Bethune-Cookman Wildcats Ink 28 to National Letters of Intent

DAYTONA BEACH, Florida Terry Sims, Bethune-Cookman Football announced the signing of 28 student-athletes on 2016 National Signing Day on Wednesday, February 3, inside the Signing Day Headquarters at the Michael & Libby Johnson Center for Civic Engagement on the campus of Bethune-Cookman University.
 – Under the direction of first-year head coach

With his first signing class being quick after it was announced he would be the head coach just six weeks prior to that 2015 class, Terry Sims and his staff had a year to get ready for his second signing class in 2016. The class was announced as one of the largest in recent memory for the Wildcats. Sims, the 2015 Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference (MEAC) Coach of the Year, joined his staff in setting to fill several needs for the future of the Maroon and Gold on the gridiron.

“I feel great about this year’s class,” expressed Sims. “It’s an overall aggressive, talented, fast class that will certainly help us moving forward in Daytona Beach. They should help in our attempts not only to win the MEAC, but earn a spot in the Celebration Bowl in Atlanta.”

The 2016 class saw Bethune-Cookman focus on the offensive line, receiving core and defensive backfield, respectfully. In total, the Wildcats signed nine defensive backs, seven offensive linemen and five receivers in the class of 28.

“I feel like every need that we wanted to address was filled in those particular positions,” added Sims. “The coaches did an excellent job evaluating and securing what we feel is an exciting and brilliant 2016 signing class.”

The state of Florida is known as a hot bed for talent in the high school ranks, and that certainly weighed heavily in Bethune-Cookman’s decision to stay “at home” when it comes to recruiting local talent. The 2016 class has a total of 22 players from the Sunshine State. That includes four players that signed consecutively within minutes of each other from highly-respected Raines High School in Jacksonville.

“Florida always has great talent, and we think that’s always an added bonus when we recruit and stay at home, if you will,” admitted Sims. “I think that’s what has allowed Bethune-Cookman to consistently be a league title contender for a number of years, stretching back to even the days in the SIAC, and now the MEAC for over three decades.”

When speaking of how the 2015 season aided in the efforts of this year’s signing class, his first at the helm in Daytona Beach, affected the incoming class, Sims was quick to respond highly of his student-athletes and coaching staff.

“I thought with it being our second class, and being able to show kids our philosophy and style after a year of coaching, that it added to the way were able to recruit and approach this year’s class,” said Sims. “And, obviously, winning a share of the league title and just missing out on an at-large bid to the FCS Playoffs helps as well. I think this really adds to what we hope will be a great 2016 football season.”

2016 BETHUNE-COOKMAN WILDCATS FOOTBALL SIGNING CLASS
PLAYER	POS	HT	WT	HOMETOWN	TIME SIGNED	BIO	GIF
Jerry Beauchamp	OL	6-4	274	Naples, Fla.	7:07 a.m.	Bio	Gif
Steffon Francois	WR	5-11	165	Miramar, Fla.	7:16 a.m.	Bio	Gif
Antonio Collier	SS	6-1	175	Hollywood, Fla.	7:18 a.m.	Bio	Gif
Jaylen Funches	OL	6-5	310	Willoughby, Ohio	7:32 a.m.	Bio	Gif
Chris Adams	OL	6-4	300	Dayton, Ohio	7:44 a.m.	Bio	Gif
Kevin Richardson	OL	6-4	305	Seffner, Fla.	8:13 a.m.	Bio	Gif
Keldrick Cesar	OL	6-4	310	Miami, Fla.	8:37 a.m.	Bio	Gif
Jamal Savage	OL	6-6	320	Plant City, Fla.	8:52 a.m.	Bio	Gif
Tyrrell Washington	WR	6-3	205	Vero Beach, Fla.	9:23 a.m.	Bio	Gif
Trevor Merritt	CB	5-10	185	Melbourne, Fla.	9:24 a.m.	Bio	Gif
L'Dre Barnes	DB	6-3	290	St. Petersburg, Fla.	9:35 a.m.	Bio	Gif
Sam Marc	CB	6-0	170	Miami, Fla.	10:27 a.m.	Bio	Gif
Jamaal Burgess	DB	6-0	186	Miami, Fla.	10:35 a.m.	Bio	Gif
Daniel Palmer	LB	6-2	250	Hartford, Conn.	10:50 a.m.	Bio	Gif
Anthony Cruz	QB	6-5	210	Bronx, N.Y.	10:58 a.m.	Bio	Gif
Trevor Laurent	WR	5-10	165	Riverview, Fla.	11:16 a.m.	Bio	Gif
Jordan Rivers	WR	6-2	176	Jacksonville, Fla.	11:17 a.m.	Bio	Gif
Jacquan Holt	LB	6-4	197	Jacksonville, Fla.	11:18 a.m.	Bio	Gif
Dajuan Jackson	ATH	5-11	185	Jacksonville, Fla.	11:19 a.m.	Bio	Gif
Davonte Lawrence	SAF	6-0	190	Jacksonville, Fla.	11:20 a.m.	Bio	Gif
Simeon Brown	SAF	6-1	175	Deerfield Beach, Fla.	11:50 a.m.	Bio	Gif
Job Buissereth	OL	6-4	325	Brooklyn, N.Y.	12:06 p.m.	Bio	Gif
Marcus Levy	RB	5-11	215	Fort Pierce, Fla.	12:22 p.m.	Bio	Gif
Jabari Dunham	QB	6-3	211	Eustis, Fla.	1:09 p.m.	Bio	Gif
DeAndre Bozeman	CB	5-10	173	West Palm Beach, Fla.	1:29 p.m.	Bio	Gif
Isaiah Richard	SAF	6-3	175	Ocala, Fla.	2:19 p.m.	Bio	Gif
Julian Robinson	RB	5-11	205	Cross City, Fla.	2:35 p.m.	Bio	Gif
Michael Boland	TE	6-5	233	Dunmore, Pa.	3:35 p.m.	Bio	Gif

Follow Bethune-Cookman Athletics on Facebook (www.facebook.com/BCUathletics), Twitter (www.twitter.com/BCUGridIron) and Instagram (www.instagram.com/BCUathletics) for all of the latest news and updates. Fans also receive timely information, including special offers and giveaways throughout the year, via the social media outlets or www.BCUathletics.com.

COURTESY BETHUNE-COOKMAN UNIVERSITY ATHLETICS MEDIA RELATIONS

SWAC Football Signing Day 2016

Alabama A&M
Torron Murray - 6'2 - 190 - DB - Duluth, Ga.
Amari Holloway 6'2 - 175 - DB - Trussville, Ala. - @amari_holloway
Armoni Holloway - 6'2 - 185 - FS - Trussville, Ala. - @armoni_hollowayCourtland Walker

---

Alabama State
 Christian Clark - 6'1, 320 - DT, Euclid, Ohio - @tdc79
Aaron Pope - 6'0, 180, DB - Cleveland, Ohio
Graham Palmer - 5'9 165 DB - Hoffman Estates, Ill. - @palmergrahamm
Joshua Hill 6'0, - 170, SS - Prichard, Ala.
Kobie Jones  - 6'2 180, QB - Ocala,  Fla. - @kobietoraw
Taliesin Farmer - 6'0, 200 - RB, Garfield Heights, Ohio
Ezekiel Smith - 6'0 - 185 - DB - Covington, Ga.
Kevin Nunn Jr. - 6'2 - 305 - Calera, Ala.
Darius King  - 6'0, 201, SS - Phenix City, Ala.
Randall Smith - Panama City, Fla.
Kha'Darrius Davis - Bessemer, Ala.
Ezra Gray - 5'9 - 170 - DB - Lynn Haven, Fla. - @e_gray21
Oshea Grant - 6'1 - 185 - DB - Sarasota, Fla.

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Mississippi Valley State
Anthony Brown - 6'4 - 278 OL - Aliceville, Ala.
Tracy Thompkins - 5'10 - 180 DB - Miami, Fla.
Chadwick Smith Jr. - 6'3 - 280 - OL - Baton Rouge, La.

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Alcorn State
Nickolos Madourie - 6'4 - 220 - DE - Sunrise, Fla. @hotboynick619Marcus Montemayor - 6'3 - 285 OL - Missouri,Texas @monteyyyyKwanzi Jackson - 6'3 240 -LB - Palmetto, Fla. @1k_kb11Darius Davis - 6'4 - 317 OL - Clinton, La.
Kevin Hall - 6-6 - OL - Prentiss, Miss.
Felix Harper - 6'0 - 170 - QB - Fairborn, Ga - @semi_famous7
Brelios Holis - 6'0 - 195 - LB - Monroe, La. - @brelionhollis
Corey McCullough - 5'11 - 175 - K - Louisville, Miss. - @cj_920
Darius Miller - 5'8 - 165 - RB - St. Petersburg, Fla.
Javen Morrison - 5-10 - 106 - WR - Missouri City, Texas - @yung_j6
Sidney Murray - 6'3 - 247 - DL - Richmond, Texas - @sm_5cinco
Quentin Patterson - 6'0 - 165 -WR - Corinth, Miss. - @quentintyriq
Jefferson Souza - 6'0 - 170 - K - Deerfield Beach, Fla. - @jeffswagg123
Mustaffa Ibrahim  - 6'2 - 292 - OL - Ridgeland, Miss.

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Jackson State
Ryan Theyard 6'2 - 172 - CB - New Orleans, La. @ryan_jorred
De'Ryan Wansley - 6'4 - 210 - WR- Decatur, Miss.
Keenan Young - 6'1 - 205 - WR - Belleville, Ill.
Joshua Miller 5'10 - 175 QB - Kokomo, Miss.
Kahlil Johnson - 6'4 - 224- DE/WR Jackson, Miss. @_guapokeelo
Devon McNeil 6"4-218- DE/LB - Jackson, Miss.
Eddie Maxon Jr.  - 6'4 - 290 OL - Batesville, Miss.
Darius Joseph - 6'3 - 285 - OL - Harvey, La.
Kobe Gates  - 6'3 -213 - WR - Walnut Grove, Miss.
Cedric Triplett - 6'2 - 225 - LB - Baton Rouge, La. @cedrictriplett
Charles Moffett - 6'8 - 277 - OL - Gulfport, Miss.
Kyree Bradford  - 6'7 - LB - Tupelo, Miss.
Deon Cole - 5'11 - 205 - LB - Gulfport, Miss.
Adarius Craft  - 6'3 - 215 - WR- Gulfport, Miss

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Grambling State
Da-Itekena Cheetham-West - 6'4 - 270 - DE - Kingwood, Texas
Clarence Comeaux - 6'4-262- DT - Beaumont, Texas - @bigcomeaux71
Danquarian Fields - 6'4- 180 - Arcadia, La. - @danfields_
Najee Gordon - 6'3 - 205 - LB - New Orleans, La. - @n_geeee7
Steven Grant ll - 5' 11 -175 - DB - Shreveport, La. @chrisgrant_5
Quintin Guice -  6'2- 175 - WR - Monroe, La. - @captainguice34
Geremy Hickbottom - 6'5 - 190 QB - Mobile, La.
DeAndre Hogues - 6'2 - 190 LB - Mobile, La.
Frederick Williams - 6'5 - 290 - OL - Columbus, Ga.
Lawrence Willis - 6'5 - 275 - TE - Leesville, La.
Carl Wilmer  - 6'4 - 340 - DT- Marksville, La.
Treylan Dunn - 6'2 - 210 - RB - Jackson, La. @aye_treyyy
Che Manning ll - 6'4 - 261 - OL - Monroe, La. - @chemanningll
Stephen Massenburg - 6'3 - 285 - OL - Oxon Hill, Md. @patientlyw8in
David Moore - Little Rock, Ark.
Lyndemian Brooks - 5'7 - 160 - WR - Austin, Texas @ohsowavvy6
William Waddell  - 6'3 - 311- OL- Tallahassee, Fla. - @lakejackkid

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Southern
Lee Castille - 6'0 - 175 - DB - New Orleans, La.
Robert Kimble - 6'0 - 195 - DB - Conyers, Ga.
Christopher Reed - 6'4 - 215 - LB - Houston, Texas
Tyler Brown 6'2 - 200 - WR - Donaldsonville, La.
Caleb Carter - 6'1 - 217 - LB - LB Baton Rouge, La.
Darquez Lee - 6'2 - 208 - QB -  Shelby, N.C.
Jamarqueza Mims - 5'10 - 201 - RB -Shreveport, La.
Kayce Ntukogu - 6'0 - 175 - DB New Orleans, La.
Tyran Nash - 6'2 - LB - New Orleans, La.
Dakavian Champion - 6'2 - 280 - DT - Houston, Texas
Bryce Beekman - 6'4 - 175 - DB - Baton Rouge, La.
Quentavious Monday - 6'4 - 175 - DB - Atlanta, Ga,
Jeremias Houston - 6'5 - 237 - TE - Shreveport, La. - @j_holliswagg
Jeremiah Abby - 6'3 - 310 OL - Atlanta, Ga.

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Texas Southern
AJ Matthews - 6'0 185 - DB -Houston, Texas
Ike Onwuasoanya - 6'2 - 265 - DL - Houston, Texas
Terrell Love - 5'10 - 225 - RB - Oklahoma City, Okla.
Nick Alexander - 6'3 - 210 -WR - Lancaster, Texas
Demetri Freeman - 6'1 - 290 - DL - Mexia, Texas
Julian Marcantel - 6'2 - 220 - Lake Charles, La.
Michah Minter - 6'2 - 230 - Shreveport, La.
David Orlando - 6'3 - 260 TE - Miami, Fla.
Anthony Philips - 6'3 - 330 - OL - Houston, Texas
Jeremiah Credit - 5'8 - 165 - Ath. - Freeport, Texas
Tylor Cook - 5'10 - 185 - RB - Salisbury, Conn.
Dominic Deriggi - 6'4 - 280 - OL - Houston, Texas
Zalphr Murphy - 5'10 - 175 - DB - Houston, Texas
Nate Thompson - 6'5 - 330 - Sachse, Texas
Malik Webb - 6'0 - 170 - DB-  Dallas, Texas
Cameron Davis - 6'3 - 210 - QB - Houston, Texas

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Arkansas-Pine Bluff
Samuel Beavers - 5'11 - 185 - P - Pine Bluff, Ark.
Justin Booker-Brown - 6'1 - 235 - LB - Houston, Texas
Boston Brice - 6'1 - 306 -  DL - Columbia, S.C.
Jeremy Brown -  6'3 - 205 - WR - Ruston, La.
Jaelen Collins - 6'3 - 220 - TE - Vallejo, Calif.
Michael Green - 6'2 - 295 - OL - Chino, Calif.
Kolby McNeal - 5'11 - 180 - WR - Little Rock, Ark.
Matthew Perry - 6'6 - 330 - DT - New York, N.Y.
Lionell Scott, lll. - 6'2 - 300 - Tickfaw, La.
Jalen Steward - 6'4 - 250 -  DE - Memphis, Tenn.
Ralph Tyrin - 5'9 - 170 - Ath. - New Orleans, La.
Joshua Wallace - 6'2 - 280 - Anite City, La.
Diamante Woolridge - 5'8 - WR - 165 - New Orleans, La.
Justin Williams - 5'11 - 170 -  K - Pine Bluff, Ark.

COURTESY SWAC MEDIA RELATIONS

AAMU Bulldogs face Auburn, MTSU in upcoming football season

HUNTSVILLE, Alabama -- The Alabama A&M football team will kick off the 2016 season at Middle Tennessee State and wrap up the season on the Plains at Auburn, as the Bulldogs released their schedule Monday.

The season starts in Murfreesboro on Sept. 3 and ends Nov. 19 at Auburn to bookend the schedule with the two Football Bowl Subdivision programs.

The home schedule includes Prairie View A&M on Sept. 17 for the Louis Crews Classic; Southern University on Sept. 24; Alcorn State for Homecoming on Oct. 8; and Grambling State on Nov. 5.

The Magic City Classic is Oct. 29. A&M is the home team this year for the annual showdown in Birmingham with Alabama State.

"As usual, we have a highly competitive SWAC schedule sandwiched by two quality FBS opponents," said Head Football Coach James Spady. "The 2016 football schedule will truly test our football team and we are eager to begin preparing."

The Bulldogs will be on the road at MTSU on Sept. 3; Mississippi Valley State (Sept. 10); Texas Southern (Oct. 1); Arkansas-Pine Bluff (Oct. 15; Jackson State
(Nov. 12); and Auburn (Nov. 19).

The complete schedule:
Sept. 3 at MTSU
Sept. 10 at Mississippi Valley State
Sept. 17 vs. Prairie View - Louis Crews Classic
Sept. 24 vs. Southern
Oct. 1 at Texas Southern
Oct. 8 vs. Alcorn State - Homecoming
Oct. 15 at Arkansas-Pine Bluff
Oct. 29 vs. Alabama State - Magic City Classic
Nov. 5 vs. Grambling State
Nov. 12 at Jackson State
Nov. 19 at Auburn

COURTESY ALABAMA A&M UNIVERSITY SPORTS INFORMATION

Bethune-Cookman's football schedule features North Texas, home games with MEAC co-champs

DAYTONA BEACH, Florida -- Home dates with fellow Mid Eastern Athletic Conference champions North Carolina Central and North Carolina A&T highlight Bethune-Cookman's 2016 football schedule, set to be unveiled Wednesday in addition to the Wildcats' 2016 recruiting class.

B-CU begins the year with three non-conference games, including a shot at a Football Bowl Subdivision opponent for the sixth consecutive year.

The Wildcats will travel to North Texas, which went 1-11 last season, on Sept. 10. B-CU replaces Liberty on North Texas' schedule, meaning the Mean Green will play consecutive home games to start a season for the first time since 1990. It's the first meeting between the two programs.

The Wildcats are scheduled to return to the MEAC/SWAC Challenge after a three-year absence, but their opponent and the game's location has not yet been revealed by ESPN Events. An announcement will occur in the coming months, said Rachel Margolis Siegal, manager of ESPN College Sports' public relations.

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Alcorn State hires Fred McNair

JACKSON, Mississippi -- Alcorn State has turned to a familiar face with a very familiar name to lead its football program.

The Braves promoted Fred McNair, the team’s interim head coach, to head coach and introduced him at the Mississippi Sports Hall of Fame on Tuesday.

McNair, who was named the interim head coach on Jan. 31, is a former Brave quarterback and the older brother to former Tennessee Titan and Baltimore Raven quarterback Steve McNair.

He joined Alcorn in 2012 and has been the program’s assistant head coach and quarterbacks coach. McNair helped coach former SWAC Co-Offensive Player of the Year John Gibbs Jr. and current quarterback Lenorris Footman transition into the starting role after Gibbs went out with an ankle injury during the 2015 season.

Gold Nuggets still 24th in NAIA coaches poll

NEW ORLEANS — Xavier University of Louisiana is 24th for the second consecutive week in the NAIA Division I Women's Basketball Coaches' Top 25 Poll.
    
The Gold Nuggets, 15-8 after a 75-62 victory Monday at SUNO, have been among the top 25 in all seven polls this season. Their highest rank was ninth Dec. 8.
    
Xavier has one game remaining this week, at 3 p.m. Saturday against Dillard in the Crosstown Classic at XU's Convocation Center.
    
Talladega (18-3), the leader in the Gulf Coast Athletic Conference by three games over Xavier and Philander Smith, climbed from 20th to 19th nationally. This is the Lady Tornadoes' fifth consecutive top-25 appearance.
    
Ascending to No. 1 for the first time in the program's history was Our Lady of the Lake, which lost 91-86 in overtime to Xavier Nov. 14 in the LSUS Classic at Shreveport, La. Since then the Saints (19-2) have won 19-of-20, including their last 19 in a row. OLLU received 7-of-9 first-place votes and is the fourth school to hold the top spot this season.
    
XU city rival Loyola, which will play host to the Gold Nuggets at 7 p.m. Feb. 17, fell out of the top 25 after ranking 23rd a week ago.

NAIA Division I Women's Basketball Coaches' Top 25 Poll (first-place votes in parentheses — records through Jan. 31)    Rank Team Record Points Last 1 Our Lady of the Lake (7) 19-2 218 3 2 Westmont 18-3 205 2 3 Campbellsville 19-4 204 1 4 Columbia (Mo.) (2) 21-1 193 6 5 Bethel (Tenn.) 19-4 192 4 6 Lyon 19-2 187 7 7 Shawnee State 19-3 186 5 8 MidAmerica Nazarene 17-4 166 9 9 Vanguard 14-4 158 8 10 The Master's 19-2 156 12 11 Carroll (Mont.) 18-3 148 10 12 Lewis-Clark State 18-3 145 13 13 Freed-Hardeman 16-5 141 11 14 Oklahoma City 12-5 121 14 15 Pikeville 19-1 112 17 16 Central Methodist 18-2 109 16 17 Wayland Baptist 14-4 107 21 18 Langston 15-3 105 18 19 Talladega 18-3 104 20 20 Montana State-Northern 16-5 89 15 21 Lindsey Wilson 17-4 79 22 22 Benedictine (Kan.) 18-4 72 18 23 Great Falls 15-7 59 25 24 Xavier 14-8 57 24 25 Martin Methodist 17-6 55 RV        Dropped from rankings:  No. 23 Loyola      Others receiving votes:  LSU-Shreveport 48, Loyola 38, Baker 27, Auburn Montgomery 14, Cumberland 11, Culver-Stockton 10, William Woods 7 Ed Cassiere, Sports Information Director XULAgold.com XAVIER UNIVERSITY OF LOUISIANA  twitter.com/xulagold www.facebook.com/xulagold

XU's Goreau, Salwan are GCAC's 1st Players of the Week

NEW ORLEANS — Xavier University of Louisiana's Charlene Goreau and Karan Salwan are the first Gulf Coast Athletic Conference Players of the Week of the 2016 tennis season.
    
Goreau, a freshman from Toulouse, France, and a graduate of Raymond Naves School, did not lose a game in doubles or singles in her collegiate debut Saturday at home against Loyola. Goreau and Brandi Nelson defeated Margaret Adams and Lauren Rosales 8-0 at the top doubles flight, then Goreau defeated Adams 6-0, 6-0 at No. 1 singles. The Gold Nuggets won the dual 9-0.
    
Salwan, a junior from New Delhi, India, and a graduate of Modern School, teamed with Tushar Mandlekar for an 8-2 doubles victory against Loyola's Steven Le and Ernesto de Diego at No. 1 doubles. Then Salwan beat Lee 6-3, 6-0 at No. 1 singles. The Gold Rush won that dual 8-1.
    
Salwan is the ITA's eighth-ranked NAIA singles player, and Salwan and Mandlekar are No. 13 in doubles.
    
The Gold Rush (1-2) and Gold Nuggets (1-0) will play William Carey at 11 a.m. Saturday at XU Tennis Center. All four teams are ranked among the NAIA's top 11. Admission is free to all XU home dual matches.

Ed Cassiere, Sports Information Director
XULAgold.com
XAVIER UNIVERSITY OF LOUISIANA 
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Rally at Wright time gives Gold Rush victory at SUNO

NEW ORLEANS — Morris Wright scored 20 of his 25 points in the second half Monday, and Xavier University of Louisiana rallied late for a 59-50 Gulf Coast Athletic Conference men's basketball victory against SUNO at The Castle.
    
The Gold Rush (16-8, 3-4) snapped a two-game losing streak and won a GCAC road game for the first time this season.
    
Wright, a senior guard and the GCAC Preseason Player of the Year, scored a 3-point play with an assist from Gary Smith to put Xavier ahead to stay, 48-46, with 3:03 remaining. Wright made two free throws at 2:33, and Smith's 3-point play at 1:46 gave Xavier a 53-46 lead and capped an 8-0 run.
    
Elex Carter had 10 points and six rebounds for the Gold Rush, and Smith had nine points and a season-high seven assists. Wright scored in double figures for the 32nd consecutive game and led Xavier in scoring for the 22nd time in 24 games this season.
    
Dominique Suggs and Junaid Olusesi scored 11 points apiece for the Knights (6-12, 1-6), who have lost four straight, and Joe Brown had nine points, eight rebounds and four blocks. Cortavius Williams had eight points and 14 rebound
    
Olusesi's 3-pointer gave SUNO its largest lead, 19-11, at 9:29 of the first half, but Leland Alexander's basket for Xavier with three seconds remaining tied the score at 25. The Knights held their largest second-half lead, 44-38, after Brown's basket at 6:45.
    
SUNO outshot Xavier 42.6 to 41.5 percent from the floor, but the Gold Rush made 11-of-19 free throws to the Knights' 4-of-12. Xavier produced a season-high 13 steals, with Wright matching his season high of four and Smith collecting three.
   
It was the sixth time this season that Xavier allowed 50 or fewer points. The Gold Rush entered the game ranked second in NAIA Division I scoring defense.
    
Xavier beat SUNO at The Castle for the eighth time in its last nine visits. It was the 100th meeting between the Gold Rush and Knights — Xavier leads the series 71-29 with 20 victories in the last 24 games.
    
Xavier will play GCAC rival Dillard at 5 p.m. Saturday in the second game of the Crosstown Classic doubleheader at XU's Convocation Center. Advance tickets are available all week in room 322 of the Convocation Center Annex.
BOX SCORE

Ed Cassiere, Sports Information DirectorXULAgold.com
XAVIER UNIVERSITY OF LOUISIANA 
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Ram Ramblings: Saint Paul's spirit, legacy lives on

SALISBURY, North Carolina - Oralia Washington was busy and had no time to pose for a picture between games of the Livingstone and Winston-Salem State basketball doubleheader on Saturday at New Trent Gym.

To Washington, a consummate pro when it comes to the behind the scenes work as a sports information director, she was in her element. She kept stats, printed out those stats to impatient coaches, and attended to every other detail that goes along with her job. And she did this in one of the loudest and best atmospheres in the CIAA. New Trent Gym was packed.

Washington, a 2000 graduate of St. Paul’s, is a former player who in the mid-1990s was a shooting guard for the Tigers.

She is among the many in the CIAA who work behind the scenes making what little media is left covering a Division II conference easier.

I have it easier than some because WSSU actually has two full-timers devoted to sports information in Kevin Manns and Trevin Goodwin. Manns and Godwin know I can call them at any time and get questions answered.

CONTINUE READING

Nuggets' 1st-quarter run sparks 75-62 victory at SUNO

NEW ORLEANS --  Kiera Robinson and Whitney Gathright led a lengthy first-quarter run, and Donyeah Mayfield produced her fourth double-double of the season in Xavier University of Louisiana's 75-62 Gulf Coast Athletic Conference women's basketball victory against SUNO at The Castle.

The Gold Nuggets (15-8, 4-3), ranked 24th in NAIA Division I, snapped a two-game losing streak and won on the road for the first time in three GCAC games.

Gathright had seven points and Robinson six during an 18-0 run that gave Xavier a 20-2 lead at 4:41 of the first quarter. The Gold Nuggets led 28-6 at the end of that period -- their largest lead -- and 39-25 at halftime. Xavier finished with a 12-5 run after SUNO cut the lead to 63-57 with 3:44 remaining.

Robinson, a freshman, scored a career-high 18 points -- she was 9-of-11 from the floor -- grabbed eight rebounds and had two steals. Gathright made 3-of-4 3-pointers and had 16 points and six assists, and Mayfield had 11 points and 10 rebounds.

Also in double figures for Xavier were Trana Hopkins with 11 points and Jasmine Bush with a career-high 10. Hopkins had a career-best five steals. Reserve center Kelsee Singleton had five points, seven rebounds, four blocks and a steal.

Rayvin Miller and Deja Young scored 14 points apiece for the Lady Knights (8-10, 3-4), and Micah Brooks had 12 points and five assists. Miller had 10 rebounds, five assists and four steals in her second double-double of the season, and Young's points were a career best.

Xavier outshot SUNO 43.8 to 37.7 percent from the floor and outrebounded the Lady Knights 46-33. The Gold Nuggets made 5-of-9 treys for a season-beCst 55.6 percent, and their 12 fouls were a season low.

Xavier ended a four-game losing streak against the Lady Knights and leads the series 63-13.

Xavier will play GCAC rival Dillard at 3 p.m. Saturday in the first game of the Crosstown Classic doubleheader at XU's Convocation Center. Advance tickets are available all week in room 322 of the Convocation Center Annex.


Ed Cassiere, Sports Information Director
XULAgold.com
XAVIER UNIVERSITY OF LOUISIANA 
twitter.com/xulagold
www.facebook.com/xulagold 

Alcorn State to name new football coach on Tuesday

Tuesday, February 02, 2016
Time: 3:00PM
Location: Mississippi Sports Hall of Fame
The press conference will be streamed on www.alcornsports.com.

LORMAN, Mississippi -- It didn't take long for Alcorn State to find its next football coach, now it's just a matter of revealing who it is.

The university issued a press release stating that it'll announce its new coach at a press conference at 3 p.m. on Tuesday at the Mississippi Sports Hall of Fame.

The vacancy for the Braves' coaching job was created when Jay Hopson, who had coached the team the past four seasons, was named Southern Miss' coach late Saturday night.

Derek Horne, Alcorn State's athletic director, tabbed assistant head coach and quarterbacks coach Fred McNair as the Braves' interim coach shortly after Hopson departed.

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ASU baseball coach officially loses interim title

ALBANY, Georgia -- Daniel Stockdale entered Albany State's media day with big news. He lost the interim tag that lingered throughout last season even after he carried his Golden Rams to an SIAC championship.

"Grateful, appreciative, but we just continued to work throughout the interim tag," said Stockdale. "We never really worried about that. Individually my family and I we just continued to work hard every day and I'm happy to be officially the head coach."

The second year coach is confident in his squad as they are less than 2 weeks away from their home opener against Georgia Southwestern.

"What we're really looking for is professional and personal development of all of our student athletes," said Stockdale. "Having an All-American on our team this season is really going to do our school and our team a lot of good."

"This group and the ones that are getting ready for pitches right now," said All-American infielder Terrence Worthy. "We are the hardest working team that I ever been on. To have a hard working coach, I mean he's out there running with us."

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Donated TVs help with recruiting at FAMU

TALLAHASSEE, Florida -- Florida A&M’s football has faced several sanctions from the NCAA in recent years and, despite applications for waivers from new AD Milton Overton Jr. and Deputy AD Elliot Charles, the program will have to operate without spring practice.

It’s another negative recruiting blow for a team that also can’t participate in the postseason. It’s also a challenge for Parker Brooks, the new director of FAMU’s strength and conditioning program.

Brooks said he wants to make changes to FAMU’s field house, which hasn’t been renovated since it was opened in 1983. First and foremost, he’s looking to add to what the Rattlers can show potential recruits who visit the facilities.

To help, the 220 Quarterback Club, a group of FAMU athletics enthusiasts, donated four 42-inch high-definition flat screen televisions to the athletic department. Three went to the field house and one to Gaither Gymnasium.

The contribution was worth just over $1,100.

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St. Augustine has 5 players commit to Mississippi Valley State, Jackson State

NEW ORLEANS -- Four St. Augustine players committed to Mississippi Valley State on Sunday, joining a teammate who pledged to another SWAC school last week.

Running back/wide receiver Darrell Landry, defensive end/tackle Lawrence Adams, center Brian Watson and tackle Evan Raymond all pledged to the Delta Devils. Landry announced the the commitments on his Twitter page.

Meanwhile, offensive lineman Darius Joseph announced he committed Jackson State last week.

Landry, 5 feet 9, 170 pounds, had 49 carries for 339 yards and three touchdowns and caught 36 passes for 378 yards and two touchdowns in his senior season. He also returned two kickoffs for touchdowns

Adams, 6-3, 275, finished his senior season with 35 tackles, two sacks and one fumble recovery which he returned 99 yards for a touchdown. He could play inside or outside on the defensive line at the next level.

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What's next for Alcorn State?

LORMAN, Mississippi -- Jay Hopson inherited Alcorn State's football program while it was, in his own words, at "rock bottom."

After four seasons, he left the Braves at the top of the SWAC with back-to-back conference championships.

Following Hopson's hiring as Southern Miss' coach, Alcorn State is tasked with finding the coach who can keep pushing the program's momentum forward.

Shortly after the news was released about Hopson's departure on Saturday night, Derek Horne, Braves athletic director, appointed assistant head coach and quarterbacks coach Fred McNair as Alcorn State's interim coach.

In a university press release, Horne stated a national search for Hopson's permanent replacement would start immediately.

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Restivo leaves S.C. State to coach defense at McNeese State

COACH TOMMY RESTIVO
DEFENSIVE COORDINATOR

ORANGEBURG, South Carolina -- The South Carolina State Bulldogs football team knew at the end of the 2015 season that eight of the 22 players on the defense’s two-deep roster had played their final games in an SCSU uniform.

Replacing those players and their experience was a known need that SCSU Head Coach Buddy Pough knew he would encounter during this offseason and heading into the 2016 SCSU preseason workouts.

As of this week, the Bulldogs defense has lost another key component, as second-year defensive coordinator Tommy Restivo was announced on Tuesday as the new DC at McNeese State University in Lake Charles, Louisiana.

In the 2015 campaign, Restivo steered the Bulldogs defensive unit to performances that led the nation (FCS rankings) in sacks, tackles for loss, pass efficiency defense and third-down defense. The Bulldogs also finished the season nationally-ranked third in passing defense, fourth in scoring defense, sixth in total defense and 25th in rushing defense.

"Tommy did a fine job for us and we appreciate it," Coach Pough said on Thursday. "This sort of thing happens when you hire high-end guys; people will try to come get them."

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Yahkee Johnson Heads to Hampton University

JUCO Running Back Yahkee Johnson

HAMPTON, Virginia -- Former L.C. Bird running back Yahkee Johnson has made a few statements in his career.

But this past week, the former standout, made his biggest statement – a commitment to where he would be finishing up his college career.

The 5-8 bolt of lightning has decided on Hampton University.

“Yahkee Johnson is one of the finest young men I have ever coached,” said L.C. Bird coach, David Bedwell. “Hampton got a great football player but an even better young man. Expect big things to come.”

Part of Johnson’s success at L.C. Bird had to do with the trust that he built with Bedwell, calling him someone who is there for him to this day. During his senior year, Johnson broke Jason Snelling’s all-time record for total rushing yardage in a game when he gashed Midlothian for 302 yards. The record has been broken multiple times since, with Paul Robertson being the current record holder, with 426 yards.

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Hampton University President Dr. William R. Harvey Tops $3 million in cash donations to 'Home By the Sea'

Dr. and Mrs. William R. Harvey

HAMPTON, Virginia -- With Dr. and Mrs. William R. Harvey’s latest $100,000 gift to the William R. Harvey Leadership Institute, HU’s University President has given more than $3 million to the institution of higher learning that has grown exponentially under his leadership. That personal donation dollar amount is $3,066,327. The gift speaks to the couple’s heartfelt commitment to the “Standard of Excellence” that is Hampton University. Dr. William R. Harvey and Mrs. Norma B. Harvey are more than President and First Lady of the Hampton University community. They have dedicated their lives to the success of the university.

All university presidents are called upon to enhance the quality of the university’s student population, academic programs, faculty, physical facilities and financial base. That’s the job. What Dr. Harvey has done extends beyond any official expectation. His giving is best described as ‘not just talking the talk, but walking the walk.’ He has done all that is in his power to support the historic institution, from the Emancipation Oak to the shoreline that hugs the campus on three sides.

As a visionary, Dr. Harvey, has embraced HU founder General Samuel Chapman Armstrong’s mission to have everything at Hampton University excel. And excel it has under Dr. Harvey’s leadership. The Harvey years, 38 and counting, will grace the record books as an unparalleled accounting of mega success, not just for the HU students, faculty and staff whose lives give testimony to the results of his labor; but for the global community of stakeholders who will continually reap the benefits of his astute leadership for generations to come.

Dr. Harvey has introduced innovations, which have solidified Hampton University’s stellar position among the nation’s colleges and universities. Seventy-six new academic programs, satellites on active missions in space, the largest free-standing proton therapy cancer treatment center in the world, all of what Dr. Harvey has accomplished speaks to his desire to leave the world better than he found it.

The Brewton, Alabama native is a servant leader who faces each day determined to enrich the lives of others. His blessed path led him from a small town in Alabama to the coveted classrooms of Harvard University. With his Ivy League degree in hand, Dr. Harvey could have taken any one of so many prestigious university offers. However, Dr. Harvey, the true educator, chose to lead at an HBCU where he could make a real difference in the academic worlds of young people who yearned for better lives. Dr. Harvey, the businessman, put his acumen to work placing Hampton on the fast track for growth and development as a world-class university.

Dr. Harvey has reached into his own pocket several times to help members of the university community. He has covered salary increases during the lean financial periods. For example in 2011, Dr. and Mrs. Harvey gave a gift of $1 million to be utilized as incentives to increase faculty salaries. In 2011 and again in 2014, the Harveys gave donations of $166,000 and $108,403 respectively, to support wage increases for full-time permanent HU staff. The Harveys also made a generous donation to scholarships in 2001. That year they gave a gift of $1 million to fund scholarships for students interested in becoming K-12 teachers.

“My parents were my first role models,” Harvey said. “Establishing the W.D.C. Harvey Endowed Scholarships in my father’s name is my way of honoring all of the life lessons they shared. They taught my sister Anne and me the benefit of giving and sharing to improve the world we live in. The scholarships will assist in making it possible for the next generation of leaders to emerge.

This latest gift of $100,000 will provide an endowment of at least $3,000,000 in scholarships for students to attend the William R. Harvey Leadership Institute (WRHLI). The students will become “Harvey Scholars” after a rigorous selection process. Upon completion of the program, the fellows receive an 18-hour-minor in leadership studies.

The WRHLI was the brainchild of Dr. Harvey who convened several of his closest academic advisors with the clear purpose of creating an institute with a curriculum focused on character development, critical thinking, leadership theory and application, ethics and policy development.

Dr. and Mrs. Harvey’s most recent personal contribution of $100,000 will support scholarships for 25 “Harvey Scholars” each year over a period of four years for a total of 100 scholarships. The Institute provides an impressive curriculum designed to teach Dr. Harvey’s ten-point leadership model--vision, work ethic, academic excellence, team building, innovation, courage, management, fairness, fiscal conservatism, and results.

The proof of performance for the William R. Harvey Leadership Model is in the career stories of executives who have studied the model under Dr. Harvey’s mentorship and as a result reached the height of their careers. An unprecedented 17 executives attribute their positions as President or C-E-O of a university or institution, to Dr. Harvey and the effectiveness of his leadership model.

The newly financed William R. Harvey Leadership Scholarships will be awarded in Fall 2016.

COURTESY HAMPTON UNIVERSITY OFFICE OF UNIVERSITY RELATIONS

Hampton Pirates Bounce Back Battle of the Bay Win

HAMPTON, Virginia -- With first place on the line Saturday evening at the HU Convocation Center, the Hampton University men's basketball team defeated rival Norfolk State 86-76 in the first installment of this season's Battle of the Bay.

The Pirates (12-8, 8-1 MEAC) have won seven of their last eight games.

Reginald Johnson, Jr. led four Pirates in double figures with 29 points, going 10-for-20 from the floor, while also dishing out a team-high five assists. Quinton Chievous and Brian Darden each added 16 points, with Chievous grabbing seven boards and doling out four assists.

Lawrence Cooks dropped 12 points, and Dionte Adams grabbed a team-high 10 rebounds.

The Pirates shot 44.1 percent (26-for-59) from the floor – including a 46.7 percent clip (14-for-30) in the first half – and made eight of their 21 3-pointers (38.1 percent). Hampton was also 26-for-34 (76.5 percent) from the free throw line.

Chievous gave the Pirates a 54-47 lead with a layup with 15:54 remaining in the second half, before the Spartans responded with nine unanswered points to take a 56-55 lead after a three from Jeff Short at the 10:42 mark.

From there, the two teams traded the lead back and forth on six straight possessions – before Chievous put the Pirates back on top 61-60 with 8:03 left to play. That ignited an 8-0 Hampton run, putting the Pirates up 67-60 after a Johnson fastbreak layup at the 6:10 mark.

Norfolk State never got any closer than within seven points for the rest of the game. In the game's final 2:23, the Pirates – who struggled at the free throw line in Monday's loss to South Carolina State – went 8-for-10 from the free throw line.

Chievous added a two-hand slam with 23 seconds left, putting Hampton up 83-70.

Norfolk State held an early 27-20 lead, taking that advantage with 6:03 left in the first half after a trey from Short. But the Pirates answered with a 20-4 run, taking a 40-31 lead with 1:30 left in the half after a fastbreak layup from Johnson.

Johnson later hit three free throws with 48 seconds left to put Hampton up 43-33.

The Spartans scored the next four points to cut the lead to 43-37, before Darden sank a long three near the buzzer to send the Pirates into the break with a 46-37 lead.

Darden, who hit four 3-pointers, had 14 points at the half.

Norfolk State (10-13, 6-2 MEAC) shot 39.4 percent (26-for-66) from the floor, but made just four of 20 3-pointers (20.0 percent).

Short came off the bench to lead four Spartans in double figures with 23 points.

The Pirates will play host to Washington Adventist on Tuesday at 6 p.m. in their non-conference finale. 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.

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COURTESY HAMPTON UNIVERSITY SPORTS INFORMATION

Thinking of his father, WSSU's Wilhelmi emotional after victory

SALISBURY — Coach James Wilhelmi of Winston-Salem State kept apologizing for the tears.

After the Rams beat the Livingstone Blue Bears, the two-time defending CIAA champions, 81-79 in overtime, emotions got the best of Wilhelmi.

During a tearful post-game interview Wilhelmi talked about his dying father in Madison, Wisc., who has about 48 hours left to live. Jeff Wilhelmi, 67, has been fighting the late stages of stomach cancer, but that fight is almost over.

“He’s got two days to live so I have to fly up there,” Wilhelmi said just outside the Rams’ locker room at New Trent Gym. “Before the game I just told the guys that I was dedicating this game to him.”

Wilhelmi said he’s checked flights to the Midwest and could fly home Sunday to be with his
family. It’s likely he will miss Monday’s home game against Virginia Union.

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Fred McNair named Alcorn's interim head coach

INERIM HEAD FOOTBALL COACH FRED MCNAIR
ALCORN STATE UNIVERSITY

LORMAN, Mississippi -- After Jay Hopson took the head coaching job at Southern Miss, Alcorn State elected to name Fred McNair as its interim coach, the school announced on Saturday night.

McNair had been on the Braves' staff since Hopson arrived in 2012. He was the assistant head coach and quarterbacks coach. He oversaw the development of quarterbacks John Gibbs Jr., who was SWAC Co-Offensive Player of the Year in 2014, and Lenorris Footman when Gibbs went down with an ankle injury halfway through the 2015 season.

According to a release from Alcorn State, Derek Horne, Braves athletic director, said they'll go through a national search for Hopson's permanent replacement and that the search would begin "immediately."

With national signing day coming up this Wednesday, Alcorn State was placed in a tough spot following Hopson's departure.

Under McNair's watch, Gibbs passed for 2,482 yards and 21 touchdowns and rushed for 1,006 yards in 2014. In 2013, Gibbs passed for 2,567 and 21 touchdowns. He also rushed for 455 yards.

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Briana Green leads the offense as Southern women defeat Alcorn State 66-57

BATON ROUGE, Louisiana -- With Britney Washington in foul trouble and Cortnei Purnell struggling with her shot, it was up to Briana Green to lead the Southern women’s basketball team’s offense.

She did just that, scoring a game-high 20 points and making 9-of-14 field goals in 36 minutes.

Washington managed 15 points in 24 minutes and Purnell was scoreless after missing all nine of her shots but was a primary factor in Norianna Haynes, the leading scorer in the Southwestern Athletic Conference (21.4 ponts per game), scoring just eight points on 3-of-18 shooting for the Lady Braves.

It all added up to a 66-57 Jaguars victory Saturday afternoon in the F.G. Clark Activity Center. Southern (7-2 in the SWAC and 10-8 overall) visits Grambling on Saturday.

Alcorn is 2-7 and 4-15.

PHOTO GALLERY

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The cost of getting recruited

Earning a Division I scholarship in football is more expensive than you think.

JACKSON, Mississippi -- In three days, Nigel Knott will be one step closer to playing college football. The four-star Germantown cornerback is among a handful of Mississippi’s Division I prospects who will sign a letter of intent on Wednesday’s national signing day, choosing from a long list of in-state and national powers.

At the same time, former Callaway safety Dwayne Pickett Jr. will have likely wrapped up a workout at Hinds Community College, hoping to one day earn his dream offer from a Power 5program. Meanwhile, Madison-Ridgeland Academy slot receiver Karter Bounds is enjoying the final few months of his senior year, having hung up his cleats for a final time months ago.

At first glance the three have little in common, other than sharing a birth year and their sport of choice. But while their immediate futures may be very different, all three had the same goal — to play college football — and their parents quickly realized that little about the recruiting process comes free. Parents can spend thousands of dollars traveling to the various combines and camps hoping that their child will perform well enough to be noticed.

“If I had of known, I wouldn’t have gave that kid a football,” said Sabrina Givens, Knott’s mother, with a laugh. “We would’ve took up something else. I don’t know, maybe he could’ve collected baseball cards?”

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Christopher Hyder, Trelun Banks and Adrian Rodgers lead Southern to their seventh straight win, 75-64 over Alcorn State

BATON ROUGE, Louisiana -- Christopher Hyder, Adrian Rodgers and Trelun Banks are Southern’s most reliable offensive players, and they showed why Saturday night.

Hyder orchestrated the offense expertly during his 39 minutes of play, Banks’ scoring helped the Jaguars grab the lead in the second half and Rodgers’ contributions were the key to extending it in a 75-64 victory against Alcorn State in the F.G. Clark Activity Center.

“That’s our role,” Banks said. “Those guys are seniors, I’m a junior and we’re all returning starters. Our teammates look for us to make big buckets, and we look for them to do their roles.”

Banks, who finished with 12 points, led an early-second-half surge that put Southern on top for good. Rodgers scored 13 of his 20 points during a five-minute stretch in which the lead expanded from seven points to 13. Hyder finished with 16 points, six assists, four rebounds and three steals.

“Rodgers went off for a period of time, and Trelun went off for a period of time,” coach Roman Banks said. “Then once we started scoring inside, it opened things up and Hyder was able to finish it at the foul line.”

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ASU Hornets Fall by Three to SWAC-Leading Texas Southern

MONTGOMERY, Alabama -- It's a broken record, but once again the Hornets get close only to lose the Texas Southern 75-72.

It was a game that was decided at the free throw line.  ASU hit seven of their eight free throws, but TSU was able to shoot 26 free throws hitting 23.  ASU was outscored by 16, which was more than the difference in a three point game.

The Hornets (6-14/1-7) made a mad rush in the final 30 seconds.  Trailing 73-67 Terrence LeFlore was able to score with 23 seconds left and after a turnover on the throw in, Jamel Waters hit a long three to cut the lead to 73-72 with 14 seconds left, but that would be the final points ASU would score.

After two David Blanks three throws with 12 seconds left to make it 75-72, Steve Rogers had a good look at a three, but it went in and came out and with it the Hornets chances of getting the game into overtime.

"We closed the gap and I know it sounds like a broken record with the outcome of these last five ball games, but we are playing with good energy, good effort and good intensity we just have to stay poised and stay patient," Head Coach Lewis Jackson said.

Waters led ASU with 18 points and a game-high eight assists.  He also had two steals.  Corvon Butler, who continues to play with a bad back, had a double-double for ASU with 15 points and 14 rebounds.  He also had four blocked shots and two steals.

"I take my hat off to Corvon Butler," Jackson said.  "He is out there playing with a bad back and we try to get him in and take him out, but he gives us great effort when he is on the court."

Torloft Thomas was the third Hornet to reach double digits as he finished with 12 points to go with his three assists and two steals.

ASU shot 39 percent from the field and hit nine of their 22 three point field goals for 41 percent.  Their 88 percent free throw shooting was strong, but once again they only had eight attempts.

Derrick Griffin was the big play man for the Tigers tonight.  He finished with a game-high 19 points and another game-high with 15 rebounds.  Malcolm Riley also had a double-double for TSU with 17 points and 10 rebounds.  Blanks finished the game with 14 points.

TSU (9-11/8-0) shot 36 percent from the field and was four-of -21 from beyond the three point line for 19 percent.  They came into Montgomery shooting 61 percent from the free throw line, which was eighth in the SWAC, but tonight their 89 percent on the 26 attempts turned out to be the difference in the game.

The first half saw the visitors head into the locker room with a 37-30 lead.  The game was fairly close in all the stats except the Hornets did not attempt a free throw while the Tigers were able to get to the free throw line where they made 10 of their 11 attempts.

TSU shot 36 percent from the field with Griffin's 11 points leading the way.  He also had eight first half rebounds as TSU was able to out rebound the Hornets 26-20.

ASU shot 35 percent from the field with Waters and Butler scoring eight points each and Butler's five rebounds leading the Hornets.

The Hornets will be back in action Monday when they host Prairie View A&M.  Opening tip is scheduled for 7:30 p.m.

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COURTESY ALABAMA STATE UNIVERSITY ATHLETICS MEDIA RELATIONS