb. 7, 2011 -- and just the second time since the start of the 2004-05 season -- that both XU basketball teams are among the NAIA's top 13.

Both XU teams will play city rival Loyola on Wednesday at the Convocation Center. The women's game will tip off at 5:30 p.m., and the men's game will start at 7:30 p.m.

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

SWAC Championship Nears Kickoff

SWAC CHAMPIONSHIP NEARS KICKOFF

#THESWAC

Jackson State University and University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff prepare to Battle at the

2012 Toyota SWAC Football Championship Game

BIRMINGHAM, Alabama — Get ready, Judgment Day is coming! The Southwestern Athletic Conference (SWAC) 2012 Football Championship game is almost here. West Division Champion, University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff is set to play the East Division Champion, Jackson State University Saturday, December 8^th at Legion Field Stadium in Birmingham, Alabama and tickets are selling fast.

The 2012 SWAC Toyota Football Championship game is a time for SWAC fans, alumni and students to come together to celebrate and experience SWAC college football. SWAC has planned the ultimate fan experience by hosting many ancillary events before and after the championship game with events for all ages.

Celebrating its 14^th year, the SWAC Football Championship continues to grow in exposure and attendance every year. With festivities starting on Friday, December 7^th, the SWAC offers many events and entertainment for all fans, students and alumni. Below you will find a brief schedule of events.

Friday, December 7^th, 2012

What: SWAC Football Championship Press Conference

When: Friday, December 7^th, 2012 at 10 a.m.

Where: Birmingham Sheraton Hotel

Who: Media and participating SWAC Coaches

What: The Official SWAC Kickoff Party and Mini Concert

When: Friday, December 7^th, 2012 Doors Open at 8 p.m.

Where: Merienda Lounge, Birmingham, Alabama

Who: SWAC alumni, fans and students

Saturday, December 8^th, 2012

What: Great Championship Tailgate Party

When: Saturday, December 8^th, 2012, 9 a.m. to Noon

Where: Legion Field Stadium: Lower Parking Lot F; Birmingham, Alabama

Who: SWAC alumni, fans and students

What: SWAC College Expo

When: Saturday, December 8^th, 2012, 9 a.m. to Noon

Where: Legion Field Stadium: Lower Parking Lot F; Birmingham, Alabama

Who: Middle/High School Prospective Students

What: 2012 Toyota SWAC Football Championship Game, #SWACFBCHAMP12

When: Saturday, December 8^th, 2012 Kickoff at 12 Noon

Where: Legion Field Stadium, Birmingham, Alabama

Who: UAPB vs. JSU and SWAC alumni, fans and students

What: Verizon SWAC Battle of the Bands

When: Halftime, Saturday, December 8^th, 2012

Where: Legion Field Stadium, Birmingham, Alabama

Who: University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff and Jackson State University Band

For event details, download a complete 2012 SWAC Football Championship event schedule.

Find us on social media and keep up with the 2012 SWAC Football Championship events. Follow the SWAC on Twitter and Like on Facebook to keep up-to-date on the latest schedule.

For 2012 Toyota SWAC Football Championship Game information about hotels and travel, tailgating, vending opportunities and event details please visit www.swacfootball.org .

About SWAC

Founded in 1920, the Southwestern Athletic Conference – made up of historically black colleges and universities - and its members are committed to the philosophy of maintaining intercollegiate athletics as an integral part of the overall educational program. The conference believes in and subscribes to the fundamental principles of amateurism, institutional control, sound academic standards, financial aid, recruiting, and ethical conduct that govern intercollegiate athletics, and the enforcement of rules and regulations as adopted by the NCAA. Sponsoring 18 sports, the SWAC ranks among the elite in the nation in terms of alumni playing with professional sports teams- particularly in football. For more information about SWAC, visit www.swac.org.

WSSU Rams say they’re not satisfied just being back in semis

WINSTON-SALEM, North Carolina  --  Winston-Salem State is in the same spot it was in last season — the semifinals of the Division II football playoffs.

WSSU (13-0, ranked No. 2) will play West Texas A&M (12-2, ranked No. 16) at 6:30 Saturday at Bowman Gray Stadium.

The Rams lost in the semis last season, 21-14 to Wayne State. Many of the players from that team are back, and they’ve had a long time to chew on the loss.

Wide receiver Jamal Williams said Tuesday that reaching the semifinals again is nice but that it won’t mean anything if the Rams don’t win.

“It’s more so that we are trying to refocus again,” Williams said. “We had focus for the last two playoff games, and now we have to raise the bar even more knowing that this is where we were at this point last season. We haven’t done anything different, but we want to come out and prove to ourselves that we can get it done.”

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Coleman scores 29 points as B-CU thumps Stetson, 86-63

DAYTONA BEACH -- Bethune-Cookman's Adrien Coleman hit 13 of 14 field goals on the way to a game-high 29 points, and all he could talk about after the game was defense.

Actually, just about everything went right for the Wildcats as they dismantled Volusia County rival Stetson 86-63 in a non-conference game Monday night at Moore Gymnasium.

 

B-CU (3-6) shot 63.5 percent from the field, forced 19 turnovers -- leading to 24 points -- and hit 7-of-14 3-pointers.
 

“When we play good defense it makes it easier for us to get out on transition and that makes the game much for fun for us,'' said Coleman, who got out on the break all night and also pulled down a game-high eight rebounds.
 

“He's a really good player,'' Stetson coach Casey Alexander said of the 6-5 Coleman. “He has a real knack to get to the basket and draw fouls.''
 

After losing three in a row, the Wildcats looked like they were having fun Monday. They jumped out to a 46-23 halftime lead, notching seven steals and hitting 20 of 29 shots from the field.

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Reports: B-CU's Jenkins candidate for Southern U. head-coaching job

COACH BRIAN JENKINS ON THE MOVE...

DAYTONA BEACH, Florida  --  On a day when Bethune-Cookman football coach Brian Jenkins won a regional coach of the year award, The Times-Picayune and The Sports Network reported he is one of six candidates to be the next head coach at Southern University in Baton Rouge, La.

But B-CU athletic director Lynn Thompson said Monday night that Southern has yet to contact the Wildcats to ask permission to interview the third-year coach.

"(Jenkins) got a call last week from Southern, and he instructed them that they had to contact me,'' Thompson said. "And I haven't heard from Southern.''

Jenkins, 41, was named the Football Championship Subdivision Co-Region Two Coach of the Year by the American Football Coaches Association, the AFCA announced Monday. He shared the award with Stony Brook's Chuck Piore.

Jenkins could not be reached for comment Monday night.

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WSSU flattens Allen University 82-45

WINSTON-SALEM, North Carolina  --  Sometimes, pancakes win out over watching basketball.

While Winston-Salem State was well on its way to an easy 82-45 win over Allen University at the Gaines Center, there was also a late-night pancake dinner for hungry students in the cafeteria.

With about seven minutes to go in the game and the Rams comfortably ahead by 30 about 150 or so students piled out of the Gaines Center.

“I did see that,” said point guard Marcus Wells, who was already out of the game as Coach Bobby Collins cleared his bench. “That’s okay though, because we had a big lead. And you know what, I’m about to go get me some of those pancakes myself.”

The Rams, who won their fifth in a row to improve to 6-2, had little trouble feasting on the overmatched Yellow Jackets, an NAIA school from Columbia, S.C., that fell to 2-10 on the season.

Wakefield Ellison, who is playing his best ball of his two-year career at WSSU, led the way with 15 points off the bench. Freshman Michael-Ofik Nzege had 13 points and nine rebounds, and Justin Glover scored 11 points with three assists.

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ECSU Vikings spring into 2013 with momentum

ELIZABETH CITY, North Carolina  --  For two days, the text messages, e-mails and phone calls have been pouring in.

But Elizabeth City State football coach Waverly Tillar hardly considers them distractions.

“It’s great,” he said Monday while seated behind a huge silver cup the Vikings were awarded after upending favored Tuskegee 28-13 in Saturday’s Pioneer Bowl in Columbus, Ga.

“I’m getting a lot of positive feedback from students, staff, alums and friends of Vikings football. And I appreciate it all.”

The trophy, almost big enough to serve as a hot tub, put an exclamation mark on what had been an up-and-down season for ECSU (8-4) and erased the memories of a strong effort that went for naught in the CIAA championship game. There, the Vikings dropped a 34-19 decision to undefeated Winston-Salem State after leading late in the third quarter.

“I am so proud of these guys,” said Tillar, who secured his first postseason coaching victory after losing four CIAA title games, two NCAA Division II playoff games and the 2009 Pioneer Bowl. “I can’t say enough about their effort against a team like Tuskegee.

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TSU Men's Basketball to Take on Drexel on Tuesday Night

 

NASHVILLE, Tennessee  –  The Tennessee State men’s basketball team will look to win its third consecutive game when the squad hosts Drexel on Tuesday night at 7 p.m.

The Tigers are coming off an 83-72 victory in their first true road win of the season at Alabama A&M. It was a well-played game by the Tigers, who committed a season-low 10 turnovers.

“The first thing that I was proud of in the game against Alabama A&M was that the team limited its turnovers,” head coach Travis Williams said. “We made good decisions offensively and took good shots.”

Senior forward Robert Covington led TSU in the win with 27 points, but Kellen Thornton, Patrick Miller and Jordan Cyphers also ended up in double-figures.

Williams has received production from a handful of players all season long, and Saturday was no different, as TSU had eight players finish with at least 15 minutes against the Bulldogs.

“I tell every player on the team to always be ready, and whether they come in on offense or defense, the guys have been receptive,” Williams said.

The Tigers will need to continue to get production from everyone on the squad when they take on the Drexel Dragons, who were pegged to win the Colonial Athletic Conference before the season.

However, it has been a rough first few games for the Dragons so far this season, as they limp into the Gentry Center with a 2-5 record.

Drexel has four players who average in double-figures in points, but Damion Lee leads the team with 17.4 per contest.

Hanging onto the ball has been a problem so far for the Dragons, as the team has averaged nearly 14 turnovers per game and has only recorded 28 steals.

“We are going to have to get back quickly in transition on defense and communicate on both ends of the court. If we play smart and play together on every possession then I think we will be okay,” Williams said.

The Tigers will look to improve to 4-5 on the season with a home win over Drexel on Dec. 4 at 7 p.m.

 

COURTESY TENNESSEE STATE UNIVERSITY SPORTS INFORMATION

Livingstone College promotes Williams to head football coach

Coach Daryl Williams

SALISBURY, North Carolina  --  Livingstone has promoted football offensive coordinator Daryl Williams to head coach.

Williams replaces Elvin James, who was fired after three seasons and a 3-28 record, including 2-8 in 2012.

“I felt it was imperative we make a coaching change to turn around our football program,” Livingstone Athletics Director Andre Springs said in a statement. “We appreciate the work coach James did during his tenure; however, we need to be much more competitive on the gridiron than we have been in recent years. Coach Williams has a solid background in coaching, including stints at Texas Southern University and Alabama State University. We feel he’s the right man to get Livingstone’s football program on the right track at this time.”

Williams was associate head coach and quarterback coach at Texas Southern from 2007-2011. During the 2010 season, Texas Southern won the SWAC championship.
 

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Jackson State riding five-game win streak into Saturday's SWAC title game

JACKSON, Mississippi  --  Jackson State coach Rick Comegy isn't making any excuses for the way his team started the season.

The Tigers dropped four of their first six games this season, giving up an average of 34 points per contest. In the final of those losses, a 34--24 defeat at Arkansas-Pine Bluff on October 6^th, they allowed 21 points in the second quarter alone.

But none of that matters anymore.

That game was the last one JSU dropped. Since then, it's reeled off five-straight victories, including wins at Alabama State, against Mississippi Valley State, at Grambling State, against Alabama A&M and at Alcorn State to find themselves to earn a Southwestern Athletic Conference eastern division crown.

The Tigers (7-4) will travel to Birmingham for Saturday's conference title game in a rematch against the last team that beat them. Kickoff is scheduled for noon at Legion Field and the game will be aired live on ESPNU.




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Odums, Jenkins among six head coach semi-finalists

BATON ROUGE, Louisiana  --  Southern University has narrowed its search for the future head football coach to six semi-finalists, athletics director Dr. William Broussard announced Monday.
The finalist pool includes coaches with an average of 18 years of NCAA coaching experience, includes 4 former or current head coaches who have won or appeared in multiple black college national championships and bowl games, extensive experience recruiting Louisiana prep student-athletes, and all 6 coaches have HBCU coaching experience.

Among the six candidates vying to fill Southern's coaching vacancy are Alabama State special teams coordinator John M. Hendrick, current Bethune-Cookman head coach Brian Jenkins, current SU interim coach Dawson Odums, Nevada offensive line coach James Spady, and two other finalists who wish to remain unidentified due to their respective seasons not yet coming to an end.

Broussard is scheduled to conduct a 30-minute phone interview with each of the candidates this week before condensing the six semi-finalists to as many as three who will potentially make on-campus visits.

Hendrick, a former Tulane assistant head coach and LSU tight ends coach, presently serves as the special teams coordinator and defensive ends coach at Alabama State. The University of Pittsburgh graduate helped produce two All-Conference USA defensive lineman while at Tulane from 2011-12 and was a member of Bill Synder's Kansas State coaching staff in 1991-92 that helped turnaround the worst program in college football history. Hendrick also served as Southern's offensive line coach in 1986.

Jenkins is widely considered a rising star in Division I coaching ranks after producing a 28-7 record at Bethune Cookman College which includes two MEAC championships and two FCS playoff appearances. In his first season as the Wildcats head coach, Jenkins led Bethune Cookman to the school's first-ever HBCU national championship and was named the American Football Coaches Association (AFCA) Region 2 Coach of the Year. Jenkins also spent seven years as the special teams coordinator and running backs coach at Louisiana-Lafayette from 2002-2009.

Odums' previous title of defensive coordinator changed to interim head coach two games into Southern's 2012 season. The North Carolina native and N.C. Central graduate proceeded to lead the Jaguars to a 4-5 finish after an 0-2 start, claiming signature wins over Jackson State, Florida A&M and Grambling. Odums arrived at Southern in 2011 after a 3-year stint at N.C. A&T where he served as the Aggies' co-defensive coordinator in 2010 and defensive line coach in 2009. Odums also served as the interim head coach at Clark Atlanta during the 2004 season and head coach in 2005.

Spady spent several seasons at some of black college football's elite programs before becoming the offensive tackles and tight ends coach at the University of Nevada, where the Wolfpack finished ranked #2 in FBS in total offense in 2010 and are currently in the Top 10 in several categories in 2012. Spady served as Grambling's offensive coordinator from 2007-2009 helping the Tigers win a SWAC title after an 11-2 record in 2008. Spady, who played four years as a center at Texas-El Paso, also helped win conference titles at N.C. Central in 2006, South Carolina State in 2004 and UTEP in 2000, while adding HBCU national championships in 2006 (NCCU) and 2008 (Grambling) to his resume.

Broussard expects to present his choice for Southern's next head coach at a Dec. 14 Board of Supervisors meeting on the Baton Rouge campus.


COURTESY SOUTHERN UNIVERSITY ATHLETIC MEDIA RELATIONS

Dwight Floyd WEEKLY COMMENTARY: FAMU Interviews Potential Band Director

TALLAHASSEE, Florida  --  There is perhaps not a greater time in the history of Florida A&M than now, where the University finds itself in such a fragile position. The FAMU Board of Trustees must identify and approve a new university president.

Almost as important are applicants to be selected for the head football coaching position, Special Assistant to the President for Anti-Hazing, and director of bands. After identifying the top four candidates for the director of bands, the selection committee recently invited them to tour FAMU, work with selected band members and talk about the job.

Previous band directors
 P.A. Van Weller, 1892–1898
 Nathaniel C. Adderly, 1910–1918
 Leander A. Kirksey, 1930–1945
 Dr. William P. Foster, 1945–1998
 Dr. Julian E. White, 1998–2012



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Tennessee State Women's hoops prepares for Montana State

GAMEDAY

The Tennessee State University women's basketball team will conclude its three-game road stint at Montana State on Monday, Dec. 3. Tip-off is set for 7:05 p.m. in Worthington Arena.

THE LADY TIGERS AT A GLANCE
The Lady Tigers (3-4) had won two straight before dropping its most recent game to Montana, 71-48, at the 32nd annual Lady Griz Classic. The Lady Tigers went 1-1 at the tournament after defeating Idaho in the first game. Simone Hopes and Kesi Hess were named to the All-Tournament team for TSU.

As a team, TSU is averaging 53.7 points per outing while shooting 33.9 percent from the field and 22.0 percent from beyond the arc. TSU is currently shooting only 67.2 percent from the free-throw line while committing an average of 17.9 turnovers per game.

TSU averages 38.0 rebounds, 9.0 assists and 9.9 steals per game.

LAST TIME OUT

Tennessee State suffered a 71-48 loss to Montana at the Lady Griz Classic Saturday night. TSU was outrebounded, 41-29, and got outscored, 37-22, in the second half. Simone Hopes was the lone Lady Tiger to post double-figures in scoring with 13 points to go with six rebounds. Kesi Hess followed with eight points and five steals. Hopes and Kesi Hess were named to the All-Tournament team.

ABOUT MONTANA STATE

Montana State is coming off a 71-65 win over Utah State on Saturday. The Bobcats had won three straight before falling to Southern Methodist, 71-70. The Big Sky member bounced back from the loss to SMU by defeating UM-Western and Utah State for consecutive victories.

In the win over Utah State, Kallie Durham paced the Bobcats with 18 points while Ashley Brumwell (14), Rachel Semansky (13) and Jackie Elliot (11) also scored in double-digits.

As a team, Montana State averages 68.5 ppg behind a .421 shooting percentage. The Bobcats are only shooting, .247 from three-point range and average 19.2 turnovers per game.

Durham leads the team in scoring with 14.5 ppg while Semasky follows with 13.3 ppg and 6.3 rpg.

TSU vs. MONTANA STATE

Tennessee State and Montana State will meet for the first time in the two programs' history.

UPCOMING SCHEDULE

TSU will have a nearly a two week break before hosting Cleveland State on Dec. 16 in the Gentry Center.

COURTESY TENNESSEE STATE UNIVERSITY SPORTS INFORMATION

Volusia County basketball rivals Stetson, Bethune-Cookman face off

DAYTONA BEACH, Florida  — Both Stetson coach Casey Alexander and Bethune-Cookman coach Gravelle Craig say the geographical rivalry between their teams is good for both basketball programs.

But pride and bragging rights will take a back seat at 7 p.m. Monday when the Wildcats host the Hatters at Moore Gymnasium.

The coaches are more concerned with getting their teams straightened out for their upcoming conference schedules. While Stetson (2-3) is coming off its worst loss of the season — a 92-56 whipping at Virginia Commonwealth on Wednesday — B-CU (2-6) has lost three straight.

 

“We're starting over in a way,'' Alexander said. “We're not supposed to go to VCU and win, but you want to execute at a higher level and compete.''

Center Adam Pegg was held to one point before fouling out against the Rams, lowering his season average to 14.0 points per game. Leading scorer Aaron Graham (16.3 ppg) missed the game with a bruised foot and has been day-to-day since.

 

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St. Joseph's Men's Basketball Travels To Coppin State on Tuesday

PHILADELPHIA, Pennsylvania  -  Saint Joseph's (4-2) will look to get back on the winning track when it visits Coppin State (1-6) on Tuesday evening. Game time at the Physical Education Complex in Baltimore is 7:30 p.m.

The game will be broadcast on SportsRadio 610 WIP with Matt Martucci and Joe Lunardi calling the action. Audio streaming of the game will be available on SJUHawks.com free of charge.

LISTEN LIVE

Fans can also access the broadcast on their mobile devices by going to IRadioPhilly.com.



COURTESY ST. JOSEPH'S UNIVERSITY SPORTS INFORMATION

 

WSSU's Connell Maynor, Bethune-Cookman's Brian Jenkins Named AFCA Regional Coach of the Year

WACO, Texas. -  Winston-Salem State University head football coach, Connell Maynor (CIAA) and Bethune-Cookman University (MEAC) head coach Brian Jenkins were selected as American Football Coaches Association's 2012 Regional Coach orf the Year winners.

 

Notre Dame’s Brian Kelly and first-time winner Dino Babers of Eastern Illinois highlight today’s announcement of the American Football Coaches Association’s 2012 Regional Coach of the Year winners.

The AFCA recognizes five regional Coach of the Year winners in each of the Association’s five divisions: Football Bowl Subdivision, Football Championship Subdivision, Division II, Division III and NAIA. The winners are selected by Active members of the Association who vote for coaches in their respective regions and divisions.

The 2012 Regional Coach of the Year winners will be recognized at the AFCA Coach of the Year Dinner at the 2013 AFCA Convention in Nashville, Tennessee. The dinner is scheduled for Tuesday, January 8.

In just his third year as head coach of Notre Dame, Kelly has guided the Fighting Irish to a 12-0 record, a No. 1 ranking in the BCS standings and a spot in the BCS National Championship game.

Kelly is looking to lead Notre Dame to its first National Championship since 1988 and its first of the BCS era. Babers earned his first Regional Coach of the Year Award by leading Eastern Illinois to a 7-5 record a year after going 2-9. Babers led Eastern Illinois to the Ohio Valley Conference title and an appearance in the NCAA FCS playoffs in his first year as the Panther’s head coach.



2012 AFCA Regional Coach of the Year Winners

Football Bowl Subdivision
Region 1: Charlie Strong, University of Louisville
Region 2: Kevin Sumlin, Texas A&M University*
Region 3: Brian Kelly, University of Notre Dame
Region 4: Bill Snyder, Kansas State University
Region 5: Mike Riley, Oregon State University

Football Championship Subdivision
Region 1: Sean McDonnell, University of New Hampshire
Region 2: Brian Jenkins, Bethune-Cookman University &
Chuck Priore, Stony Brook University (tie)
Region 3: Dino Babers, Eastern Illinois University
Region 4: Trent Miles, Indiana State University
Region 5: Rob Ash, Montana State University &
Willie Fritz, Sam Houston State University* (tie)

Division II
Region 1: Mark Maciejewski, Shippensburg University
Region 2: Connell Maynor, Winston-Salem State University
Region 3: Lee Owens, Ashland University
Region 4: Don Carthel, West Texas A&M University
Region 5: Aaron Keen, Minnesota State University-Mankato

Division III
Region 1: Mike Cragg, Hobart College
Region 2: Tom Watts, Ohio Wesleyan University
Region 3: Pete Fredenburg, University of Mary Hardin-Baylor
Region 4: Larry Kehres, University of Mount Union*
Region 5: Patrick Cerroni, University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh

NAIA
Region 1: Bill Cronin, Georgetown College (Ky.)*
Region 2: Ted Karras, Jr., Marian University*
Region 3: Paul Troth, Missouri Valley College
Region 4: Steve Ryan, Morningside College*
Region 5: Chuck Morrell, Montana Tech
*-2011 winner

 

Award History: The AFCA began recognizing district coaches of the year following the 1960 season. The awards were established the same year Eastman Kodak agreed to sponsor the AFCA Coach of the Year award. Prior to 1960, the Scripps-Howard newspaper chain had sponsored the program, which recognized one national Coach of the Year.

The AFCA first recognized eight district winners in each of two divisions: university and college. In 1972, a ninth district was added in each division.

In 1983, the award was changed to recognize regional winners instead of district winners, and the number of divisions was increased from two to four, and five regional winners were selected in each division. This resulted in a more equitable selection process and better represented the make-up of the membership. At the same time, the new system increased the number of honorees from 18 to 20.

In 2006, the AFCA Division II Award was split into separate Division II and NAIA divisions, giving us the 25 winners we now recognize.

Repeat Winners: Texas A&M’s Kevin Sumlin, Sam Houston State’s Willie Fritz, Mount Union’s Larry Kehres, Georgetown’s Bill Cronin, Marian’s Ted Karras and Morningside’s Steve Ryan are the repeat winners from 2011. Ryan added his third Regional honor in 2012.

Multiple Winners: Other multiple winners in the 2012 class are Pete Fredenburg (sixth; 2000-02-05-07-10-12), Brian Kelly (fifth; 1998-2001-08-09-12), Bill Snyder (fourth; 1993-98-99-12), Sean McDonnell (third; 2004-05-12), Chuck Priore (third; 2004-05-12), Paul Troth (third; 2006-07-12), Don Carthel (second; 2007-12), Mike Cragg (second; 2002-12), Brian Jenkins (second; 2010-12), Trent Miles (second; 2010-12) and Mike Riley (second; 2008-12).

First Time Winners: Ten coaches earned their first AFCA Regional Coach of the Year Award in 2012: Louisville’s Charlie Strong, Eastern Illinois’ Dino Babers, Montana State’s Rob Ash, Shippensburg’s Mark Maciejewski, Winston-Salem State’s Connell Maynor, Ashland’s Lee Owens, Minnesota State-Mankato’s Aaron Keen, Ohio Wesleyan’s Tom Watts, Wisconsin-Oshkosh’s Patrick Cerroni and Montana Tech’s Chuck Morrell.

AFCA National Coach of the Year: The AFCA will announce its five 2012 National Coach of the Year winners at the 2012 AFCA Convention in Nashville, Tennessee. All head coaches who were eligible for regional honors are eligible for national honors as well.

COURTESY AMERICAN FOOTBALL COACHES ASSOCIATION

Former WSSU Ram Football Star is Now Living the Life

SOUTHERN PINES, N.C. -- Back in his heyday Randy Bolton was a star collegiate running back -- a four-year, Winston-Salem State University letterman who helped the Rams go 11-1 in 1977 and again in 1978 en route to the Division II national semifinals.

Now known as Dr. Randy Bolton, the retired school principal still carries a competitive torch. Which is why 15 years ago, he and Charlotte neighbor Rick Martin decided to contest a golf outing around the Pinehurst area, based out of the Talamore Golf Resort.

In the first year, the "BoMar Open" as they called it attracted eight players. By 2007, their three-day shindig had grown to 80 participants, many of whom return year after year and have started adding an extra day onto the trip, coming from all over the map -- many as far away as New Hampshire and Chicago.

They have enjoyed many of the Sandhills area's most well-known golf designs, including the Rees Jones gem at Talamore, which Golf Digest named Best New Course in the South, and its Arnold Palmer-designed sister layout, Mid South Club.

Bolton says one night they will go out for dinner in the nearby Pinehurst Village, the next evening they will stay on site at either the Talamore Golf Villas or the well-appointed and luxurious Lodges at Mid South and cook their own meal following a fun and boisterous banquet at the Talamore clubhouse. Some play golf the entire time, others take time to relax and fish in the reservoir or play cards in the cabana.

"I could live right here in these condos," said Bolton. "We love Talamore. It's our home while we are here and they are fantastic. They make us feel so welcome."

Retired from General Motors, Jack Ives has been pulling together golf buddy trips for the past three decades, but once he and his group discovered Talamore, it has been their permanent home away from home. Now living in Fitchburg, Mass., about 30 miles northwest of Boston, Ives has resided in several different states during his professional career, and his golfing buddies come from as far away as the West Coast and Canada.

The Ives group comes to the Sandhills for a full week of golf and has grown from four players to a consistent count of 20-plus. "Friends invited friends," said Ives, "and once they came, they kept coming." Ives said his group prepares breakfast at the villas, lunch on the golf course and dinner somewhere in the vicinity of the Village of Pinehurst. Near the end of the week, they have an awards banquet where everyone walks away with something.

"The banquet tends to get lively. We were the floor show at Bonefish Grill one year," Ives said. "We give prizes for low score, high score, you name it. We definitely have a lot of laughs. Mostly, though, we play golf and tell some lies."

Another Talamore Golf Resort regular, John Williams from Richmond, Va., visits with his group of 16 friends in the middle of the summer, when the courses are not crowded and the price is right. "We get a two-bedroom condo that is really nice, and it costs less than a motel room," said Williams. "It is so convenient, of course, because you can be in the (Pinehurst) Village so quickly. We love to go to the restaurants in town."

They are among many golf aficionados who regularly visit Talamore Golf Resort, which dates back to 1991 and first made headlines for its famed stable of llama caddies, along with unparalleled customer service. Today, Talamore Golf Resort has grown to become one of the Pinehurst area's premier golf getaways, which is why more than 90 percent of Talamore's customers return or refer new business.

Talamore's clubhouse, pool and cabana are all conveniently located next to the Talamore Golf Villas, which offer top-shelf amenities and panoramic views, and were constructed soon after the club's opening. The Talamore golf and travel experts offer a wide variety of value-added packages and customized trips that not only include Talamore's 36 championship holes, but also more than 20 other premier golf courses around the famed Sandhills.

For information call (800) 552-6292 or visit www.TalamoreGolfResort.com

COURTESY TALAMORE GOLF RESORT MEDIA RELATIONS

Dec. 1 - HBCU Scorecard

NCAA Division II Football

Pioneer Bowl
Elizabeth City State 28, Tuskegee 13

NCAA Division II Playoffs Quarter-Finals
(13-0) Winston-Salem State 21,  (12-2) Indiana University (Pa.) 17


NCAA Division I Men's Basketball

MEAC
Delaware State 76, Maryland Eastern Shore 66
Hampton 58, Howard 50
Norfolk State 55, Savannah State 45
#1 Indiana 87, Coppin State 51
Florida A&M 75, Bethune-Cookman 67
Morgan State 81, Virginia Military 80 (OT)
North Carolina Central 66, North Carolina A&T 62

OVC
Tennessee State 83, Alabama A&M 72
Jacksonville State 56, Alcorn State 52
SIU-Edwardsville 71, Chicago State 57

SWAC
Oregon 80, Arkansas Pine Bluff 59
Southern 90, Champion Baptist 36

GCAC
Blue Mountain 76, Dillard 66
Florida Memorial 77, Edward Waters 70


NCAA Division I Women's Basketball

MEAC
Virginia Commonwealth 86, Florida A&M 57
Hampton 59, South Carolina State 46
North Carolina A&T 67, North Carolina Central 27
Savannah State 62, Norfolk State 55
Cornell 77, Morgan State 73
Delaware State 76, Maryland Eastern Shore 66

OVC
Eastern Kentucky 64, Jackson State 56
Montana 71, Tennessee State 48

SWAC
Grambling State 64, Stephen F. Austin 63
#18 Oklahoma State 91, Texas Southern 49
St. Bonaventure 56, Southern U. 36

GCAC
Florida Memorial 77, Edward Waters 76

No. 16 WT Buffs Upset Top-Ranked Colorado State-Pueblo in NCAA Quarterfinal, 34-13; Faces Winston-Salem State Next

PUEBLO, Colorado  –  The West Texas A&M football team exacted some revenge Saturday with a dominating performance on both sides of the ball as it upset top-ranked Colorado State-Pueblo at the Netta and Eddie DeRose ThunderBowl with a 34-13 win in the NCAA Quarterfinal. With the win the Buffs improved to 12-2 on the year, while CSU-Pueblo ended its season a 12-1.

The Buffs, who avenged a season-opening 44-34 loss to these same Thunderwolves Aug. 30, silenced the announced crowd of 10,217 midway through the first half. However, the Buffs had a nice contingent of fans of approximately 800 who made the five-hour trip from Canyon.

West Texas A&M should find out where and when it will play top-seeded out of Super Region One and second-ranked Winston-Salem State Sunday.

WT was led by junior quarterback Dustin Vaughan who passed for 324 yards and three scores on 24 of 38 passes with one interception. Senior running back Khiry Robinson tallied 181 yards on the ground and had two catches for 14 yards with a score. Junior wide receiver Nathan Slaughter came up with catch after catch after catch as he tallied 170 yards receiving and two touchdowns on seven receptions.

Defensively the Buffs dominated the CSU-Pueblo this time as it held the high-powered Thunderwolves' rushing offense to just 32 yards on the ground as CSUP had 265 yards on the ground in the first meeting in August. CSUP quarterback Ross Dausin didn't have a lot of time in the pocket as the relentless WT defense sacked him seven times for 46 yards led by junior defensive lineman Ethan Westbrooks who had 2.5 sacks for 21 yards and a forced fumble. He now has a school-record 19 sacks on the season. Junior linebacker Taylor McCuller had 14 tackles in the game including eight solo stops as he broke the school-record for tackles in a season with 155 as Joe Calhoun had 151 in 1995.

WT amassed 517 yards of offense as they had 193 yards on the ground and 324 through the air and held CSUP to just 225 yards of total offense. For the second straight week, the Buffs have knocked off an undefeated and top five ranked team as WT won at No. 4 Ashland last week 33-28.

There was an energy and a confidence from the opening kick on the Buffalo sideline as the teams traded punts for the first three possessions and the Buffs turned the ball over on downs on a 4^th and 1 from the CSU-Pueblo 45 midway through the first quarter.

The WT defense came up big with a stop as junior linebacker Bryan Johnson came up with the first sack of the game forcing a punt.

That's went the WT offense started clicking as the Buffs marched a season-high 94 yards on three plays in just 1:19 of time as Vaughan completed two passes to Nathan Slaughter for 91 yards, including a 74-yard strike on a flea-flicker as Slaughter caught it on the near side and reversed field for a 7-0 lead.

The Thunderwolves went 3-and-out on their next possession as the momentum began to grow and the 800 or so WT fans continued to get louder and louder. The Buffs started inside the CSUP 40 as Vaughan completed pass to redshirt freshman Jarrian Rhone for 3 yards and a first down on a 3^rd and three to the 18. After the change of the quarter, Vaughan and Slaughter hooked up once again for a 14-0 lead on a 13-yard pass and score.

The Thunderwolves went 18 plays in 8:03, but the bend, but don't break WT defense came up huge once again as senior defensive lineman came up with a huge nine-yard sack on Dausin on a 3^rd and six from the WT eight yard line forcing a field goal.

The Buffaloes came right back with an 8-play, 71-yard drive as Vaughan and Slaugher hooked up once again on a 40-yard pass down the CSUP 31. Another 10-yard pass to Slaughter put the Buffs on the 17. On 3^rd and goal from the goal line, Vaughan threw a pass to Robinson in the end zone for a 21-3 lead.

WT took over late in the second quarter after senior defensive back Jordan Smith picked off Dausin for Smith's third interception of the season. The Buffs marched from their own 21 to the CSUP 28 as junior kicker Sergio Castillo, Jr., kicked a 45-yard field goal with seven seconds remaining in the half for a 24-3 lead.

CSUP drove to the WT 47 on the opening possession of the third quarter and punter Brandon Kliesen, who ranks second nationally in punting, placed the ball at the WT 1. On the first play from the one, the snap went wide of Vaughan, but Robinson was there to collect it and managed a two yard gain avoiding a disaster.

WT punted from its 22, but CSU-Pueblo return specialist Kieren Duncan returned the punt 46 yards to the WT 27 as the home crowd began to come to life.

The Buff “D” stepped up once again with good pressure on Dausin as he was sacked by Westbrooks and sophomore linebacker Shane Sobnosky for a seven yard loss as the Thunderwolves were on the doorstep. Greg O'Donnell kicked his second field goal of the game for a 24-6 score with 6:06 remaining in the third quarter.

A big pass interference penalty on CSUP kept the ensuing Buff drive alive as they marched to the CSUP 33 where Castillo kicked a 50-yard field goal for a 27-6 advantage.

WT put the game out of reach on the defensive side as Westbrooks sacked and forced a Dausin fumble as junior linebacker LeBrandon Mosley picked up the loose ball and ran in from 26-yards out on the ensuing CSUP possession for a 34-6 lead late in the third quarter. It was first fumble returned for a touchdown by the Buffs since Chris Metcalf returned one 25 yards versus Texas A&M-Kingsville in Cowboys Stadium earlier this season.

The longest run of the game from the Thunderwolves came late in the third as Matthews scampered 33 yards to the WT 42 on the next possession. Following the change of the quarter, CSUP marched down field on the shoulders of Matthews and Dausin connected on an 18-yard strike to Josh Sandoval for a score and a 34-13 Buff lead with 12:01 remaining.

Great clock management by the Buffs followed as they went on a season-high 16 play, 89-yard drive getting to the CSUP 6 as a Vaughan pass was intercepted in the end zone with 4:26 remaining.

Box Score

COURTESY  WEST TEXAS A&M UNIVERSITY SPORTS INFORMATION

THE SHOW: Sounds of Alabama A&M University vs. Auburn University

TSU Men's Basketball Defeats Alabama A&M, 83-72

HUNTSVILLE, Alabama  -- The Tennessee State men's basketball team won its first true road game of the season on Saturday night against Alabama A&M, 83-72.

Tennessee State (3-5) had a season-low 10 turnovers in the game, but forced the Bulldogs into 14 miscues.

The Tigers made the most of their good defense, scoring 21 points off of Alabama A&M (2-4) mistakes.

TSU had four players finish in double-figures in Robert Covington, Kellen Thornton, Patrick Miller and Jordan Cyphers. Covington led all scorers with 27 points while Thornton added 17.

Tennessee State head coach Travis Williams stressed taking good shots in practice during the week, and it showed, as the Tigers shot 51 percent (26-51) from the field and 79.4 percent (27-34) from the charity stripe.

TSU won the tip and Covington got off to a quick start, nailing his first shot of the game- a long three-pointer. Alabama A&M ran down the floor and countered with a jumper, beginning a fast-paced first half in which neither side took a timeout.

Covington continued to lead the Tigers on offense and scored seven of TSU's first eight points of the game. He finished the half with a team-high 14 points.

Covington may have been leading the charge, but Tennessee State also got strong first half play from Cyphers and Thornton.

Starting from the 15:43 mark, Cyphers canned six straight points for the Tigers during a one-minute span. Cypher's scoring flurry gave the Tigers a 14-8 lead.

Thornton, meanwhile, had eight points for the Tigers during the opening stanza on 4-7 shooting.

TSU finished the first half on a 9-2 run that started with 3:38 to go and led at the break, 39-31.

Both teams shot well from the field during the period, as TSU was 15-27 (55.6 percent) while Alabama A&M shot 14-27 (51.9 percent).

TSU came out of the gates with gusto, and eventually led by 13 when Thornton converted a layup with 17:27 left in the game.

The Tigers kept up the pressure and Miller nailed a jumper at the 8:52 mark to give the squad a 20-point cushion- its largest of the game.

Miller finished the game with 16 points on 4-9 shooting.

Alabama A&M whittled down the lead for the rest of the game, but couldn't get back within seven of the Tigers, and TSU walked away with an 83-72 victory.

Tennessee State had eight players finish with at least 15 minutes played.

The Tigers will go for three straight wins when they take on the Drexel Dragons at home on Tuesday night at 7 p.m.

 

 

COURTESY TENNESSEE STATE UNIVERSITY SPORTS INFORMATION

Pioneer Bowl: Tuskegee and Elizabeth State both showcased big-time running backs

COLUMBUS, Georgia  --  Saturday's Pioneer Bowl at A.J. McClung's stadium was the final collegiate game for both Elizabeth City State's DaRonte McNeil and Tuskegee's Derrick Washington.

But it might not be the last time you see the star running backs do their thing. There's chance each of them could be selected in April's NFL draft and an even better chance they get invited to camp to audition for a roster spot if they aren't chosen.

Despite finishing their careers at Division II schools, both are Division I talents.

McNeil, who finished with 147 yards and two touchdowns on 19 carries to help lead the Vikings to a 28-13 victory, began his career at East Carolina.

At chiseled 6-foot-1, 220-pounds, he certainly possesses the physique to bang with the big boys.

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Pioneer Bowl: Big strip turns sure touchdown into touchback in Tuskegee's 28-13 loss to Elizabeth City State

COLUMBUS, Georgia---Derrick Washington had done the hard part on the third quarter handoff.

The 6-foot, 215-pound Tuskegee running back had burst through Elizabeth City State's defensive line, made his move and accelerated beyond the Vikings' secondary.

There was nothing between him and six points but grass. But he let off the gas pedal at the 1-yard line where defensive back Josh Brooks chased him down from behind and knocked the ball away to force a touchback on what would've been a 69-yard touchdown in the Golden Tigers' 28-13 loss in the Pioneer Bowl at A.J. McClung Stadium Saturday .

"I slowed down. That's my fault," Washigton said. "I think that was the big momentum swing in the game right there and that's all one me. I should've just sprinted to the end zone. I could've eased up and coasted and he came and popped it out right at the 1. It was a good play."

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2-Minute Drill: Elizabeth City State 28, Tuskegee 13 (Pioneer Bowl)


WHY ELIZABETH CITY STATE WON

Elizabeth City State forced three turnovers and did what hardly anybody had anyone had done against Tuskegee--ran the football. The Vikings racked up 227 yards on the ground against the Tigers, the most the SIAC's stoutest defense gave up all season.

KEY MOMENT

Elizabeth City State defensive back Josh Brooks' strip of Tuskegee running back Derrick Washington at the 1-yard line erased what would've been a 69-yard touchdown and changed the complexion of the game. Vikings' running back DaRonte McNeil's 44-yard touchdown with 4:38 to play put Elizabeth City State in the driver's seat.


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NCAA Division II Quarterfinals: Winston-Salem State 21, Indiana (Pa.) 17

WSSU advances by beating Indiana (Pa.) 21-17

WINSTON-SALEM, North Carolina  --  Second-ranked Winston-Salem State lived to see another day in the Division II playoffs.

The Rams needed a late touchdown in front of 5,212 fans at Bowman Gray Stadium to hold off 11th-ranked Indiana (Pa.) 21-17 on Saturday afternoon.

The Rams (13-0) advanced to the semifinals for the second straight season and will play West Texas A&M this Saturday.  The #6 seeded A&M (12-2) defeated #1 seed Colorado State-Pueblo 34-13 to advance to the semifinals.

For just the second time all season the Rams trailed entering the fourth quarter but quarterback Kameron Smith, who hadn’t played since the first half of the CIAA championship game on Nov. 10 because of an injury, came in to rally his team.

Smith’s 1-yard touchdown pass with 3:51 left to fullback Ricky Rozier gave the Rams a 21-17 lead after Landen Thayer’s extra-point attempt was good.

The Crimson Hawks (12-2) weren’t done, however, and they came back and had three shots from the Rams’ 5-yard line with 1:07 to go but couldn’t score. On the fourth-and-goal with 34 seconds left quarterback Mike Box of the Hawks threw an incomplete pass when he was pressured and hit by linebacker Carlos Fields.

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Winston-Salem State Advances To NCAA DII Semifinals

WINSTON-SALEM, North Carolina  --  For the second straight year, Winston-Salem State has advanced to the NCAA Division II Semifinals.

Head Coach Connell Maynor and the Rams beat Indiana (PA) 21-17.

Ricky Rozier put WSSU up 7-0 with the 1 yard TD run in the 2nd quarter.

The Crimson Hawks tie the game up when Mike Box and Terrill Barnes on the 36 yard pass and catch for the touchdown.

With :01 second left in the 1st half, WSSU's Anthony Carrothers rolls out, launches the pass into the air and 6'6 Kenneth Patterson makes the grab and scores.

The Rams lead 14-7 at half.

 

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