Saturday, November 8, 2014
NCCU chases home win as MEAC dominoes fall
DURHAM, North Carolina — One of the dominoes that needed to fall for N.C. Central went down Thursday night when Bethune-Cookman beat Norfolk State.
Norfolk State joins NCCU as a two-loss team in the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference. That leaves Bethune-Cookman, N.C. A&T, Morgan State and S.C. State as the remaining one-loss squads in the league.
Morgan State and A&T play each other today, so another domino will drop for NCCU (4-5, 3-2 MEAC).
The Eagles just need to make sure they don’t fall Saturday, Nov. 8, when homecoming guest Hampton shows up to crash the party (2 p.m., NCCUEaglePride.com).
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Southern University football vs. Texas Southern game capsule
When/Where: Saturday at 6 p.m. at A. W. Mumford Stadium in Baton Rouge
Television: This weekend's game won't be aired on television, but there will be a live stream on gojagsports.com.
Radio: WYNK 97.7
Coaches: Southern — Dawson Odums (second season as head coach, was interim in 2012, 19-12). Texas Southern — Darrell Asberry (third season, 9-22).
About Southern: The Jaguars (6-3) will put their four-game winning streak on the line when they square off against the Tigers (5-4) this Saturday, but the improved play of Southern quarterback Austin Howard could help the Jaguars continue their roll. Howard has thrown for 1,036 yards and tossed 8 touchdowns during Southern's winning streak, and the freshman hasn't committed a turnover in the past two games. Howard is also engineering a Jaguar offense that ranks fourth in the Southwestern Athletic Conference in total yards per game (424.1).
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Television: This weekend's game won't be aired on television, but there will be a live stream on gojagsports.com.
Radio: WYNK 97.7
Coaches: Southern — Dawson Odums (second season as head coach, was interim in 2012, 19-12). Texas Southern — Darrell Asberry (third season, 9-22).
About Southern: The Jaguars (6-3) will put their four-game winning streak on the line when they square off against the Tigers (5-4) this Saturday, but the improved play of Southern quarterback Austin Howard could help the Jaguars continue their roll. Howard has thrown for 1,036 yards and tossed 8 touchdowns during Southern's winning streak, and the freshman hasn't committed a turnover in the past two games. Howard is also engineering a Jaguar offense that ranks fourth in the Southwestern Athletic Conference in total yards per game (424.1).
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Friday, November 7, 2014
XU Gold Nuggets conclude another unbeaten run in GCAC
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| Facebook photos |
NEW ORLEANS -- Xavier University of Louisiana won 25-23, 25-21, 25-17 Thursday at Dillard to finish unbeaten in Gulf Coast Athletic Conference women's volleyball for the fourth consecutive regular season.
The Gold Nuggets (18-5, 14-0) have won 57 consecutive matches against GCAC opponents, 48 in the regular season. They have a 55-match win streak against HBCUs.
Xavier defeated Dillard, its longtime city rival, for the 11th consecutive time.
The Gold Nuggets will be the No. 1 seed in the GCAC Tournament and play their next match in that event on Nov. 14 at XU's Convocation Center. Xavier will seek a fourth consecutive GC
AC Tournament title and berth in the NAIA National Championship.
Dillard (12-11, 10-4) finished third in the GCAC regular season.
Earlier in the day, XU senior outside hitter Chinedu Echebelem was announced as a member of the Capital One Academic All-District 2 college division team.
Box Score
Ed Cassiere, Sports Information
Director
from THE EDITOR: FAMU Football Gets An A+
FAMU Rattlers vs South Carolina State Bulldogs 
November 8, 2014
3:00 P.M. EST
Bragg Memorial Stadium
Tallahassee, Florida
Radio: 96.1 FM/Video: Rattler Vision
Weather Forecast: 66 degrees; Cloudy
Tomorrow afternoon at 3:00 PM I will be sitting at Bragg Memorial Stadium with my grandson and another guest to watch the FAMU Rattlers attempt to tackle the South Carolina State Bulldogs. Last week the Rattlers won the battle, but lost the war to the Norfolk State Spartans. Had the Rattlers been able to overcome their mistakes, coaches and players alike, they would have easily won the game. They should have won the game.
This is not the first game they should have won. The first game of the ...
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TSU Tigers Travel to Clarksville to Face APSU, Saturday
NASHVILLE, Tennessee – On Saturday, the Tennessee State football team will travel to Austin Peay, looking to break the squad’s five-game losing streak.
Scouting TSU
The Tigers come into Saturday’s contest with a 4-6 overall and a 1-5 OVC record, having just lost to Eastern Kentucky at home, 56-42. TSU’s 42 points were the second-most for the team and quarterback Mike German tossed four touchdowns – three of which went to Isaiah Freeman.
The Tigers come into Saturday’s contest with a 4-6 overall and a 1-5 OVC record, having just lost to Eastern Kentucky at home, 56-42. TSU’s 42 points were the second-most for the team and quarterback Mike German tossed four touchdowns – three of which went to Isaiah Freeman.
Scouting APSU
Austin Peay has won just once this season and sit at 1-4 in league play. The squad’s victory over Murray State in its last home game on Oct. 18 snapped the nation’s longest losing streak at 18 games. The Governors have lost their last two contests by a combined score of 93-7.
Austin Peay has won just once this season and sit at 1-4 in league play. The squad’s victory over Murray State in its last home game on Oct. 18 snapped the nation’s longest losing streak at 18 games. The Governors have lost their last two contests by a combined score of 93-7.
Three Keys to the Game
Stick With It
Three weeks ago, the Tigers shuffled the offensive line, sticking players at four of the five new positions. Among those were Shaq Anthony who moved to left tackle and Kevin Kenton who became the team’s center. The change-up has worked wonders, and the unit has not given up a quarterback sack in 207 straight plays a span of two-and-a-half games. The last sack surrendered was in the second quarter against UT Martin. The Tigers have found a good starting five, and need to stick with it moving forward.
Three weeks ago, the Tigers shuffled the offensive line, sticking players at four of the five new positions. Among those were Shaq Anthony who moved to left tackle and Kevin Kenton who became the team’s center. The change-up has worked wonders, and the unit has not given up a quarterback sack in 207 straight plays a span of two-and-a-half games. The last sack surrendered was in the second quarter against UT Martin. The Tigers have found a good starting five, and need to stick with it moving forward.
Come Out of the Locker Room Strong
Even at 4-6, Tennessee State has outscored its opponents, 253-214, this season. The disparity occurs despite the fact that the team has given up 84 points in the third quarter, while only scoring a total of 54. TSU has only 10 points in the last three games during the period immediately following halftime. Whether it is rust or lack of focus, the Tigers need to buck the trend this Saturday to finish off Austin Peay and not let the Governors keep it close.
Even at 4-6, Tennessee State has outscored its opponents, 253-214, this season. The disparity occurs despite the fact that the team has given up 84 points in the third quarter, while only scoring a total of 54. TSU has only 10 points in the last three games during the period immediately following halftime. Whether it is rust or lack of focus, the Tigers need to buck the trend this Saturday to finish off Austin Peay and not let the Governors keep it close.
Play the Gaps
The TSU run defense has struggled to stop opposing running games the past few weeks and has allowed an average of 295 yards on the ground during the last two losses. What is more alarming is the way that opponents have gained those yards – through the middle. EIU’s Jalen Whitlow and Shepard Little each had long runs through A and B gaps on Oct. 25 and EKU’s Dy’Shawn Mobley and Jared McClain produced some more last week. TSU is good enough not to need more defenders in the box, but the defense needs to have better gap integrity and come off more blocks on Saturday.
The TSU run defense has struggled to stop opposing running games the past few weeks and has allowed an average of 295 yards on the ground during the last two losses. What is more alarming is the way that opponents have gained those yards – through the middle. EIU’s Jalen Whitlow and Shepard Little each had long runs through A and B gaps on Oct. 25 and EKU’s Dy’Shawn Mobley and Jared McClain produced some more last week. TSU is good enough not to need more defenders in the box, but the defense needs to have better gap integrity and come off more blocks on Saturday.
TSU is 10-6 all-time against APSU and have won two straight in rivalry by a combined, 62-20. Rod Reed is also 2-2 against the Governors.
Kickoff for Saturday’s contest is scheduled for 4 p.m. and it will be Austin Peay’s annual homecoming game.
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Late free throws move Albany State past XU Rush, 62-61
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NEW ORLEANS -- Larry Bullock's two free throws with 7.7 seconds remaining Thursday lifted Albany State to a 62-61 men's basketball victory against NAIA No. 13 Xavier University of Louisiana.
The Rams rallied from a 15-point deficit in the final 12 minutes to become the first non-NAIA opponent to defeat the Gold Rush (3-1) in the Convocation Center, which opened two years ago.
Albany State, an NCAA Division II member, counted the game as an exhibition. But Xavier counted it as a regular-season game.
Bullock, who scored 19 points, gave the Rams their first lead of the second half, 60-59, on a basket with 37 seconds remaining. Xavier regained the lead on the next possession, 61-60, on Morris Wright's basket with 24 seconds to play.
After Bullock made his decisive free throws, Wright missed a shot in the lane with two seconds remaining, and the Rams controlled the rebound.
It was a role reversal from last season, when Bullock's turnover with 13 seconds remaining set up Wright's 3-pointer with 1.4 seconds remaining in a 71-68 XU victory.
Wright scored 15 second-half points and for the game made 10-of-11 free throws. Chris Wheeler scored 15 points and Earl Farnum 11 for Albany State, which will open its regular season one week from Friday against West Florida in the Holiday Inn Classic at Valdosta, Ga. Wheeler and Farnum made three 3-pointers apiece.
Anthony Goode scored 17 points, Morris Wright 12 and Gary Smith a season-high 10 for Xavier. Jarvis Thibodeaux grabbed eight rebounds, and Wright tied his season high with seven assists.
Goode and Smith combined for all the points in an 11-0 run which gave Xavier a 17-13 lead in the eighth minute. A 15-2 run in the final seven minutes gave the Gold Rush a 35-27 halftime lead, and Thibodeaux's basket with 11:59 remaining gave the Rush a 49-34 advantage.
Xavier outrebounded the Rams 36-30, but Albany State outshot Xavier 39.2 to 38 percent from the floor and committed six fewer turnovers. Both teams made nine 3-pointers.
Xavier will play another NCAA Division II opponent, Miles, at 7 p.m. Saturday at the Convocation Center.
BOX SCORE
Ed Cassiere, Sports Information Director
Game preview: Jackson State at Alabama State
THE GAMEWhen: 1 p.m., today
Where: ASU Stadium
Records: ASU (4-5, 3-4 SWAC); JSU (3-6, 1-5)
On the air: TV – None. Radio – WKXN-FM 102.7
Twitter: @tagayle
Hashtag: #MyASU, #ASU
FOUR-DOWN TERRITORY
1. No rest for the weary: Outside linebackers Deontrelle Silmon and Daerius Washington may get a little less rest this week as their backups continue to drop with injuries. Torrey Davis started in place of the injured Silmon at the beginning of the season but it out for the season and the next available backup, freshman Dominique Jackson, is sidelined as well. "We're thin," ASU coach Reggie Barlow said. "Torrey Davis tore his ACL and Dominique Jackson, a freshman who was playing, rolled his ankle so he didn't travel last week."
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Tuskegee and Miles are familiar foes as they battle Saturday for the SIAC Western crown
BIRMINGHAM, Alabama -- It's a similar picture once again as the road to the SIAC championship game winds down.
As has been the case in recent years, Miles and Tuskegee continue their stranglehold on the SIAC's Western division and will play Saturday for a chance to play in the conference championship on Nov. 15 in Montgomery.
Miles comes into the game at 6-3 overall and 5-1 in the conference, whileTuskegee is 7-2 and 6-0 in the conference.
The teams both lead the SIAC in different categories, and both teams' coaches expect the game to be a battle.
CIAA commissioner excited about weekend finish
WINSTON-SALEM, North Carolina -- The CIAA was due for some good luck.
The conference has been trying to move on since last November, when its football championship game between Winston-Salem State and Virginia State was cancelled because of a restroom attack that made national headlines.
This weekend, the spotlight should be back on the field for the WSSU-Fayetteville State and Virginia Union-Virginia State games. They’ll decide division titles and set the field for the Nov. 15 CIAA championship game in Durham.
“There’s a lot of excitement, not only for this weekend, but for next weekend and the championship game,” said Jacqie McWilliams, the commissioner of the CIAA. “With what happened last year, and the cancellation of the game, we are really anticipating an exciting weekend in Durham. And I think this season has been a great one with a lot of parity, and you can see that because there are four teams with chances to win their respective divisions.”
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The conference has been trying to move on since last November, when its football championship game between Winston-Salem State and Virginia State was cancelled because of a restroom attack that made national headlines.
This weekend, the spotlight should be back on the field for the WSSU-Fayetteville State and Virginia Union-Virginia State games. They’ll decide division titles and set the field for the Nov. 15 CIAA championship game in Durham.
“There’s a lot of excitement, not only for this weekend, but for next weekend and the championship game,” said Jacqie McWilliams, the commissioner of the CIAA. “With what happened last year, and the cancellation of the game, we are really anticipating an exciting weekend in Durham. And I think this season has been a great one with a lot of parity, and you can see that because there are four teams with chances to win their respective divisions.”
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Aycock to make Livingstone game; JCSU coach OKd after school review
CHARLOTTE, North Carolina -- Johnson C. Smith football coach Steve Aycock will be on the sidelines at Saturday’s Commemorative Classic against Livingstone.Aycock, who has coached the Golden Bulls to a 2-7 season, confirmed to The Post he was reinstated for the season finale at McGirt Field. Earlier in the week, he was scheduled for exclusion, but school officials reversed course on Thursday evening after an unspecified investigation.
"It wasn't a disciplinary action or a grade issue," Aycock said on Friday morning.
JCSU officials also declined comment on whether Aycock was sanctioned or the reason why. He led practices in preparation for the Livingstone game, a renewal of the oldest rivalry in black college football that dates to 1892. The Golden Bulls lead the series 47-30-3.
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Exhibition: Uptempo SSU women slip past Armstrong 96-84
SAVANNAH, Georgia -- It should be another good season for women’s college basketball in Savannah.Savannah State and Armstrong put on an offensive show for an enthusiastic crowd at Tiger Arena before the deeper Tigers pulled away for a 96-84 victory in a crosstown exhibition game dubbed “Battle by the Marsh.”
Both teams open their seasons for real on Nov. 14. SSU will host Columbia College. ASU travels to Florida to play Saint Leo in the Saint Leo Classic.
“This was a good game for us just to get a different look against a different opponent,” said Tigers coach Cedric Baker, whose squad won 19 games last season before falling in the semifinals of the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference tournament.
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Broadway, North Carolina A&T Aggies focus on details
GREENSBORO, North Carolina -- The logjam atop the MEAC football standings will clear up a little bit this week.
Two one-loss teams met Thursday night in Virginia, with Bethune-Cookman (8-2, 5-1 MEAC) taking a 13-7 win at Norfolk State (4-6, 4-2).
Two more one-loss teams clash at 1 p.m. Saturday at Aggie Stadium, when N.C. A&T (7-2, 4-1) plays its home finale against Morgan State (5-4, 4-1).
It’s a crucial game.
“One game doesn’t make a championship,” A&T coach Rod Broadway said. “It’s your body of work that makes a champion. Yes, it’s a big game — because it’s the next game.”
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Two one-loss teams met Thursday night in Virginia, with Bethune-Cookman (8-2, 5-1 MEAC) taking a 13-7 win at Norfolk State (4-6, 4-2).
Two more one-loss teams clash at 1 p.m. Saturday at Aggie Stadium, when N.C. A&T (7-2, 4-1) plays its home finale against Morgan State (5-4, 4-1).
It’s a crucial game.
“One game doesn’t make a championship,” A&T coach Rod Broadway said. “It’s your body of work that makes a champion. Yes, it’s a big game — because it’s the next game.”
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Week 11: HBCU Football Schedule
THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 6, 2014
Bethune-Cookman 13, Norfolk State 7 Watch Replay
Grambling State 38, Mississippi Valley State 23 Highlights
» Watch Replay SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 8, 2014
MEAC
Morgan State at North Carolina A&T, 1 PM
Hampton at North Carolina Central, 1 PM (Homecoming)
South Carolina State at Florida A&M, 3 PM
Howard at Savannah State, 6 PM
SWAC
Jackson State at Alabama State, 2 PM
Alcorn State at Alabama A&M, 2 PM
Prairie View A&M at Arkansas Pine Bluff, 3:30 PM (Homecoming)
Texas Southern at Southern, 7 PM
OVC
Tennessee State at Austin Peay, 5 PM
CIAA
Livingstone at Johnson C. Smith, 1 PM, Commemorative Classic
Lincoln (Pa.) at Chowan, 1 PM
Elizabeth City State at Bowie State, 1 PM
Virginia State at Virginia Union, 1:30 PM
Winston-Salem State at Fayetteville State, 1:30 PM
Shaw at Saint Augustine's, 1:30 PM
OTHER CONFERENCES
Millersville State at Cheyney, 12 Noon
Shepherd at West Virginia State, 1 PM
Virginia University Lynchburg at Kentucky Wesleyan at 1 PM
Concordia-Selma at Delta State, 2 PM
Warner at Edward Waters, 2 PM
McKendree at Lincoln (Mo.), 2 PM
SW Assembles of God at Langston, 3 PM
SIAC
Clark Atlanta at Stillman, 2 PM (Homecoming)
Lane at Central State, 2 PM
Benedict at Paine, 2 PM
Kentucky State at Morehouse, 2 PM
Albany State vs. Fort Valley State at Columbus, GA, 2 PM, Fountain City Classic
Tuskegee at Miles, 5 PM
ALL GAME TIMES SHOWN IN EASTERN TIME ZONE.
ALWAYS WATCH IN 1080p HD, WIDE SCREEN
Grambling overcomes MVSU, sprinkler malfunction for win
ITTA BENA, Mississippi -- Grambling shrugged off a fast start by Mississippi Valley State and a delay to the game to notch its seventh straight win of the season 38-23.
The Tigers improved to 7-3 on the year and 6-0 in SWAC play, but it did not come easy as MVSU jumped out to a 14-0 lead after one quarter of play.
The game was delayed in the second quarter after the sprinklers at Rice-Totten Stadium unexpectedly went off with a little less than five minutes left in the first half.
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The Tigers improved to 7-3 on the year and 6-0 in SWAC play, but it did not come easy as MVSU jumped out to a 14-0 lead after one quarter of play.
The game was delayed in the second quarter after the sprinklers at Rice-Totten Stadium unexpectedly went off with a little less than five minutes left in the first half.
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Bethune-Cookman Defense Carries 'Cats 13-7 Over NSU
NORFOLK, Virginia -- Bethune-Cookman’s defense scored two fourth-quarter safeties and held Norfolk State to 67 total yards as the No. 18/20 Wildcats took a 13-7 victory over the Spartans Thursday in a nationally televised ESPNU contest.It was the 800th victory in program history and helped the Wildcats (7-2 overall, 5-1 Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference) remain atop the jumbled MEAC leaderboard. Three other teams – Morgan State, North Carolina A&T and South Carolina State – also have one conference loss.
Rony Barrow registered both safeties for the Wildcats defense, who allowed only three Spartan first downs in a match-up of two of the nation’s top FCS defensive units.
"When your defense scores, it puts you in a position to win," said B-CU Head Coach Brian Jenkins. "Our defense bowed their neck and stood their ground tonight. You saw two well-coached defensive teams. We just were able to make more plays tonight. When you only give up [67] total yards, I really don't have to say anything. "
For the second straight week and fourth time this season, the Wildcats won when they trailed after three quarters.
"we drill our kids on not getting rattled and playing a complete game," Jenkins said. "When we didn't have some success on offense early, we stayed in the moment and prepared for the next moment to come. They played four quarters of football."
Barrow and Ty're Simmons gave the Wildcats an 8-7 lead with 14:36 remaining when he tackled Norfolk State running back Aaron Daniels in the end zone for a safety. Punter Jonathan Cagle set up the score with a 57-yard punt that the Spartans mishandled deep in their own territory.
After the free kick, Bethune-Cookman increased its lead to 11-7 on a 24-yard Ben Noboa field goal. A 29-yard Quentin Williams completion to tight end Justin Henderson on third down kept the drive alive.
Cagle and Barrow came up big again in the game’s final 90 seconds.
A 37-yard Cagle punt pinned the Spartans at their own one-yard line. On the first play, Barrow and David Perry sacked Spartans quarterback Terrance Ervin for the safety with 1:21 to play.
"Cagle's a vet at this thing," Jenkins said. "He knows how to adjust different things -- his drops and positioning the ball to get a good kick."
Bethune-Cookman recovered the ensuing onside kickoff and ran out the clock for the victory.
Williams threw for 83 yards and rushed for 44, but the Wildcat offense gave up three turnovers and failed to punch ball in twice inside the Spartan red zone.
Norfolk State (4-6,4-2) capitalized on the first Wildcat mistake, needing only 45 to drive after an interception. Ervin hit Chris Lee for a 16-yard score with 7:36 remaining in the first quarter.
The Wildcats pulled to 7-6 with 8:16 remaining in the half when Williams connected with Jhomo Gordon on a 23-yard touchdown on a fourth-down play, but the PAT went wide left.
In the third quarter, B-CU got the ball on the Spartan 5-yard line after a blocked punt, but came up empty after a missed field goal.
Michael Jones had 50 yards for the Wildcats while Jaime Wilson had a 26-yard one-handed catch in the fourth quarter that was trending on ESPN for a spot on SportsCenters Top Ten Plays.
"Funny thing about that is that every day in practice, we're yelling at Jaime `Two hand, two hands' and then he comes in the game and does that one-handed catch," Jenkins said. "It shows you our guys were into the game from beginning to end and wanted to make a play when they had a
n opportunity."
Ralph Williams led the defensive totals with 13 tackles and a sack.
The Wildcats return to Virginia next Thursday for another ESPNU contest, this one at Hampton with a 7:30 p.m. kickoff.
COURTESY BETHUNE- COOMAN UNIVERSITY SPORTS INFORMATION
Thursday, November 6, 2014
XU's Echebelem selected to Academic All-District team
NEW ORLEANS — Xavier University of Louisiana's Chinedu Echebelem was announced Thursday as a member of the Capital One Academic All-District 2 college division women's volleyball team.The College Sports Information Directors of America selected the seven-member team.
Echebelem, a senior outside hitter from Dallas and a graduate of Duncanville High School, is a chemistry / pre-medical major with a 3.77 grade-point average at Xavier. She is a two-time All-Gulf Coast Athletic Conference selection and was the 2014 GCAC Preseason Player of the Year. She was MVP of the 2012 GCAC Tournament and a 2013 Daktronics-NAIA Scholar-Athlete. She ranked second on the Gold Nuggets with 187 kills and 217 digs entering their regular-season finale Thursday at Dillard.
"Nay's success on and off the court comes from her hard-work ethic," XU coach Hannah Lawing said. "I cannot remember a practice where she was not going 110 percent. On our bus trips when everyone else was asleep, I'd see Nay studying with her little light on.
"Nay has done a great job adjusting to our early morning practice schedule this season. She continues to do a great job of time-management and keeping her priorities in order."
District 2 in the college division comprises athletes in Louisiana, Arkansas, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky and Tennessee. Xavier and Alabama State (District 4 of the NCAA Division I) were the only HBCUs to be represented on the any of the Academic All-District volleyball teams this year. Xavier and Nicholls State were the only Louisiana universities with an honored player.
Joining Echebelem on the Academic All-District team were Nadelina Nesheva and Sarah Anderson of Lindsey Wilson, Aubrey Husak of Bethel (Ind.), Chelsi Hummert of Lindenwood-Belleville, Kelsey Arvin of Taylor and Erynn Schuh of Trinity Christian.
Xavier was 17-5 entering the Dillard match and clinched its fourth consecutive GCAC regular-season championship this past weekend.
Ed Cassiere, Sports Information Director
South Carolina State will test FAMU's defense
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TALLAHASSEE, Florida -- It's a small sample size against a statistically weak offense, but Florida A&M's defense showed flashes of dominance in its first game under interim head coach Corey Fuller.Eight different players recorded tackles behind the line of scrimmage against Norfolk State. The defense also kept both of the Spartans' quarterbacks under duress and picked up six sacks.
Fuller said the defense was playing with more "personality" against the Spartans. He added that to him, the unit picked up more "big hits" on Saturday than it did over the last two seasons.
"You'll see the defense having a lot of fun and playing with a whole lot of energy," Fuller said.
"I played football like that. If you go anywhere and ask any of the coaches I've played for – I played with great passion. We've got to carry that on to this week right here. Coming off a tough loss, it's harder to get up.
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NCAA: Arkansas Pine Bluff improperly certified student-athletes
INDIANAPOLIS, Indiana -- Over five academic years, the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff failed to monitor and control the administration of its athletics program, according to a decision issued by a Division I Committee on Infractions panel. The university wrongly certified 124 student-athletes for competition, including nine student-athletes that competed before the NCAA Eligibility Center certified their amateur status. The university learned of deficiencies in its eligibility certification process in 2009, but failed to correct the deficiencies, which allowed ineligible student-athletes to continue to compete until 2012.UNIVERSITY OF ARKANSAS AT PINE BLUFF, PUBLIC INFRACTIONS DECISION
NOVEMBER 5, 2014
Penalties include five years of probation; a postseason ban for the football, men’s and women’s basketball and baseball teams; a vacation of all wins in which ineligible student-athletes participated; and scholarship reductions for 11 of the university’s teams.
This case was resolved through the summary disposition process, a cooperative effort where the involved parties collectively submit the case to the Committee on Infractions in written form. The NCAA enforcement staff, university and involved individuals must agree to the facts of the case in order for this process to be utilized instead of having a formal hearing. An expedited penalty hearing was held because the university did not agree to all of the proposed penalties.
The university did not correctly apply progress-toward-degree, degree credit hour, non qualifier status and two-year transfer requirements when certifying student-athletes as eligible for competition. During the five years, 124 student-athletes practiced, competed or received athletics aid while ineligible, and a majority also received impermissible travel expenses.
From 2007-08 through 2009-10, 19 student-athletes from various teams competed when they did not appear on the official squad lists, contrary to NCAA rules. During the same time period, the university provided books to 15 student-athletes who did not have a book scholarship..
The university did not provide adequate NCAA rules education and training to staff members responsible for certifying student-athlete eligibility. The lack of education and training contributed to the improper eligibility certifications and resulted in ineligible student-athletes participating in hundreds of contests. It also did not establish a proper system to ensure compliance with NCAA eligibility rules. Because of this and the full scope of the violations, the university lacked institutional control and failed to monitor the administration of its athletics program.
Penalties and corrective measures include:
Public reprimand and censure.
Five years of probation from November 5, 2014 through November 4, 2019.
A 2014-15 postseason ban for the football, men’s and women’s basketball and baseball teams.
A vacation of all wins in which ineligible student-athletes competed during the 2007-08 through 2011-12. The public report contains further details on the vacation.
A reduction in scholarships for baseball; women’s and men’s track and field; softball; women’s soccer; men’s golf; women’s volleyball; men’s and women’s basketball; women’s tennis; and football. The public report contains more details on the reductions.
A comprehensive compliance review by an outside agency with athletics compliance expertise.
Members of the Committee on Infractions are drawn from NCAA membership and members of the public. The members of the panel who reviewed this case are Greg Christopher, chief hearing officer and athletics director at Xavier University; Thomas Hill, senior vice president for student affairs at Iowa State University; Joel Maturi, former University of Minnesota athletics director; Jim O’Fallon, law professor and faculty athletics representative at the University of Oregon; and Greg Sankey, executive associate commissioner and chief operating officer for the Southeastern Conference.
COURTESY NCAA.ORG
Alabama A&M falls to top-seeded Howard in first round of SWAC women's soccer tournament
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| HOWARD UNIVERSITY WOMEN'S SOCCER TEAM 2014 SWAC REGULAR SEASON CHAMPIONS ROSTER PHOTO COURTESY HOWARD UNIVERSITY ATHLETICS |
The Lady Bison beat a young Alabama A&M squad 6-0 behind three goals from Nia Walcott, including one penalty kick. It was opening match in the tournament which runs through Sunday at John Hunt Park.
For the Lady Bulldogs, it was the final game for lone senior Gabby Huertas, the All-SWAC second-team midfielder. Huertas, who finished the season with 4 goals and 6 assists for a team-high 14 points, played her usual scrappy, no-holds-barred game.
Late in the game, Head Coach Frank Davies moved her to forward, hoping she would give a spark and possibly a goal in the final minutes.
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TONIGHT: ON ESPN3 -- Grambling takes 6-game win streak to Mississippi Valley
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| GAME TIME: 7:30 PM ET, LIVE ON ESPN3 |
A year ago, though, the Tigers only did one victory dance all season when they beat Mississippi Valley State 47-40 in the aftermath of two interim head coaches, a player boycott and a forfeit.
Those program blunders seem far in the distance, though, as the G-Men get ready for a Thursday night game at none other than Mississippi Valley State when two first-year head coaches square off in SWAC action. Kickoff is set for 6:30 p.m.
“They are a very aggressive bunch,” Grambling head coach Broderick Fobbs said. “They have got a really good football coach who was at Jackson State last year in Rick Comegy, so we know what we are going to get. We are going to get a really tough opponent.”
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Wednesday, November 5, 2014
Motivated QB Brihm ready for B-CU’s Thursday night football
DAYTONA BEACH, Florida -- Every Sunday and Monday, Bethune-Cookman’s Larry Brihm takes a late-night walk and listens to motivational speeches.
This week was a short one for Brihm and the 20th-ranked Wildcats, who play at Norfolk State at 7:30 Thursday night in an ESPNU game.
B-CU will get national TV exposure for the first time this season in what is essentially a Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference elimination game. B-CU (7-2) and Norfolk State (4-5) are two of five teams tied for first place with 4-1 conference records. After this weekend, there will be no more than three teams sharing the lead.
“To have this many teams tied is kind of interesting but also kind of good, because it allows everyone to keep a focus on our league, and it shows how much our league has improved,” B-CU coach Brian Jenkins said.
Xavier teams up with adidas in multi-year agreement
NEW ORLEANS — Xavier University of Louisiana's athletics department announced Wednesday it has entered into an exclusive apparel and shoe agreement with adidas.
The three-year agreement will outfit all of Xavier's varsity athletics programs in adidas apparel and footwear, provide the university substantial savings on game uniforms, practice apparel and shoes, and bring consistency to color, design and logo usage on Xavier’s uniforms and apparel.
The agreement with adidas marks the first time all of Xavier’s varsity athletics programs — men's and women's teams in basketball, cross country, tennis and track and field, plus women's volleyball — have been included in an all-encompassing apparel agreement. Use of a single vendor for all programs will ensure consistency in image branding, particularly uniform and apparel colors and design elements, throughout the athletics department.
"We are excited to bring all of our teams under one umbrella and have better consistency with our branding; as well as provide some cost savings and some product enhancements for our student-athletes," said Jason Horn, XU's director of athletics and recreation. "We feel this is something the entire Xavier community will enjoy as we align with a global partner and look to get more Xavier apparel in the marketplace."
"We are proud to be working with Xavier and tickled to have them as part of the adidas family," said Paul Boudreaux, whose Opelousas, La.-based Boudreaux Athletics serves as XU's primary adidas supplier. "The American Football Coaches Association has rated adidas as No. 1 for quality. We believe our combination of quality, prices and service is the best. We are confident that adidas will serve Xavier well."
Xavier is a member of the NAIA and the Gulf Coast Athletic Conference.
Ed Cassiere, Sports Information Director Norfolk State Spartans Welcome B-CU, ESPNU to Dick Price Stadium for 1st Place Clash
Game Notes | Watch Live | Live Stats | Live Audio | Twitter Updates |
NORFOLK, Virginia -- Two teams involved in a five-way tie for first place in the MEAC meet Thursday on national television when Norfolk State hosts No. 20/18 Bethune-Cookman for Educators Appreciation Night sponsored by The Virginia Lottery. The game will be broadcast live on ESPNU, with a start time of 7:30 p.m. at Dick Price Stadium.
NSU and Bethune-Cookman both enter the game with 4-1 MEAC records. North Carolina A&T, Morgan State and South Carolina State are all also 4-1 entering the season's final three games.
SCOUTING THE SPARTANS
NSU (4-5 overall, 4-1 MEAC) won for the fourth time in its last five games and remained tied for first place in the MEAC with a dramatic 12-10 win at Florida A&M last Saturday. The Spartan defense registered two goal-line stands, one in the game's final minute, to preserve the win. Florida A&M's Damien Fleming tried to score on a quarterback sneak from the Spartans' 1-yard line in the game's final 15 seconds but was stopped short of the goal line by NSU's defensive line. FAMU, which had used all of its timeouts, could not get off another play before time expired.
Malik Stokes threw an 8-yard touchdown pass to Isaac White with 6:20 left in the fourth quarter to give NSU a 12-10 lead. The play was set up by NSU linebacker Deon King, who forced and recovered a fumble on the Rattlers' 5-yard line.
NSU allowed an opposing offense to score one touchdown or less for the fourth straight game. The Spartans are third in the nation and second behind Bethune-Cookman among conference teams in total defense, allowing 254 yards per game. The linebacker quartet of King, Marcell Coke, Lynden Trail and Lamar Neal has been a big reason for that success, combining for 271 tackles, 24.5 for loss.
SCOUTING THE WILDCATS
Bethune-Cookman (7-2, 4-1 MEAC) bounced back from its first conference loss with a 34-20 home victory over North Carolina Central last Saturday in Daytona Beach, Fla. Anthony Jordan scored three rushing touchdowns in the fourth quarter to help the Wildcats rally from a 20-13 deficit.
Michael D. Jones rushed for 117 yards and B-CU quarterback Larry Brihm ran for 104 for the Wildcats, who amassed 334 yards on the ground. Brihm and Jones also rushed for one touchdown apiece. The Eagles, meanwhile, could only manage 200 total yards against the Wildcats' defense, which leads the MEAC in fewest yards allowed (243.7).
Jordan has rushed for nine touchdowns this year for B-CU, which ranks third in the conference in rushing offense (194.8). Quarterback Quentin Williams, who has split time this year with Brihm, has passed for 1,072 yards. Jhomo Gordon is B-CU's top receiver, with 376 receiving yards and four TDs.
Defensive linemen LeBranden Richardson and Erik Williams have combined for 11 sacks to spearhead the stingy Wildcats' defense.
NOTE TO FANS
Due to classes and other University activities on Thursday, there will be no tailgating allowed for this game. On-campus parking will be very limited. A shuttle service from the Marie V. McDemmond Center will be available beginning at 6 p.m. Reserved parking will be available for President's guests only. All other campus parking is based on availability.
THE SERIES
• This will be the 25th all-time meeting between NSU and B-CU. The Wildcats lead the series, 16-8.
• NSU is 4-13 against the Wildcats since moving to Division I, a record which includes last season's 27-24 Spartan victory in Daytona Beach.
STANDINGS WATCHThe final month of the MEAC season figures to be a wild one, as there are no teams remaining with unbeaten conference records following Bethune-Cookman's 20-14 loss at South Carolina State on Oct. 25. There are five teams with one MEAC loss, including NSU. The Spartans, Bethune-Cookman, N.C. A&T, Morgan State and S.C. State are all 3-1.
Making matters more confusing is that N.C. A&T does not play NSU or B-CU. B-CU also does not play Morgan State.
Matt Michalec, Asst. AD/Communications
COURTESY NORFOLK STATE UNIVERSITY SPORTS INFORMATION
NORFOLK, Virginia -- Two teams involved in a five-way tie for first place in the MEAC meet Thursday on national television when Norfolk State hosts No. 20/18 Bethune-Cookman for Educators Appreciation Night sponsored by The Virginia Lottery. The game will be broadcast live on ESPNU, with a start time of 7:30 p.m. at Dick Price Stadium.
NSU and Bethune-Cookman both enter the game with 4-1 MEAC records. North Carolina A&T, Morgan State and South Carolina State are all also 4-1 entering the season's final three games.
SCOUTING THE SPARTANS
NSU (4-5 overall, 4-1 MEAC) won for the fourth time in its last five games and remained tied for first place in the MEAC with a dramatic 12-10 win at Florida A&M last Saturday. The Spartan defense registered two goal-line stands, one in the game's final minute, to preserve the win. Florida A&M's Damien Fleming tried to score on a quarterback sneak from the Spartans' 1-yard line in the game's final 15 seconds but was stopped short of the goal line by NSU's defensive line. FAMU, which had used all of its timeouts, could not get off another play before time expired.
Malik Stokes threw an 8-yard touchdown pass to Isaac White with 6:20 left in the fourth quarter to give NSU a 12-10 lead. The play was set up by NSU linebacker Deon King, who forced and recovered a fumble on the Rattlers' 5-yard line.
NSU allowed an opposing offense to score one touchdown or less for the fourth straight game. The Spartans are third in the nation and second behind Bethune-Cookman among conference teams in total defense, allowing 254 yards per game. The linebacker quartet of King, Marcell Coke, Lynden Trail and Lamar Neal has been a big reason for that success, combining for 271 tackles, 24.5 for loss.
SCOUTING THE WILDCATS
Bethune-Cookman (7-2, 4-1 MEAC) bounced back from its first conference loss with a 34-20 home victory over North Carolina Central last Saturday in Daytona Beach, Fla. Anthony Jordan scored three rushing touchdowns in the fourth quarter to help the Wildcats rally from a 20-13 deficit.
Michael D. Jones rushed for 117 yards and B-CU quarterback Larry Brihm ran for 104 for the Wildcats, who amassed 334 yards on the ground. Brihm and Jones also rushed for one touchdown apiece. The Eagles, meanwhile, could only manage 200 total yards against the Wildcats' defense, which leads the MEAC in fewest yards allowed (243.7).
Jordan has rushed for nine touchdowns this year for B-CU, which ranks third in the conference in rushing offense (194.8). Quarterback Quentin Williams, who has split time this year with Brihm, has passed for 1,072 yards. Jhomo Gordon is B-CU's top receiver, with 376 receiving yards and four TDs.
Defensive linemen LeBranden Richardson and Erik Williams have combined for 11 sacks to spearhead the stingy Wildcats' defense.
NOTE TO FANS
Due to classes and other University activities on Thursday, there will be no tailgating allowed for this game. On-campus parking will be very limited. A shuttle service from the Marie V. McDemmond Center will be available beginning at 6 p.m. Reserved parking will be available for President's guests only. All other campus parking is based on availability.
THE SERIES
• This will be the 25th all-time meeting between NSU and B-CU. The Wildcats lead the series, 16-8.
• NSU is 4-13 against the Wildcats since moving to Division I, a record which includes last season's 27-24 Spartan victory in Daytona Beach.
STANDINGS WATCHThe final month of the MEAC season figures to be a wild one, as there are no teams remaining with unbeaten conference records following Bethune-Cookman's 20-14 loss at South Carolina State on Oct. 25. There are five teams with one MEAC loss, including NSU. The Spartans, Bethune-Cookman, N.C. A&T, Morgan State and S.C. State are all 3-1.
Making matters more confusing is that N.C. A&T does not play NSU or B-CU. B-CU also does not play Morgan State.
Matt Michalec, Asst. AD/Communications
COURTESY NORFOLK STATE UNIVERSITY SPORTS INFORMATION
Morgan State-North Carolina A&T on Saturday could determine MEAC frontrunner
BALTIMORE, Maryland -- Two games in the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference this week pit one league leader against another..On Thursday, No. 20 Bethune-Cookman (7-2, 4-1) will visit Norfolk State (4-5 overall and 4-1 in the league). Two days later, Morgan State (5-4, 4-1) will tangle with North Carolina A&T (7-2, 4-1).
Both games – along with South Carolina State (6-3, 4-1) playing host to Florida A&M (2-7, 2-3) on Saturday – will go a long way toward sifting out the contenders from pretenders, and the significance of Saturday’s game is not lost on Bears first-year coach Lee Hull.
“It’s a very important game,” he said Tuesday during his weekly conference call organized by the MEAC. “Obviously, if we want to win the MEAC – which is our goal – North Carolina A&T right now is leading. They’re 7-2 and a very good football team. This is a very important game just like ...
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Rush to sponsor Warm Hands, Warm Hearts on Nov. 11
NEW ORLEANS — The Xavier University of Louisiana men’s basketball program once again will demonstrate its support of the local community with its newly established Warm Hands, Warm Hearts program.
With winter quickly approaching, Warm Hands, Warm Hearts is designed to provide warm clothing to the homeless. At the Xavier-Loyola men's basketball game on Nov. 11 (next Tuesday) at XU's Convocation Center, fans can donate scarves, hats and gloves in exchange for free admission. Tip-off will be 7 p.m.
"Come out and cheer for the Gold Rush against Loyola while warming the hearts of fellow citizens in need," XU coach Dannton Jackson said.
Xavier will play twice at home before then: 6 p.m. Thursday against Albany State and 7 p.m. Saturday against Miles. The Gold Rush are 3-0 and ranked 13th in NAIA Division I.
Ed Cassiere, Sports Information Director
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