Ross' Game Winner Gives Chicago State 57-55 WAC Win At Idaho

Senior Matt Ross' last second rebound and basket gave the
 Cougars a road WAC win over Idaho.
(Courtesy Chicago State Athletics)

MOSCOW, Idaho  -- Senior Matt Ross (Dixon, Ill./Dixon)' put back basket with 3.2 seconds remaining lifted Chicago State to a 57-55 victory over Idaho on Saturday (Jan. 4) evening at the Cowan Spectrum. The win gives the Cougars their first Western Athletic Conference in program history.

"We told the guys in the huddle to hit the boards in that final possession and that's just what Matt did," Chicago State head coach Tracy Dildy said. "This is a big win for us. We knew Idaho was going to make a run but the guys didn't panic in the final minute."

Idaho's only lead of the game came on the first basket of the game at 2-0. Senior Quinton Pippen (Hamburg, Ark./Hamburg) drained a deep 3-pointer from the top of the arc at the buzzer of the first half to put the Cougars up 38-28 at the break. Chicago State scored the first four points of the second half, including two on a turn around jumper by Pippen, to build a 14-point lead.

While the Vandals kept it under double-digits for most of the second half it seemed Chicago State was close to putting the game away when senior Corey Gray (Houston, Texas/Hightower) made a step back jumper with 2:39 left to put the Cougars up 55-48. Then the Vandals went on a run. Idaho scored the next seven points while Chicago State committed two turnovers and missed a pair of free throws in the process.

Idaho's Mike Scott capped the 7-0 run on a layup with 1:05 left. On the ensuing possession, first it was Pippen missing a 3-pointer with 41 seconds left. Gray grabbed the long offensive rebound and asked for a timeout. Chicago State drained the clock before Gray drove to the basket with five seconds. He saw his layup attempt roll off the rim but Ross was there for the rebound and the basket.

Idaho still had 3.2 seconds remaining but failed to get a shot off in the final moments.

The Cougars were led by Pippen's game-high 18 points. The senior made his first six shots of the game. Pippen finished with four 3-pointers to bring his career total at CSU to 103. He is now tied for seventh all-time in career 3-pointers at Chicago State with Tony Weeden (2003-05) .

Senior Eddie Denard (Chicago, Ill./Foreman) added 13 points, with 11 coming in the first half.

"Our start was big," Dildy said. "We shot 54 percent in the first half and 44 percent from three in the first half. On the road you need starts like that. We went inside early and Eddie got some of those big shots in the first half."

Ross finished with eight points and eight rebounds. Grey added four points, five assists and three steals.

Chicago State shot 22-of-50 (44.0 percent) from the floor. Idaho finished 19-of-47 (40.4 percent) from the field.

The win was the Cougars' first road victory of the season.

Idaho falls to 6-10 (0-2 WAC). Chicago State improves to 6-8 (1-0 WAC). Chicago State steps out of WAC play on Tuesday when UW-Green Bay comes to town. Tip at the JCC will be 7 p.m.

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COURTESY CHICAGO STATE UNIVERSITY ATHLETIC MEDIA RELATIONS

Second-half run pushes TU Golden Tigers ahead of Morehouse

ATLANTA, Georgia -- In a game that was never really in doubt, the Tuskegee Golden Tigers earned a 77-66 victory over the Morehouse Maroon Tigers in a nationally televised game inside the friendly confines of the Daniel 'Chappie' James Center early Saturday morning. With the exception of Morehouse's first made basket, Tuskegee led the entire game to kick off conference play with a 1-0 start (4-6 overall) in the win, which was simulcast on both the CBS Sports Network and NCAA.com.

An 11-point halftime lead was stretched out to as many as 26 points, and Tuskegee earned the first win over their cross-state rival in five tries. The last time Tuskegee defeated Morehouse was also the last time the Maroon Tigers visited the James Center two seasons ago, when TU picked up a 69-60 victory on Jan. 21, 2012. Morehouse had won three in a row, with all of those games being played at the Frank Forbes Arena in Atlanta.

Coach Leon Douglas said he wasn't satisfied, even though his team was up comfortably going into halftime. He hinted at halftime adjustments that quickly became prevalent in an interview before the start of the second half.

"I'm not exactly happy, because we're not doing a good job of rebounding," Douglas said of the halftime lead. "You see, rebounding is a key to controlling tempo. We have to do a better job of rebounding and getting the ball out to our guards, so that we can create a faster pace. Our strength is our quickness and our uptempo style. Now, I'm not upset, because we're leading. But, I would like a more comfortable lead."

Douglas would get his wish of a bigger lead, which ultimately ended the game. The Golden Tigers out rebounded Morehouse 42-34 for the contest, as the home team was able to stretch the lead out on the strength of a 17-4 run during the first 5:30 of game time after intermission. This gave TU their second-largest lead of the day, at 52-28 with 14:34 remaining.

Javier McKinney led TU with 22 points and a couple of highlight dunks, including a two-handed, staple-punching alley-oop from Kevin May that served as the nail in the coffin. This put the Golden Tigers back up by double-digits with 52.1 seconds remaining. Just moments earlier, Morehouse had cut Tuskegee's massive lead down to just seven with less than two minutes remaining. May also had a solid game across the board, as he finished with 14 points, six rebounds, four assists and three steals.

Morehouse was able to keep the game competitive in spots, especially late in the contest. But, they never posed a significant threat for the Golden Tigers, even though Darrius Williams made his season debut for the visitors. Williams, the SIAC's leading scorer from last season, finished with the game's only double-double, as he had 14 points and 11 rebounds. He was one of four Maroon Tigers to score in double digits, as David Buchannon had a game-high 26 points. But, both efforts were not enough, as Morehouse shot just over 40 percent for the game, and 34 percent in the first half. By comparison, Tuskegee shot almost 47 percent from the field, and was buoyed by a second half in which the home team shot almost 52 percent.

Both Tuskegee basketball teams will be back in action Monday afternoon, and the times for both games have been moved up to avoid conflict with the BCS National Championship that will be played later that evening. The Tuskegee Tigerettes will take the floor at the James Center, with a 2:00 p.m. tip off against the Lady Rams of Albany State University. Coach Douglas' squad will look for consecutive wins to kick off 2014 in a 4:00 p.m. match up against ASU.

Box Score

COURTESY TUSKEGEE UNIVERSITY SPORTS INFORMATON

Livingstone Blue Bears Breeze Past VUU, 113-96

SALISBURY, North Carolina  -- The Livingstone College men's basketball team defeated Virginia Union University 113-96 on Saturday night.

Livingstone had seven players to score double figures.

The Blue Bears owned the first half as they dominated the Panthers in the field. The Blue Bears hit 21-of-40 shots (52 percent) compared to the Panthers 28 percent. The Blue Bears forced the Panthers to commit eight turnovers in which they scored 13 points.

 The Blue Bears were a dominating force in the paint, scoring 18 points with the help of Christian Henry and Eric Mayo.

 Henry finished the game with 16 points and six rebounds while Mayo added 13 points to the score and grabbed eight rebounds.

 The Livingstone bench also played a major role in their success in the first half by adding 30 points to the score collectively.

 The Blue Bears ended the first half 61-37.

 In the second half, the Panthers out scored the Blue Bears 59-52, however the Blue Bears maintained control of the game. 

Mark Thomas led the Blue Bears with 21 points and seven assists. Anthony Welch followed Thomas' performance with 18 points. Welch hit four-of-six shots from behind the three point line, he also recorded six rebounds.

Eric Dubose contributed 13 points and five assists.

Cameron LeFear and Jody Hill paced the Blue Bears with 11 points respectively.

The Blue Bears are now 9-2 overall and 2-0 in the conference.

Livingstone will return to action on January 6 as they face Lincoln University (PA). Game time is slated for 7:30 p.m.

 

COURTESY LIVINGSTONE UNIVERSITY SPORTS INFORMATION
  

Grambling to receive $50K scholarship donation from Allstate

GRAMBLING, Louisiana  -- Grambling State University was selected to receive a $50,000 scholarship from Allstate thanks to its supporters who voted during the Allstate/Tom Joyner Foundation ‘Show Your School Pride’ Competition.

The program was established to support students at Historically Black Colleges and Universities. More than 100 colleges and universities competed for the top prize.

When Grambling dismissed for the Christmas holidays, President Frank Pogue said Grambling was trailing in the competition to Lincoln University of Missouri by more than 2,000 votes. He assumed Lincoln would take home the scholarship funding, but Friday morning he received word Grambling supporters rallied to put the university in first place.

“After the year we had last year it was great to get such wonderful news first thing this morning. What a way to start the new year,” Pogue said. “There’s been a lot of excitement around here. No one needs scholarship money more than our students since we have about 90 percent of our student body on some form of federal or state financial aid. I could start every day off feeling this way.”

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Devilettes open conference schedule with win over UAPB

GREENWOOD, Mississippi -- Mississippi Valley State women's basketball opened up conference play Saturday on a high note, defeating Arkansas-Pine Bluff, 60-49, at the Leflore County Civic Center.

Joncyee Sanders (15 points) and her twin sister Jasmyne Sanders (12) combined for 27 points to lead the Devilettes (2-10, 1-0 SWAC) to their second win of the season.

Both teams got off to a rough start, with both teams going scoreless for the first three minutes of the game. But, the Devilettes got it going and went into halftime with a 28-18 lead.

Valley never relinquished the lead thanks to the Sanders twins along with Olivia Kennedy, who chipped in 12 points. DeRita Silas added eight points for the Devilettes off the bench.

MVSU shot 35.8 percent from the field.

Christina Lasane and Jazmyne Victorian paced the Lady Lions with 13 points apiece.

The Devilettes will be on the road next Saturday at Alabama State. Tipoff is set for 3 p.m.

Box Score

COURTESY MISSISSIPPI VALLEY STATE UNIVERSITY SPORTS INFORMATION

Hornets Bench Leads ASU Past Grambling State

GRAMBLING, Louisiana  --  In a game where Alabama State's two leading scorers only scored 10 points, the Hornets bench came through to lead the Hornets to a conference-opening 68-51 win over Grambling State in Southwestern Athletic Conference action.

Jamel Waters and DeMarcus Robinson were ASU's leading scorers averaging 28 points between them and finished the game with only 10 points as Waters scored eight and Robinson two.

That let the bench duo of Bobby Brown and Terrance LeFlore come off the bench to lead the team in scoring.  Brown's 18 points led the team and LeFlore scored a career-high 13 points, all in the second half, as ASU's bench finished with 33 points.

"Terrance LeFlore came in and did a good job in the second half," Head Coach Lewis Jackson said.  "I am playing him at two positions and he is a freshman.  He is still trying to learn his way but he works hard and Bobby Brown could be a starter.  But he comes in off the bench and he gives us some points there around the basket as well as from the outside."

The hornets struggled from the field shooting 41 percent (25-61), but turned it up in the second half hitting 50 percent (15-30) to break open a game that was close at halftime.

ASU's (7-5/1-0 SWAC) big run came at the start of the second half as the Hornets opened up a slim two-point halftime lead by scoring the first seven points out of the locker room to lead 38-39 and went on to lead by as much as 19 at 66-47.

Brandon Graham was the only starter to get to double digits in scoring with 13 points.  Graham, Brown and LeFlore had three three point field goals each as ASU hit nine of their 25 attempts (31%).  ASU also did a solid job at the free throw line connecting on nine of their 12 attempts for 75 percent.

ASU out rebounded the home team 40-34 with Luther Page and Robinson leading the way with eight boards each.  Robinson's eight rebounds was a career-high.

Even though Waters only scored eight points he still showed why he is the SWAC's top assist performer finishing the game with seven.  The Hornets once again did a solid job taking care of the ball and had 15 assists compared to only 10 turnovers.

"We did a good job of moving the ball around and trying to be efficient in our offense," Jackson said.  "The 15 assists really stands out, and the rebounding going to the glass and getting offensive rebounds.  17 offensive boards are things we have been preaching along with playing defense while at the same time going to the glass and getting second chances for ourselves and the guys really did a good job of doing that tonight."

ASU's defense held GSU (1-9/0-1 SWAC) to 37.5 percent (18-48) and did a good job on GSU's leading scorers A'Torri Shine, Ramond Brown and Antwan Scott.  All three came into the game scoring in double digits and between them were averaging 42.2 points per game.

Scott was the only one of the three to reach double digits with a team-high 12. That was 1.5 points under his average.  Shine was the team's leading scorer at 17.9 and he could only manage seven points on the evening and Brown was well under his 10.9 average with only two points.

"We did get some stops," Jackson said.  "We wanted to come out in the second half and get some stops and try to build a lead.  We didn't want to be going down the stretch in a one point ball game because it is so difficult to win here.  But the guys hung together, got some stops, shared the ball and made some shots that pushed it (the lead) out to a few points and we were able to hang on."

ASU went into the locker room clinging to a 31-29 lead.  ASU only shot 32 percent in the opening half, but five of their 10 field goals were three point field goals.  Brown had three of those and led ASU with 13 first half points.

Dandridge had 10 first half points to lead the host as Grambling shot a sizzling 52 percent from the field.  The difference in the first half was ASU turning nine GSU turnovers into 12 points while ASU only committed four turnovers which did not lead to any points for the Tigers.

The Hornets will continue their conference season-opening road trip at Jackson State Monday, Jan. 6 at 7:30 p.m.

Box Score

COURTESY ALABAMA STATE UNIVERSITY SPORTS INFORMATION

No Scott, no problem; as SUNO Lady Knights top Voorhees in conference opener

Front row (left to right): Baquisha Willis, Anna-Rose Mable, Janee Morton,
April Perry, Breyona Bennett, Sheanice Rhoden
Back row (left to right): Head Coach Elston King, Elina Piterniece, Sharilyn Reed,
Iceyuniek Parker, Sabrina Scott, Rose Boatner, Alisha Drayton,
Assistant Coach Roshaun Ambrose

DENMARK, South Carolina  --  It's hard to miss Sabrina Scott when she's on the floor.  The 6'5 center is one of the most imposing presences in the NAIA.  It was even harder not to notice her absence when Southern University at New Orleans sent out its starting five for its GCAC opener versus the Voorhees Lady Tigers.  The Lady Knights, however, showed they are much more than a one-woman-gang in earning a 76-63 victory.

"Of course we missed Sabrina", said Head Coach Elston King.  "Anytime you take someone with that kind of presence, with her ability to score down low and more importantly for us her shot-blocking and rebounding, it is a loss for the team.  The ladies knew they would have to step up and that's what they did.  To go on the road and get a win in the conference opener is big for us.  So while she gets well, we'll hold down the fort and keep moving."

Shay Reed got the start in place of Scott and collected a double-double with 10 points and 12 rebounds.  Shonte Dillon and Victoria Davis led the team in scoring with 17 points apiece.  Brandy Broome added 12 points of her own.  SUNO's defense held Voorhees to just 40 percent shooting from the field.

Dillon added, "We're in a good rhythm right now.  Everybody knows their roles and what Coach expects out of us so we've been able to get on a pretty good streak (6 consecutive wins).  We want to win the GCAC and you have to win on the road to do that.  This is a good start, but there's a long way to go."

SUNO plays the second of its three game road trip Tuesday night at Fisk.  The Lady Bulldogs dropped their conference opener to Xavier 50-44. Game time is scheduled for 6:00 pm.

COURTESY SOUTHERN UNIVERSITY AT NEW ORLEANS MEDIA RELATIONS

Bleu Devils win streak snapped by Talladega's 123 points

TALLADEGA, Alabama -- Nationally ranked Talladega extended its win streak to four with a victory over the Bleu Devils by the score of 123-76 in the Callanan Gymnasium on the campus of Talladega College.

Dillard (4-2, 0-1 GCAC) struggled from the get go, giving up 57 first half points to the Tornadoes as they trailed by 23 at the half.  Talladega shot 61 percent from the field in the first half and continued their sensational shooting spree by scoring 66 points in the second half and shooting 64 percent from the field.

Dillard freshman Robert Pratt had a strong game, finishing with 19 points on 7-of-11 shooting from the field.  Despite fouling out late in the game, Pratt also grabbed six boards and dished out one assist in 20 minutes of action.  Meanwhile senior Jeremy Rixner finished with 14 points, five rebounds, two assists and one block in 31 minutes.

Senior Lance Theard chipped in with eight points, four rebounds and three assists but did not manage to score a bucket in the second half.  Freshman Kristopher Allmon also finished with eight points and added three rebounds and two assists in 23 minutes.

The Tornadoes managed to produce five scorers in double figures and also had two other players with nine points apiece.

The Bleu Devils continue conference play on Monday, January 6, when they travel to Florida to face Edward Waters College.

COURTESY GULF COAST ATHLETIC CONFERENCE & DILLARD UNIVERSITY

SU Jaguars rally to win opener in SWAC

PRAIRIE VIEW, Texas — The Southern men’s basketball team began the week with a record-setting start. On Saturday, it was all about the finish.

Trailing by five points down the stretch, Malcolm Miller and Calvin Godfrey took over to lead the Jaguars to a 60-57 win against Prairie View in the Southwestern Athletic Conference opener for both teams.

Miller hit a big 3-pointer with 1:56 remaining to give the Jaguars the lead for good, while Godfrey hit five free throws in the final 33 seconds to clinch the victory.

“It’s a game that is not good for my heart, but it was good for our team,” Southern coach Roman Banks said.

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Hampton Pirates Storm Past Radford In The Second Half

HAMPTON, Virginia  -- The Hampton University men's basketball team used a strong second half on Saturday to run away from Radford, pulling away to an 87-60 win at the HU Convocation Center.

The Pirates (7-7) have won five of their last seven games.

Sophomore guard Deron Powers (Williamsburg, Va.) led the Pirates with 18 points and six assists, while senior forward Du'Vaughn Maxwell (Manhattan, N.Y.) added 16 points and four rebounds. Junior center Emmanuel Okoroba (Garland, Texas) came off the bench to add 13 points and five rebounds.

Sophomore guard Dwight Meikle (Baltimore, Md.) added 10 points off the bench.

After Radford took an early 4-2 lead, the Pirates scored nine of the next 11 points to take an 11-6 lead at the 16:07 mark after a layup from Maxwell. A layup from redshirt-freshman guard Lawrence Cooks (Charlotte, N.C.) with 10:34 left in the half put Hampton up 18-11.

But Radford answered with nine straight points to take a 20-18 lead at the 9:01 mark, before Darden hit a trey with 8:42 left in the half to give the Pirates a 21-20 lead. That basket kicked off a 10-3 Hampton run, and the Pirates led 28-23 with 5:24 left in the half after a Maxwell layup.

Radford cut the lead to 28-26, but the Pirates closed the half on a 7-3 spurt to take a 35-29 lead into the locker room. Maxwell had 12 points to lead the Pirates at the break.

The Highlanders cut Hampton's lead to 43-38 with 16:49 left in the first half, but the Pirates answered with a half-defining – and game-defining – run.

Maxwell hit a jumper in the lane to give the Pirates a 50-40 lead with 12:59 left in the second half, capping off a 7-2 run. Sophomore guard Ke'Ron Brown (Savannah, Ga.) later added a tip-in at the 12:10 mark to put Hampton up 52-40.

Senior guard Ramon Mercado (Hollywood, Fla.) extended Hampton's run to 12-2 – and the lead to 55-40 – with a corner trey with 11:35 left in the second half.

Meikle gave the Pirates a 58-40 lead – and extended Hampton's run to 15-2 – when his floater with 10:47 left was tipped by a defender on the way down for a goaltending call.

When Meikle stuffed home a two-handed dunk with 8:56 to go, it gave the Pirates a 62-41 lead and capped off what ultimately turned into a 19-3 run.

Through it all, Radford went from the 15:18 mark to the 8:16 mark without a field goal.

Powers hit a pair of free throws with 5:34 left to give the Pirates a 70-49 lead, and Brown followed suit at the charity stripe with 5:10 left to give Hampton up 72-51. Radford answered on the other end, before Maxwell hit a layup with 4:42 left to give the Pirates a 74-53 lead.

Powers hit a pair of free throws with 2:52 left to give the Pirates a 79-56 lead, before Meikle added a 3-pointer at the 2:31 mark to put Hampton up 82-56 – and Powers added two more free throws with 2:05 left to give Hampton an 84-56 lead.

The Pirates shot 53.4 percent (31-for-58) from the floor and hit five of their 11 3-pointers (45.5 percent). Hampton went 20-for-38 (52.6 percent) from the free throw line, but the Pirates turned 17 Radford turnovers into 15 points.

Radford (10-5) shot just 33.3 percent (19-for-57) from the floor and made four of 14 3-pointers. The Highlanders only went 18-for-37 (48.6 percent) from the free throw line, but Radford held a 46-39 edge on the glass.

Ya Ya Anderson led Radford with 13 points.

The Pirates will hit the road on Tuesday, heading to Durham, N.C. for a non-conference tilt against North Carolina Central at 7 p.m. For more information on Hampton University basketball, please call the Office of Sports Information at (757) 727-5811, or visit the official Pirates website at www.hamptonpirates.com.

Box Score

COURTESY HAMPTON UNIVERSITY SPORTS INFORMATION

Hornets Defeat Campbell for Jackson's 200th DSU Win

HEAD COACH GREG JACKSON
DSU HORNETS MEN'S BASKETBALL
CAREER RECORD: 363-288
ALMA MATER: SAINT PAUL'S (1980)

BUIES CREEK, North Carolina  -- Casey Walker led four Delaware State players in double figures with a  career-high 30 points in the Hornets’ 70-60 win over Campbell at Gore Arena this evening.

The victory is  No. 200 at DSU for Hornet head coach Greg Jackson, who is now one from tying the school’s record for coaching wins. The late Bennie George (1949-71) holds the record with 201 wins (201-219). Jackson also improved his career record to 363-288. He is in his 14^th season with the Hornets and 23^rd as a collegiate head coach.

Walker was seven-for-16 from the field, four-of-nine from three-point territory and 12-for-15 at the free throw line. He has 51 points in the last two games, each DSU wins. His 30 points are the most by a Hornet player since Donald Johnson poured in 31 vs. UMES on Mar. 5, 2009.

Walker has reached double figures in scoring in seven of the last eight games to take over the team scoring lead at 12.5 points per game.

Kendal Williams added 12 points for the Hornets, while Kendall Gray and Tyshawn Bell contributed 11 each. Gray also had a game high four blocks to give him eight in the last two games. In addition, he has scored in double figures in each of the last five games.

Delaware State trailed 32-30 at the half, but outscored the Camels 40-28 in the final 20 minutes.

The first half featured six ties and nine lead changes.

The Hornets held their biggest first half lead, 17-11, on a lay-up by Bell at the 10:09 mark. The Camels outscored DSU 21-13 during the remainder of the half to hold a two-point advantage at the break.

Campbell led 40-36 before the Hornets began to take control.

Walker capped off a 17-4 DSU run over the next six minutes with a three-pointer to give the Hornets a 53-44 lead with 8:04 left to play. Gray scored five points and Bell four during the rally, while Campbell hit just two-of- nine shots and committed a turnover during the DSU spurt.

After the Camels answered with a 9-2 run to pull to within two, Walker came up with two big plays to give the Hornets a little breathing room.

He had a dunk off a steal and a three-pointer to give the Hornets a 62-55 lead with 3:03 remaining in the game.

Delaware State hit eight-of-10 free throws in the in the last minute, including five-of-six by Walker, to seal the win.

The Hornets were 22-for-46 from the field for the game (47.8%), hitting 11-of-23 shots from the floor in each half. DSU was 22-for-32 at the free throw line (68.8%) and four-of-13 from three-point range (30.8%).

Campbell hit 22 of its 55 shots from the field (40.0%), but just two- of-21 from three-point territory (9.5%).

Delaware State won the rebound battle 35-to-34.

The Hornets won their second straight game, each against Big South Conference teams, to improve to 4-10 this season.  DSU defeated Big South member Gardner-Webb 66-65 in overtime in its previous game.

Campbell fell to 6-9 on the season.

The Hornets resume MEAC play next Saturday (Jan. 11) with a home contest against Hampton. Game time is 4:00 p.m.  The home stand continues the following Monday (Jan. 13) against Norfolk State. Tip-off is set for 7:30 p.m.

FINAL BOX SCORE   

COURTESY DELAWARE STATE UNIVERSITY SPORTS INFORMATION

Rattlers Clawed By Auburn Tigers 81-50

AUBURN, Alabama  -- The Florida A&M Men's Basketball team dropped an 81-50 decision to Southeastern Conference member Auburn University, here Saturday afternoon at Auburn Arena.

FAMU (4-11) was led by Jamie Adams as he scored nine points, while both Jomari Bradshaw and Trey Kellum added eight points each.  Bradshaw led the Rattlers on the boards with seven.

AU (8-3) was paced by KT Harrell with a game-high 22 points.   Chris Denson finished the contest with 19 points, while Allen Payne recorded a double-double on the night as he pulled down 13 rebounds and scored 16 points on the night.

The Rattlers jumped out to a 6-2 lead capped off by an Adams four-point play  with 18:24 to go in the first.

AU would retake the lead as the Tigers used a 5-0 run, capped off by a Denson layup with 17:29 left in the half.

FAMU would go into the break trailing  AU, 38-27 as  the Rattlers finished the first half shooting 27.3 percent  (9-of- 33), while AU shot 45.9 percent (17-of-37).

In the second half, AU would outscore FAMU, 43-23 for the 81-50 win.
The Rattlers finished the contest shooting  21.9 percent (14-of-64), whereas the Tigers shot 48.4 percent (31-of-64).

FAMU will return to action on Saturday, January 11 as the Rattlers welcome North Carolina Central to the Al Lawson Center  in their first Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference contest of 2014 in a 6 p.m. start.

COURTESY FLORIDA A&M UNIVERSITY SPORTS INFORMATION

AAMU's Head Football Coach James Spady Press Conference

TSU Records First OVC Win of the Season Over JSU

NASHVILLE, Tennessee  -- The Tennessee State men’s basketball team notched its first Ohio Valley Conference victory of the season with a 70-65 home win against Jacksonville State on Saturday night.

Senior guard Patrick Miller led the Tigers with 19 points and added five rebounds, four assist and four steals.

 

Fellow senior Jacquan Nobles was second on the team, finishing with 11 points on 4-of-7 shooting, including a 3-for-6 mark from deep.

 

Forward M.J. Rhett recorded a game-high 13 rebounds, helping Tennessee State (2-14, 1-2 OVC) to a 35-28 advantage on the boards.

 

The Gamecocks won the tip, but Miller stole a JSU pass, raced all the way down the court, and converted a contested layup for the game’s first basket.

Miller later converted a pair of free throws at the 12:50 mark to put the Tigers up, 13-7. Jacksonville State (7-11, 1-2 OVC) committed the first six fouls of the game, leading to seven of TSU’s first 13 points.

 

The Tigers continued to roll in the first half as a jumper by Ugo Mmonu made the score 22-15 with nine minutes to play before halftime.

 

Tennessee State made just two of its last 10 shots of the stanza, allowing JSU to go on a 15-9 run for the remainder of the period. However, TSU still led at the break for the second consecutive game, 31-30.

 

The Tigers were outshot during the opening 20 minutes, 46 to 37 percent, but held a 21-10 advantage on the glass.

 

Nobles drained a triple to start the second half, and Kennedy Eubanks added a layup on the next trip down the floor to put the Tigers back up by six.

 

JSU brought the TSU lead down to one with a bucket at the 15:22 mark, but back-to-back triples by Eubanks and Jay Harris made the score 46-41 in favor of the home side.

 

Nobles hit his third three of the game with 5:30 to go to put TSU up by eight, but the Gamecocks pulled within two with a 5-0 run later in the period.

 

Miller nailed a triple on TSU’s next possession to make the score 65-60 with only 1:36 left and the Tigers forced a turnover on the ensuing series.

 

From there, Tennessee State made 5-of-7 from the charity stripe and escaped with a five-point victory, 70-65.

 

The Tigers were 8-for-17 (47.1 percent) from beyond the three-point line during the game, including a 6-for-11 line for the second half.

 

TSU will take a brief reprieve from conference play by hosting Middle Tennessee State on Tuesday, Jan. 7 at 7 p.m.

 

 Final Box

 

COURTESY TENNESSEE STATE UNIVERSITY SPORTS INFORMATION

Allen’s Last Second Shot Lifts TSU Past JSU in Overtime

NASHVILLE, TENNESSEE --- In a game that came down to the final seconds, the Tennessee State University women’s basketball team came away with a, 78-76, overtime win against Jacksonville State Saturday night in the Gentry Center.

Tennessee State (4-11, 1-1 OVC) overcame a double-digit deficit to pick up its first OVC win of the season and second straight victory at home.

For the first time this season, TSU had five players to score in double-figures led by Chelsea Hudson’s 30 points and eight rebounds. Jayda Johnson scored 11 while Rachel Allen, Brianna Lawrence and Alana Morris each finished with 10 points.

Jacksonville State (4-12, 0-3 OVC) was led in scoring by Destany McLin’s 24 points and nine rebounds while Candace Morton added 20 points and eight rebounds. Gia Banks tallied 11 for JSU.

After getting off to a slow offensive start, TSU outscored JSU 10-4 to knot the score at 14-all. The Gamecocks, however, answered with a run to regain the lead, 21-14 at the 9:51 mark.

TSU suffered another scoring drought and fell behind by double-digits with 6:07 left in the half.

Over the next several possessions the momentum shifted as TSU turned up its defensive pressure and held JSU scoreless for nearly four minutes. During the span, The Lady Tigers cut the deficit down to four points.

With 7.8 seconds on the clock Brianna Lawrence knocked down a triple from the corner to make the score, 33-31, in favor of Jacksonville State going into the break.

After both teams briefly traded buckets in the opening moments of the second half, JSU created a little distance behind an 8-2 run.

An old fashioned three-point play by Chelsea Hudson coupled with a lay-up from Alana Morris pulled TSU within two, 52-50, with 9:29 remaining.

At the 6:44 mark, TSU briefly took the lead, 57-56, following two made free-throws by Morris. JSU recaptured the advantage on the next possession and from there the teams battled.

The score was tied, 62-62, at the final media timeout. Down the stretch, TSU was trailing, 70-67, when Chelsea Hudson buried a triple from the top of the key with 46.5 seconds left.

With time winding down both teams missed their final shot attempts and the game went to overtime.

In the extra frame, TSU managed to go ahead, 74-73, after Chelsea Hudson scored in the paint. JSU answered with a bucket on its trip down the floor to make the score, 74-73, in favor of the home team.

The Gamecocks scored once again and took the lead, 74-75, before forcing the Lady Tigers to turn the ball over. After making one-of-two free-throws, JSU led, 76-74. On the ensuing possession, Brianna Lawrence hit a floater to pull TSU even.

Lawrence then forced a turnover to give possession back to the Lady Tigers. After missing two shots and hauling in two offensive boards, TSU called a timeout to draw up a play with 12 seconds left.

Out of the timeout, Rachel Allen drove to the lane and sank a short jumper with 2.7 seconds remaining.

JSU’s final shot attempt was off the mark.

Tennessee State shot 37.7 percent from the field despite only connecting 2-of-15 from long range. TSU, however, was able to make 18-of-28 from the free-throw line.

Jacksonville State shot 45.1 percent from the field, including 22.2 percent from beyond the arc while hitting 28-of-40 free-throws.

TSU held the advantage in rebounds, 44-40, points in the paint, 34-20, bench points, 25-10 and steals, 16-6.

The Lady Tigers return to action on Monday when the host the Golden Eagles of Tennessee Tech. Game time is slated for 6 p.m. in the Gentry Center.

TSU vs. Jacksonville State Box

COURTESY TENNESSEE STATE UNIVERSITY SPORTS INFORMATION

Gold Rush defense dominates in 29-point victory at Fisk

NASHVILLE, Tenn. -- RJ Daniels scored 15 points, and NAIA No. 25 Xavier University of Louisiana limited Fisk to 21.8 percent from the floor in a 75-46 Gulf Coast Athletic Conference men's basketball victory Saturday.

Xavier (11-4) allowed its fewest points ever in a GCAC opener. The field-goal percentage defense was Xavier's best in a road game since the start of the 2003-04 season and its best in a conference game since 2010.

It was the fourth time this season a Gold Rush opponent shot less than 30 percent. Xavier entered the game No. 2 in NAIA Division I in field-goal percentage defense.

Sydney Coleman had 14 points and a season-high three blocks for the Gold Rush, and Xavier Rogers produced 11 points, a career-high eight rebounds and a career-high-tying four steals. Gary Smith had a career-high tying five assists and no turnovers.

Xavier led 38-19 at halftime -- its largest
on the road since 2008 -- and by 35 points twice in the final two minutes. The Gold Rush never trailed and outscored the Bulldogs 12-2 in the first five minutes.

Daniels scored in double figures for the first time in six games and the sixth time this season. He grabbed a career-best seven rebounds. Coleman reached double figures for a team-leading 13th time.

Austin Watkins had 22 points, nine rebounds and five steals for Fisk, which was 2-0 against Xavier a year ago, and Nathan Mungo scored 10. Watkins scored 15 first-half points, but his teammates were a combined 1-of-18 from the floor in that period.

The Gold Rush shot 50.9 percent from the floor and made six 3-pointers. Xavier has won six of its last seven games, including 4-of-5 on the road.

Xavier will travel to Denmark, S.C., to play first-year GCAC member Voorhees at 7:30 p.m. EST Monday. The next Gold Rush home game will start at 5 p.m. Saturday against conference and city rival SUNO at the Convocation Center.

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

Gold Nuggets win at Fisk in conference opener

After two dominating basketball victories in Puerto Rico,
the Gold Nuggets enjoyed some Christmas cheer.

ROSTER
SCHEDULE

NASHVILLE, Tenn. -- Xavier University of Louisiana opened its Gulf Coast Athletic Conference women's basketball schedule with a 50-44 victory at Fisk on Saturday.

Whitney Gaston had 10 points and a career-high three steals for the Gold Nuggets (11-5), who have won seven straight. Whitney Gathright and Danielle Tucker had nine points and six rebounds apiece, and Vinnie Briggs had seven points and six rebounds.

Gaston-Loyd scored in double figures for the seventh time this season.

Kim Cox and Rashida Ademosu scored 12 points apiece for the Lady Bulldogs (6-7, 0-1), Janine Davis scored 10, and Nacori Foreman grabbed 14 rebounds.

The Gold Nuggets led 26-16 at halftime after outscoring Fisk 13-2 in the final 7½ minutes of the period. Tucker's basket with 11:34 remaining gave Xavier its largest lead, 38-26.

Cox's 3-point play with 18 seconds remaining reduced the Nuggets' lead to 48-44, then Gathright made two free throws to close the scoring. Gathright was 4-of-4 from the line in the final 30 seconds.

Both teams struggled from the floor, with Xavier making a season-low 25.8 percent and Fisk shooting 27.7. The Nuggets committed 13 turnovers and gained 25, and both teams grabbed 44 rebounds.

The Nuggets have won 21 of their last 22 conference openers.

Xavier will travel to Denmark, S.C., to play first-year GCAC member Voorhees at 5:30 p.m. EST Monday. The Nuggets' next home game will start at 3 p.m. Saturday against conference and city rival SUNO at the Convocation Center.

 

By Ed Cassiere, Sports Information Director

XULAATHLETICS

XAVIER UNIVERSITY OF LOUISIANA

January 4 - HBCU Basketball ScoreCard

NCAA DIVISION I - MEN

MEAC
Delaware State 70, Campbell 60
Hampton 87, Radford 60
Charlotte 88, North Carolina A&T 72
Auburn 81, Florida A&M 50
Towson 81, Coppin State 79
Charleston 60, Howard 50

WAC
Chicago State 57, Idaho 55

OVC
Tennessee State 70, Jacksonville State 65

SWAC
Southern 60, Prairie View A&M 57
Texas Southern 83, Alcorn State 66
Arkansas Pine Bluff 78, Mississippi Valley State 73
Alabama State 68, Grambling State 51
Alabama A&M 68, Jackson State 61

NCAA DIVISION I - WOMEN

MEAC
Howard 71, Morgan State 66
Towson 66, Coppin State 59
Savannah State 63, Maryland Eastern Shore 46

WAC 
Idaho 92, Chicago State 42

OVC
Tennessee State 78, Jacksonville State 76

SWAC
Mississippi Valley State 60, Arkansas Pine Bluff 49
Jackson State 77, Alabama A&M 70
Grambling State 66, Alabama State 63
Southern 88, Prairie View A&M 74
Texas Southern 69, Alcorn State 44

NAIA DIVISION  I

GCAC - MEN
Talladega 123, Dillard 76
Mobile 69, Tougaloo 68 O.T.
Voorhees 67, Southern - New Orleans 66
Edward Waters 84, Philander Smith 71
Xavier (La.) 75, Fisk 46

GCAC - WOMEN
Talladega 88, Dillard 55
Mobile 79, Tougaloo 55
Southern - New Orleans 76, Voorhees 63
Edward Waters 78, Philander Smith 63
Xavier (La.) 50, Fisk 44

NCAA DIVISION II - MEN

CIAA
Lincoln (Pa.) 73, Winston-Salem State 71
Livingstone 113, Virginia Union 96
Johnson C. Smith 84, Bowie State 73
Shaw 80, Chowan 57
Fayetteville State 74, Virginia State 48
Saint Augustine's 77, Elizabeth City State 74

SIAC
Tuskegee 77, Morehouse 66
Lemoyne-Owen 81, Claflin 73
Lane 91, Clark Atlanta 84
Benedict 74, Miles 68
Stillman 92, Paine 80
Fort Valley State 66, Kentucky State 55

NCAA DIVISION II - WOMEN

CIAA
Chowan 69, Shaw 64
Winston-Salem State 72, Lincoln (Pa.) 63
Livingstone 64, Virginia Union 48
Johnson C. Smith 64, Bowie State 59
Virginia State 58, Fayetteville State 53
Saint Augustine's 67, Elizabeth City State 57

SIAC
Benedict 61, Miles 50
Claflin 70, LeMoyne-Owen 63
Clark Atlanta 71, Lane 57
Paine 86, Stillman 78
Fort Valley State 87, Kentucky State 79 

VUU Football Coaching Candidates Narrowed to Four

RICHMOND, Virginia  -- Joe Taylor, Athletic Director at Virginia Union University, has said today that the search committee has narrowed the field down to four finalists for the Head Football Coach position at Virginia Union University.

The four finalists are Mark James, Alvin Parker, Herbert Parham and Orlando Mitjan.


MARK JAMES

Mark James has spent the last two seasons at Virginia Union University as coach of the defensive line and has four season overall at the collegiate level.

James has made several coaching stops along his way to Virginia Union.  He was a Head Coach for nine years at two major high schools in south Florida.  James was able to build powerhouse programs that gained national recognition for producing some of the top division I prospects and several NFL players.

In his tenure he has worked with a number of successful coaches and future and present NFL players.   His list of NFL players coached includes Patrick Simms, Louis Holmes, Stanley Mcglover, Leonard Hankerson, Major Harris, Hanik Milligan, Daryl Mcglover and Super bowl winning Josh Bynes.

He started his coaching career as a high school defensive assistant at Coconut Creek in 1997.  In 1998, James made the decision to attend Virginia Union University after transferring from University of Louisville.  Upon graduation from Virginia Union University in 2000, he returned back to the south Florida area to return to his coaching pathway.

James was the Head coach at Dillard High in 2004-2005. From 2005-2011 he was the Head coach at Boyd Anderson where James won three district championships and lead the team to become the school's all-time winningest football coach.   James has also had short stints at Norfolk State University (Linebackers) and St. Paul's College in 2011(Offensive Coordinator).  His thumb print in south Florida athletics is that he is known for placing the most players in college in an eight-year period than any other program in the state of Florida. James was a defensive lineman at University of Louisville from 1990-1993 and Virginia Union University from 1998-2000.

He earned a degree in history from VUU in 2000.   James was named the National VUU Alumni of the Year in 2007.  He earned his Masters degree in educational leadership from Florida Atlantic University and is scheduled to earn his Ph.D in higher education administration in June of 2014.

James is married to Adia Middleton-James (Former two-sport athlete at VUU '99). He and his wife Adia have three children, Dane, Malik, and Mark Jr.

ALVIN PARKER

Alvin Parker  has spent the past 10 years as the director of the ECSU offense. As the leader of one of the nation's premier offensive attacks at ECSU, Parker was recognized by the NCAA as one of the top coaches on the rise by being selected for the 2010 NCAA Expert Coaches Forum. Parker also added the title of Associate Head Coach in 2011. ECSU has had 4 QB's be named to the All CIAA team, and Parker has tutored two of them (Curtis Rich, Crevan Powell)

Under his guidance, the Vikings have produced an offense that has average more than 30ppg over the last five seasons. During this time the Vikings are a whopping 35-7 in conference play. During the 2011 season the Vikings were one of ten teams who rushed for 36 Touchdowns or more on the season. The Vikings potent rushing attack was noted with the recognition of running back Daronte McNeil being selected as the conference player of the year.

In 2010 the Vikings Offense again took up more space in the record books when Sophomore Running Back Daronte McNeil became ECSU's single season rushing leader with 1321 yards. In addition there were three ECSU Runners who averaged more than five yards per carry. McNeil finished the season seventh in the nation amongst rushers. The "Multiple Attack" offense averaged 194ypg rushing on the way to setting the school record. The Viking Offense finished 2nd in pass completion percentage, 2nd in total offense, 2nd in rushing offense and 1st in sacks against. Six offensive players receive post-season honors.

In 2009 the offense finish 15th in the nation in scoring offense (35ppg), and rush for nearly 30 TD's which was amongst tops in the conference. Six members of the Vikings offense received post season honors, as the Vikings tied for 1st in the CIAA Eastern Division.

In 2008, ECSU average 32ppg while winning the CIAA Eastern Division title. Senior QB Curtis Rich led the conference in all passing categories on his way to being named 2008 Offensive Player of the Year. WR Dexter Manley led the conference in all major receiving categories and was also listed in the top 5 nationally.

Parker's 2006 Viking Offense finished second in scoring during the regular season and second in total offense on their way to the conference championship game. Behind Parker's leadership, the ECSU offense had a record breaking year in 2006, one in which saw 5 offensive players be recognized as 1st team all-conference.

Sophomore quarterback Curtis Rich had one of the best seasons for any Viking QB under Parker's guidance, he completed 52% of his passes and through 21 TD's to only 4 int's during the regular season. In 2006 Parker took an offense the featured 3 new starters on the Offensive line and propelled them into one of the top units in the country giving up only 11 sacks, that offensive line featured All-American Ronnie McClary. The Vikings Offense featured the leagues top reception leader in Marvin Jackson and the league's top scorer in Chris Carter. Both Jackson and Carter ranked in the top of all receiving categories.

A Native of Washington, D.C., Parker joined the staff of Coach Waverly Tillar in 2004 and immediately converted the Vikings offense into a "Multiple Set Offense". Success in running the multiple offense is nothing new for Parker. He came to ECSU after five seasons at Virginia Union University, where he served as offensive coordinator and running backs coach. While at Virginia Union University Parker was on the staff of Hall of Famer and the all time winningest coach in CIAA History Willard Bailey.

Parker spent five seasons at Virginia Union University, while at Virginia Union he was part of a staff that participated in the 2000, 2001, and 2003 CIAA Championship game. In the 5 years spent at Virginia Union the Panthers won 38-football games won 3 Eastern division titles, 1 CIAA title and participated in the 2001 Pioneer Bowl. Parker credits most of his football knowledge to Coach Bailey was also served as his Head Coach while Parker was a player at Virginia Union. "I have tons of respect for Coach Bailey he believed in me as a player and he also gave me my first coaching job so he also believed in me as a coach, I basically owe my entire coaching career to him".

During that time Parker coached 24 ALL-CIAA players, 4 All-Americans, and the CIAA's all time leading rusher and single season TD scorer Andre' Braxton. Braxton was named All CIAA 4 straight seasons and named the player of the year in the 2000 season. Braxton also won the 2000 Alonzo "Jake" Gaither Award for the top player in Black College football, this award is also known as the Black College Hiesman Trophy. Despite Losing Braxton, under the tutelage of Parker freshman running back Larry Edwards was recognized as first team ALL-CIAA, and the next season as a Streets and Smith pre-season All-American, in all of Parker's years at Virginia Union the Panther had a running back represented on the all conference first or second team. Parker has coached NFL players Pete Hunter (Seattle Seahawks), James Atkins (San Francisco 49er's) and Jerome Leslie (Philadelphia Eagles).

While attending Virginia Union University, Parker earned 4 varsity letters with the Panthers; he was the team captain of the 1997 and 1998 squad and was named offensive MVP in 1996 and 1998. Parker's name is still in the record book as 5th all time in single season TD scored. Parker still also holds the record for the longest TD in Gold Bowl History (79 yd TD reception).

Parker received his M.S. degree (2001) in Athletic Administration/ Sports Leadership from Virginia Commonwealth University, and his B.A. degree from Virginia Union University in Mass Communications (1999). Parker has one son Alan Josiah Parker.

HERBERT PARHAM

Herbert Parham has spent the past 12 seasons as a member of the Morgan State football staff. The 45-year-old Parham is the assistant head coach and run-defensive coordinator.

Parham, a longtime member of the MSU coaching staff, has put together an attacking run-defense that has become recognized as one of the most formidable in the league.

Last season, MSU was ranked among the league leaders in sacks (24; No. 4 in the MEAC), ranked No. 4 in interceptions (14), and 5th  in red zone defense. MSU cornerback Joe Rankin and linebacker Elandon Roberts were selected to the All-MEAC Second team. Rankin ranked T-1st with five interceptions, 11 pass deflections (T-4th), while Roberts recorded 107 tackles (No. 2 in the MEAC) and was a finalist for the Jerry Rice Award, which goes to the top FCS freshman.

During the 2011 season, the Bears recorded 26 sacks totaling a loss of 200 yards. In addition, MSU ranked T-6th in MEAC as one of the stiffest teams to score against in the Red Zone.

In 2010, the Bears ranked among the league leaders in interceptions (14; No. 3 in the MEAC), opponent 3rd down conversions (No. 2; 30.4%); turnover margin (27; T-No. 4) and accumulated 19 sacks for the season.

The Bears defense finished the 2009 season ranked in the top 5 in scoring defense (21.2/g), pass efficiency defense (115.3) and sacks (21). MSU was also the second-best red-zone defense in the league. Parham's defense produced four All-conference players, led by MEAC Defensive Player of the Year George Howard (LB). Howard and Justin Lawrence (DL) were also SBN Black College All-American selections.

As defensive line coach in 2008, MSU's D-line combined for 41 tackles for loss and recorded 12.5 of the team's 32 sacks. The Bears led the nation in total defense, giving up an average of just 212 yards per game, and no team gained more than 350 yards of offense against the Bears in the last two seasons. Morgan State concluded the season ranked 2nd in the nation in pass defense and 13th in rush defense.

In 2007, MSU's defensive line combined for 43.5 tackles for loss and recorded 22.5 of the team's league-best 36 sacks. The Bears finished as the league's No. 1 total defense (267.0/g; ranked No. 2 in the FCS) and also completed the season ranked No. 1 in the MEAC against the run (130.9). Defensive end Justin "J.R." Lawrence earned All-MEAC First Team honors after collecting 47 tackles and a league-best 17 tackles for loss to help the Bears become the Football Championship Series' No. 1 ranked total defense.

In addition the success of the defensive line unit, defensive end/linebacker Bryan Wilson earned first-team All-MEAC honors and was selected as a free agent by the Washington Redskins.

Under Parham's watch in 2006, MSU's D-line ranked 3rd in the MEAC with 30 sacks, while the defense led the conference in rushing defense by surrendering just 117 yards per contest. The Bears defense also recorded its first shutout victory against North Carolina A&T since 1974.

Prior to joining the Bears, Parham helped build Hampton's football program where he spent 10 years as the defensive line coach for the Pirates.

Parham is a native of Dinwiddie, VA. He was an All-Conference CIAA defensive lineman and obtained his B.A. in Sociology and Criminal Justice at Virginia Union University. Following his graduation, Parham proceeded to coach the defensive line for his alma mater.

A year later, Parham relocated to Hampton University, where he earned his master's degree in Agency Counseling, in addition to coaching the Pirate's defensive line.

Throughout his coaching career Parham's defensive line unit had an all-conference player for ten (10) seasons at Hampton and eight of the past nine years at Morgan State. His players have also gone to "the next level". He has coached three (3) NFL draft picks and eleven (11) free agents.

Professionally, Herbert is a 19-year member of the American Football Coaches Association (AFCA) and annually attends the AFCA Professional Series. He is currently serving on the Minority Issues Committee. He has also spoken at countless football clinics as well as organizing and directing the annual "Joe Taylor Football Camp" and "Don Hill Football Camp".

Herbert and his wife MiVida, have a son, Herbert II (13), and they reside in Abingdon, MD.

ORLANDO MITJANS, JR.

Orlando Mitjans, Jr., has spent the past three seasons as the Georgia Southern cornerbacks coach and brings with him a calm demeanor and penchant for teaching to the program.

Since arriving in Statesboro, he has already make an impact on the Eagles' cornerbacks by helping mold Laron Scott, a free agent signee of the New Orleans Saints in 2012, into a two-time All-American and Southern Conference selection. Scott finished his career with nine career interceptions and set a single-season record in 2010 with six picks.

Scott's 2010 record combined with the rest of the secondary helped formed the best Georgia Southern pass defense since 2001, when they ranked second in the FCS in 2010. The Eagles finished that season 11th in the nation under the tutelage of Mitjans.

The coaching veteran came to Georgia Southern from Tennessee State where he served as secondary coach. In 2009, the Tigers ranked as the Ohio Valley Conference (OVC) leader in pass defense and finished second in the OVC in total defense. Former Tiger Anthony Levine debuted with the Baltimore Ravens in 2012 after two seasons with the Green Bay Packers.

Mitjans returned to Tennessee State after four years with other programs, including a year at Montgomery Bell Academy in Nashville, Tenn., where he was the co-defensive coordinator and secondary coach.  The opportunity at Montgomery Bell Academy cut short his stay at Florida A&M where he was the defensive coordinator and secondary coach durin­g spring ball. Secondary coach at Eastern Kentucky from March of 2006 through February 2008, Mitjans helped mold a defense that produced an All-American and five All-Conference players. His secondary corps had 24 interceptions in 2007, and was the top-ranked pass defense in the OVC in 2007. The Colonels went on to win the OVC championship that year and three of his four starters were named to the OVC All-Conference team, including Derrick Huff. Huff was selected as the league's defensive player of the year and earned first-team All-America honors.

In his first stop at Tennessee State, Mitjans was assistant head coach and defensive coordinator with the Tigers in 2005. He coached the secondary where Tennessee State led the OVC in pass defense and total defense that season.  At Towson University Mitjans started as the Tigers running backs coach in 1999. He took over the secondary in 2001, and was promoted to defensive coordinator in 2004. Mitjans coached two All-Conference tailbacks, Noah Read, who led the Patriot League in rushing, and Jason Corle, the Tigers all-time leading rusher, then helped produce two All-Conference secondary players. In 2002, five of his defensive players earned all-league honors.

With a league-leading 21 interceptions in 2003, the Towson secondary set a school record with four returned for touchdowns. The season before, one of Mitjan's senior safeties finished the 2002 season ranked ninth nationally in interceptions.

Mitjans served as secondary coach at Kent State University (1994) and at C.W. Post College (1996) before accepting a similar position at Morgan State in January of 1997. As secondary coach, Mitjans helped his players record 28 takeaways and with five earning All-Conference honors. The following season Mitjans took the defensive coordinator's role and improved Morgan State's performance to a number-15 ranking in the Football Championship Subdivision. Three players he recruited went on to play professional football.

Following his playing career, Mitjans spent two seasons as a student assistant coach at Northeastern University. He landed his first full-time coaching job at Cheyney University when he coached the secondary and coordinated special teams.

Mitjans was selected to participate in the NFL's minority internship program and had the opportunity to work with secondary coaches and players from NFL teams in Kansas City (2001), St. Louis (1999, 2000) and New York Jets (1994). In 2006, he was chosen as one of 20 coaches nationwide to attend the NCAA Expert Coaching Academy to prepare individuals for head coaching roles.

Through his career, Mitjans has been responsible for the recruitment of several players who have gone to the NFL, including Jermon Bushrod of the New Orleans Saints (Towson), Antwan Molden of the Houston Texans (Eastern Kentucky), the Arizona Cardinals' Dominique Rodgers Cromartie (Tennessee State), Vishante Shiancoe of the New York Giants and Minnesota Vikings (Morgan State), and Jim O'Neil (Towson) who is currently the defensive quality control coach for the New York Jets. Former Tennessee State free safety Anthony Levine signed with the Green Bay Packers this past spring.

A safety on Lou Holtz's Razorback teams from 1978-80, Mitjans transferred to Northeastern and played for the Huskies for his final two years. He graduated from Northeastern in 1982 with a degree in leadership.

Mitjans and his wife, Claire, reside in Statesboro.

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