Sawyer Betts & Brian Davis Shine as FAMU Baseball Splits with Jackson State

By: Florida A&M Sports Information  

JACKSON, Mississippi – Florida A&M (2-2) snapped a three-game losing streak by beating Jackson State (2-2) 15-2 in game two of Saturday’s doubleheader at Bob Braddy Field. JSU won game one by a score of 4-3. In game two, Brian Davis drove in seven runs while going 3-for-5 with two runs scored. Davis belted his first home run of the season in the ninth inning and had a three-run double in the seventh inning. Game 2 starting pitcher Sawyer Betts (2-0) worked eight strong innings and allowed just two runs (one earned) with seven strikeouts and no walks for the win. The last time FAMU had a player record seven RBI in a game was Brian Braxton against Coppin State on March 27, 2004.

Alec Wong scored two runs while going 2-for-3 with an RBI, while Marlon Gibbs also had a multi-hit performance going 2-for-5 with an RBI and two runs scored. Peter Jackson recorded two doubles in the win with two RBI and two runs scored as the Rattler offense tallied 12 hits.

Brandon Fleming (0-1) suffered the game one loss for FAMU after being responsible for the go ahead run in the eighth inning. Fleming allowed one run on one hit.

In game one, JSU scored first with a run in the bottom of the first inning. Bryce Brown led off with a walk on four pitches and stole second as Lamar Briggs went down swinging. Brown would score on Carlos Diaz’s RBI double to left. Tony Holton then grounded into a 5-4-3 double play to end the inning for the Tigers.

The Rattlers answered with two runs in the top of the second inning on Jacky Miles, Jr.’s two-run single to take a 2-1 lead. Davis and Dylan Dillard led off the Rattler second inning with back-to-back walks before Ben Ellzey moved both runners up a base with a sac bunt. Miles, Jr. then plated both runners with a two-run single back up the middle.

Florida A&M pushed its’ lead to 3-1 with a single run in the fourth inning. After a Davis groundout, Dillard and Ellzey were both hit-by-pitch in back-to-back at bats to put runners on first and second. Miles Jr. would reach on a fielder’s choice, off the glove of the shortstop, but Dillard was thrown out at third on a force out. Ellzey would later come around to score from second on Hutson’s RBI single to center.

Jackson State got a run back in the fifth inning to cut the FAMU lead to 3-2. Anthony Stricklin led off with a triple into left center and scored on Cornelius Copeland’s sac fly to left field.

In the sixth inning, the Tigers tied the game at 3-3. Jesus Santana drew a one-out walk and went to third on Holton’s single up the middle. CJ Newsome then reached on a bunt single back to the pitcher to load the bases and Santana later scored as Sam Campbell drew a bases loaded walk to tie the game at 3-3. With the bases still loaded, Stricklin grounded into a 4-6-3 double play to end the inning.

JSU would score the go ahead run in the bottom of the eighth inning in what proved to be the final score of 4-3. Holton reached on a bunt single and went to second on an errant throw to first from Brandon Fleming. Newsome was then hit-by-pitch and Campbell moved the runners up a base with a sacrifice bunt. Copeland then reached on a fielder’s choice which allowed Holton to score the go ahead run.

FAMU had a chance in the top of the ninth inning with the tying run on second and the go ahead run on first, but was unable to get the runs home. Ellzey led off the ninth with a single up the middle and Peter Jackson then came in to pinch run for Ellzey at first base. Miles, Jr. put down a sac bunt to move Jackson to second and with two outs, Cameron Johnson drew a pinch hit walk, but Gibbs went down on strikes to end the game.

Jackson State reliever Rene Colon (1-0) earned the win after closing out theseventh inning and pitching a scoreless eighth inning. Colon only allowed one hit with one strikeout.

In game 2, the Rattlers scored quick and often.  FAMU scored first for a two run lead, in the second inning, on Miles, Jr. two run double. Davis drew a leadoff walk and Ellzey was hit-by-pitch to put runners at first and second with no outs. Dillard advanced the runners with a sacifice bunt before Miles, Jr. roped a two-run double into left center that gave FAMU the early lead.

The Tigers picked up a run in the bottom of the second inning as Santana led off the inning with a solo home run to make the score 2-1.

Florida A&M increased its’ lead to 4-1 with two more runs in the third inning. Gibbs led off with a walk and Wong was hit-by-pitch as runners were on first and second with no outs for the second straight inning. Gibbs was then thrown out at third as Gordon reached on a fielder’s choice bunt trying to advance the runners. Davis then came through by scoring Wong from second on an RBI single through the left side. Gordon later scored the second run of the inning on Ellzey’s sac fly to center,

The Rattlers added two more runs in the fourth inning to make the score 6-1. Jackson doubled to right with two outs and Gibbs singled down the right line to score Jackson. Gibbs advanced to second on the throw, took third on a wild pitch and scored on Wong’s RBI single to give Florida A&M a five-run advantage.

FAMU’s scored for the fourth straight inning, this time with three runs in the fifth inning that made the score 9-1. Ellzey singled with one out, Dillard walked and Miles Jr. was hit-by-pitch to load the bases. AJ Elkins drove in Ellzey with a sacrifice fly to left and Jackson then recorded his second double of the game, in as many at bats, to plate two more runs and push the Rattler lead to eight.

JSU scored their final run of the game, to make the score 9-2, with an unearned run in the bottom of the fifth inning. Briggs reached on an error and a double down the right line from Campbell put runners on second and third with no outs. After a strikeout, David Burke grounded out to second to plate Briggs for the unearned run.

Florida A&M scored a single run in the sixth inning and three more runs in the seventh inning, on Davis’ three-run double to left, to put the game out of reach at 13-2.
The Rattlers added two final runs in the ninth inning as Davis blasted his first home of the season, a two-run shot to deep right, for the 15-2 final.

Tiger starting pitcher Miguel Yrigoyen (1-1) took the loss after giving up eight runs on six hits in 4.1 innings of work. Yrigoyen walked three batters and had two strikeouts.

Florida A&M and Jackson State close out the three-game series on Sunday at 1:00 PM at Bob Braddy Field.

As always, fans can follow Rattler Baseball on Twitter @BaseballFAMU and on Facebook, while live stats will be available via www.FAMUAthletics.com on the baseball schedule page.

Game 1 Box Score                                                                  

Game 2 Box Score

 

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Former coaches: Jackson State expects championships

JACKSON, Mississippi -- Only four days had passed since his introduction as Jackson State's head coach, but Tony Hughes was already well aware of what awaited him.

"At Jackson State, there’s nothing else acceptable except winning championships or playing for championships, that’s the standard. Getting this program back to that point is the only thing really acceptable," Hughes said. "If I was going to a program and the standard is a winning season, then it’s a different mentality. Or the standard of the program is let's be competitive every year, that’s a different standard. People around here don’t want to hear that. And I know that coming here, that’s why I took the challenge."

Hughes has yet to face the test of the regular season. He won't guide the Tigers, who went 3-8 in 2015 and have not won a SWAC championship since 2007, through their first day of spring practice until late March.

While Hughes waits to begin his first season, The Clarion-Ledger caught up with all of the living former Jackson State coaches who have coached the Tigers since 1964 — Rod Paige, Bob Hill, W.C. Gorden, James Bell, Rick Comegy and Harold Jackson. All but Comegy, who is currently rival Mississippi Valley State's coach, spoke with The Clarion-Ledger for this story.

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Gold Nuggets defeat Dillard, will get rematch Friday

NEW ORLEANS — Whitney Gathright's second double-double of the season and Jasmine Bush's three free throws with 53 seconds remaining helped Xavier University of Louisiana defeat Dillard 63-57 Saturday in Gulf Coast Athletic Conference women's basketball.
    
The Gold Nuggets (19-11, 7-5) and Lady Bleu Devils (9-17, 4-8) will be rematched Friday in the opening round of the GCAC Tournament at SUNO. Xavier is seeded third, and Dillard is sixth. The GCAC will announce game times Sunday.
    
Gathright, who had 17 points and 11 rebounds, made a 3-pointer with 2:53 remaining to put Xavier ahead to stay, 55-54. After three consecutive scoreless possessions, Bush extended the Gold Nuggets' lead to 58-54 when she drew a foul on a 3-point attempt with three seconds remaining on the shot clock. Bush made all the free throws, and they were her only points of the game.
 
 "I drew contact, and I played it well," Bush said. "I was calm, I was ready for it. I had been practicing free throws all week for it."
    
Dillard trailed 23-14 after one quarter and 31-28 at halftime but took a 42-36 lead on Shaelynn Moore's two free throws at 2:23 of the third quarter. Xavier rallied to lead 46-44 at the end of the period.
    
Trana Hopkins had 14 points, seven rebounds and three steals for Xavier, and Ariel Sneed had a career-high-tying seven points and a career-best nine rebounds in her first start for the Gold Nuggets.
    
Dillard outshot Xavier 39.3 to 27.3 percent from the floor, but the Gold Nuggets made 22-of-29 free throws to Dillard's 7-of-13. Xavier outrebounded Dillard 58-28 and used a season-best 26 offensive rebounds to produce an 11-0 advantage in second-chance points.
    
Alyssa Washington scored 15 points, Alena Evans 12, Moore 11 and Keona Favis 10 for Dillard. Shantrell Lumar had a career-high 11 assists. Dillard is 0-5, including two home losses, since winning 57-52 at Xavier Feb. 6.

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Bleu Devils prevail 67-63 in OT against Gold Rush

NEW ORLEANS — Demetric Austin had 24 points and 14 rebounds, and Jesse Ward scored six points in overtime Saturday to help NAIA No. 25 Dillard edge Xavier University of Louisiana 67-63 in Gulf Coast Athletic Conference men's basketball at Dillard's Dent Hall.
    
The Bleu Devils (18-10, 8-4) secured No. 2 seed for the conference tournament, which will begin Friday. The Gold Rush (19-11, 6-6) will be seeded fourth.
    
Ward's basket at 4:40 of overtime put Dillard ahead to stay, 56-54. Xavier had two chances to tie in the final 20 seconds but missed a shot on one possession and committed a turnover on the other. Austin and teammate Dennis Hightower made 1-of-2 free throws apiece to close the scoring.
    
Austin also had four assists, a block and three steals, and the double-double was his GCAC-leading 10th of the season and second against Xavier. Ward finished with 12 points, and Dennis Reed had eight points and eight rebounds.
    
Morris Wright had 18 points, five assists and two steals for Xavier. Gary Smith scored 13 points, and RJ Daniels had seven points, seven rebounds and three assists. Chris Ward and Elex Carter grabbed seven rebounds apiece.
    
In the second half, Dillard rallied from a 44-35 deficit to take a 54-52 lead on a Montrey Thomas basket — his only points of the game — with 16 seconds remaining. Smith tied the score and forced overtime with a basket with 7.7 seconds remaining.
    
Xavier outshot Dillard 49 to 33.3 percent from the floor, but the Bleu Devils made 21-of-30 free throws to Xavier's 10-of-17. Dillard outrebounded Xavier 46-29 and had advantages of 23-4 in offensive rebounds and 16-0 in second-chance points. The Gold Rush limited Dillard to its fourth-lowest point total of the season and nearly 20 points below the Bleu Devils' season scoring average of 85.2.
    
Jesse Ward's basket at 9:24 of the first half gave Dillard a 20-13 lead, but a Kevin Murph 3-pointer in the 17th minute started a 10-2 run that gave the Gold Rush a 33-27 lead at halftime.
    
Dillard defeated its longtime city and GCAC rival for the first time since 2013 and the first time on its home floor since 2001. Xavier had won six straight overall and 11 straight at Dent Hall against the Bleu Devils. Xavier leads the series 84-50.
    
Xavier will return to Dillard to play fifth-seeded Tougaloo Friday in the opening round of the GCAC Tournament. The GCAC will announce starting times Sunday.

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Jackson State toughs out win against MVSU

JACKSON, Mississippi -- Jackson State has never really concerned itself with winning pretty.

That was certainly the case against Mississippi Valley State, as Paris Collins played despite nursing a nagging shoulder injury and Chace Franklin sat out with a sling on his left arm.

Even with the wear and tear, the Tigers pulled out an 60-49 victory against the Delta Devils at the Lee E. Williams AAC on Saturday night.

"The biggest thing for us right now is just to survive and get through games," JSU coach Wayne Brent said. "You have Gator Worsham, who is banged up. We have Paris Collins, who has an (injured) shoulder. We played without Chace Franklin. Right now we're trying to survive, get through games and battle through them and be tough.

"The thing about it is we have tough guys and battle through injuries."

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Southern women’s win streak ends at five in 85-74 loss to Alcorn State

LORMAN, Mississippi — The Southern women had won five consecutive games to regain control of their fate in the Southwestern Athletic Conference race.

But on Saturday, the winning streak came to an end and the Jaguars title hopes diminished in an 85-74 loss to Alcorn State in the Davey L. Whitney Complex.

Southern couldn’t stop the Lady Braves from getting to the basket, never got into a rhythm offensively and couldn’t overcome foul trouble.

As a result the Jaguars (15-10, 12-4) are two games behind first-place Texas Southern, which comes to the F.G. Clark Activity on Thursday for the second-to-last game of the regular season.
Alcorn, which lost to Southern 66-57 four weeks ago, is 6-10 and 9-17 after winning for the fifth time in six games.

“We didn’t have any intensity whatsoever from start to finish,” said forward Briana Green, whose performance mirrored that of the team as she scored 21 of her 25 points during a frenzied fourth-quarter attempt to overcome an 18-point deficit.

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Texas Southern Lady Tigers inch closer to regular season title

HOUSTON, Texas -- The Texas Southern University Lady Tiger's basketball team looked like a well-oiled machine on Saturday night as they cruised to an easy 70-41 win over the Alabama A&M Bulldogs.

The win is the third straight for the Lady Tigers and pushes their overall record to 17-8.  More importantly, the victory inches the team closer to a regular season Southwestern Athletic Conference championship.  TSU is now 13-2 in SWAC play with three contests left in conference.

The Lady Tigers got contributions from a myriad of sources as three TSU players scored in double-digits and eight different players got on the board.  Keiana Vines led all scorers with 16 points.  She did much of her damage by way of the free-throw line as she hit 8-9 shots from the charity stripe.

Vines also added 8 rebounds.  She got lots of help from Brianna Sidney and Joyce Kennerson.  Sidney finished with 13 points and spaced the floor, going 3-8 on three-point attempts.  She also chipped in 5 boards.  Kennerson scored 14 points and knocked down two three-pointers of her own. 

While the team's offensive performance was impressive, the Lady Tigers also brought the intensity on the defensive side of the ball.  TSU's hard-nosed defense forced 27 Lady Bulldog turnovers.  The Lady Tigers finished the contest with 12 steals.  Vines made her presence felt down low as she rejected five Lady Bulldog shots.  Not to be outdone, Kennerson was pesky all night and came away with 4 steals. TSU held AAMU to 31.8 percent shooting from the field, and were even stingier in the second half as the Bulldogs only made 28 percent of their shots after halftime.

The Lady Tigers are in control of their own destiny in terms of winning the SWAC.  With the win, the team is now up 1.5 games over second-placed Southern University.

The Lady Tigers will try to expand that lead and close in on a conference championship in their next contest on Monday night when they welcome the Alabama State Lady Hornets to the HPE Arena.  Come cheer on TSU in their final home game of the season and show your appreciation for the hard work and dedication the seniors have invested during their time at the university.

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Gold Nuggets beat Belhaven, Tougaloo on the road

JACKSON, Mississippi — Xavier University of Louisiana improved its women's tennis win streak to three Friday with victories against Belhaven and Tougaloo. The Gold Nuggets defeated the Blazers 5-3, then beat the Lady Bulldogs 6-0.

The Gold Nuggets (4-3), ranked 13th in the NAIA, have a three-dual win streak.
    
Xavier's Sha'Nel Bruins, Charlene Goreau, Tess Guarino and Dasia Harris went 2-0 in singles. After losing 2-of-3 doubles matches against Belhaven (4-2), the Gold Nuggets won 4-of-5 singles matches, and Bruins clinched with her 7-5, 6-4 victory against Mary Lichlyter.
    
Bruins is 5-1 in singles this semester and has a four-match win streak.
    
Guarino clinched against Tougaloo when she defeated Sakehenna Jones 8-0. Xavier and the Lady Bulldogs played pro-set singles matches, and Tougaloo (1-6) defaulted at the sixth flight. Doubles matches were not played.
    
Goreau and Jana van der Walt also won 8-0 against Tougaloo. Goreau's singles win streak is three.
    
The Gold Nuggets' next dual will start at 3 p.m. Friday at NAIA No. 6 William Carey in Hattiesburg, Miss. That will be the first of three duals in three days for the XU women.

Results vs. Belhaven  /  Tougaloo

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2015-16 SIAC Men's Basketball All-Conference Awards Announced

ATLANTA. Georgia – Stillman's Rodnerius Lewis was named the 2016 Southern Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (SIAC) Men's Basketball Player of the Year, as voted on by the league's head coaches and sports information directors.

Also earning top honors for Stillman were Ronald Singleton who was named the Newcomer of the Year along with head coach Donte Jackson who was selected as the Coach of the Year.

Austin Lawton (Claflin) was picked as the Defensive Player of the Year and Sawyer Glick (Spring Hill) was named Freshman of the Year.

Lewis, a 6-4 senior guard from Memphis, Tenn. leads the SIAC in scoring, averaging 19.4 points per game. He recorded 13 20-point games and has shot 48.9 percent from the field this season. Lewis has averaged 4.5 rebounds a game and finished the regular season with 48 assists, 43 steals, and 21 blocks.

In his first season in the SIAC, Singleton has averaged 13.7 points a game along with 6.9 rebounds per game. The 6-7 junior forward from Milwaukee, Wis., has also recorded 40 assists, 22 blocks and 20 steals.

Lawton, a 6-8 center from Eutawville, S.C. averaged 6.9 rebounds throughout the regular season. The redshirt-freshman is first in the conference in blocks (2.8) and is 10^th in NCAA Division II Men's Basketball.

Glick led Spring Hill in scoring with 15.8 points a game which is ninth in the league. A, 6-4 small forward from Columbus, Ind., Glick finished the season with 51 assists, 22 steals, and nine blocks. He also led the Badgers in 3-pointers (62) and averaged 4.3 rebounds a game.

Jackson led Stillman to a 22-5 overall record and a 16-1 mark in the SIAC. The Tigers who are the 2016 SIAC West Division Champions, enter next week's conference tournament on a 13-game winning streak. Stillman leads the SIAC in scoring offense (85.9), scoring margin (13.9), field goal percentage defense (40.2), 3-point field goal defense (29.3), assists per game (15.1), and defensive rebounds (29.19).

Joining Lewis, Singleton, and Glick on the all-conference first team are Terrance Bridgeman (Lane) and Arnis Libazs (Paine).

Highlighting the all-conference second team are Lawton, Maiscel Grier (Miles), Larry McGaughey (LeMoyne-Owen), Kendarius Ash (Lane), and Justin Street (LeMoyne-Owen).

The 2016 SIAC Basketball Tournament is scheduled for Monday, Feb. 29 – Saturday, March 5 at Bill Harris Arena in Birmingham, Ala. For tickets, events, and more, CLICK HERE.

Player of the Year
Rodnerius Lewis (Stillman)

Defensive Player of the Year
Austin Lawton (Claflin)

Newcomer of the Year
Ronald Singleton (Stillman)

Freshman of the Year
Sawyer Glick (Spring Hill)

Coach of the Year
Donte Jackson (Stillman)

2015-16 All-SIAC Men's Basketball First Team

Name	School	Pos.	Ht.	Yr.	Hometown
Rodnerius Lewis	Stillman	G	6-4	Sr.	Memphis, Tenn.
Terrance Bridgeman	Lane	G	6-3	Jr.	South Bend, Ind.
Ronald Singleton	Stillman	F	6-7	Jr.	Milwaukee, Wis.
Sawyer Glick	Spring Hill	F	6-4	R-Fr.	Columbus, Ind.
Arnis Libazs	Paine	C	6-8	Sr.	Riga, Latvia

2015-16 All-SIAC Men's Basketball Second Team

Name	School	Pos.	Ht.	Yr.	Hometown
Maiscel Grier	Miles	G	6-1	Jr.	Las Vegas, NV
Larry McGaughey	LeMoyne-Owen	G	6-5	Sr.	Memphis, Tenn.
Kendarius Ash	Lane	F	6-7	R-Fr.	Decatur, Ga.
Justin Street	LeMoyne-Owen	F	6-6	Jr.	Memphis, Tenn.
Austin Lawton	Claflin	C	6-8	R-Fr.	Eutawville, S.C.

2016 SIAC Women's Basketball Bracket Released

ATLANTA, Georgia – The 2016 Southern Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (SIAC) women's basketball tournament bracket was released on Friday with Benedict and Kentucky State earning the top seeds in their respective divisions.

Benedict (24-2), the 2015-16 east division champion finished with a 14-2 record in the SIAC. The Lady Tigers are currently ranked 12th in the Women's Basketball Division II Media Poll, sponsored by D2SIDA and 14^th in the latest USA Today Sports Division II women's basketball poll. Additionally, Benedict is ranked second in the NCAA Division II regional rankings. The Lady Tigers earned a first-round bye and will face the winner between No. 4 Lane (5-21, 5-11) or No. 5 Paine (9-18, 6-10) on Wednesday, March 1 at 1 p.m.

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Kentucky State (21-3) won the west division title with a 14-2 mark in the conference. KSU is ranked second in the NCAA Division II regional rankings and is currently on a 14-game winning streak. KSU received a bye will meet either No. 4 Fort Valley State (10-16, 9-7) or No. 5 Stillman (10-15, 5-11) on Wednesday at 5:30 p.m.

Albany State (14-12, 12-4) also earned a first-round bye and was seeded second in the east division. The Lady Rams will play the winner between No. 3 Central State (13-13, 6-10) or No. 6 Clark Atlanta (6-20, 4-12).

Miles (15-11, 9-7) earned the No. 2 in the west and will take on No. 7 Tuskegee (5-20, 4-12) in an opening round game. Claflin (16-10, 11-5) was seeded third and is set to face No. 6 LeMoyne-Owen (7-18, 5-11) on Tuesdsay, March 1 at 10 a.m.

The 2016 SIAC Basketball Tournament begins on MondayCLICK HERE.
, Feb. 29 and will conclude on Saturday, March 5 with the women's championship game scheduled to start at 4 p.m. For more information, tickets, and events please

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2016 SIAC Men's Basketball Tournament Bracket Released

ATLANTA, Georgia – The 2016 Southern Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (SIAC) men's basketball tournament bracket was released on Friday with Stillman and Benedict earning the top seeds in their respective divisions.

Stillman (23-5) won the west division with a 17-1 mark and enters next week's conference tournament at Bill Harris Arena in Birmingham, Ala. on a 14-game winning streak. The Tigers who are 19-1 in their last 20 games, earned a first-round bye and will play either No. 4 Clark Atlanta (9-19, 7-12) or No. 5 Tuskegee (13-12, 9-9) on Wednesday, March 2 at 7:45 p.m.

In the east, Benedict (16-11, 11-7) claimed the divisional title and also received a first-round bye. Benedict will face the winner between No. 4 LeMoyne-Owen (13-14, 10-8) and No. 5 Fort Valley State (6-22, 4-14) on Wednesday, March 2 at 3:15 p.m.

Miles (16-12, 14-5) was seeded second in the west and will face Paine (7-21, 3-14) who garnered the seventh seed on Tuesday, March 1 in the opening round. Claflin (14-12, 10-8) earned the No. 2 seed in the east and play No. 7 Central State (11-14, 9-9) on Tuesday.

Lane (16-12, 12-6) was seeded third and will meet No. 6 Albany State (5-21, 4-14) in its opening game. Morehouse (13-9, 9-8) also claimed a third seed and will face No. 6 Kentucky State (11-14, 9-9) on Tuesday.

The 2016 SIAC Basketball Tournament begins on Monday, Feb. 29 and will conclude on Saturday, March 5 with the men's championship game scheduled to start at 7 p.m. For more information, tickets, and events please  CLICK HERE.

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Virginia State Edges Out Bowie State, Trojans Advance to CIAA Championship Game

CHARLOTTE, North Carolina – Virginia State built a big lead with its suffocating defense, then held off a late Bowie State rally to win 81-70 in the CIAA Tournament men's semifinals at Time Warner Cable Arena on Friday, Feb. 26, 2016. With the victory, the Trojans advance to the finals for the first time since 1991.

The Trojans, who are the Northern Division champions, will aim for their first conference title since 1988 when they face either Virginia Union or Livingstone in Saturday's championship game, which will be held Saturday, Feb. 27, at 7:00 p.m. The contest will be televised live on ESPN3 and shown on tape delay at 10 p.m. on ESPNU.

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"It is exciting about where our program is right now," said Trojans' Head Coach Lonnie Blow, Jr., who is leading his second team to the CIAA finals after guiding Saint Augustine's to the 2010 title.
Forward Elijah Moore scored 18 points and guard Kevin Williams, the Food Lion MVP, added 17 points for the Trojans (22-5 overall), who held the Bulldogs to 36.1 percent shooting. The Trojans entered the contest ranked ninth nationally in Division II in field-goal percentage defense.

The Trojans relied on its defense to take a commanding lead. A 19-8 run erased a one-point deficit and put the Trojans ahead 34-24 at halftime. They extended the score to 49-33 in the second half when guard-forward Cyonte Melvin canned a three-pointer.

"We did a really nice job of getting off to a good start both halves, especially on the defensive end of the floor," Blow said. "We contained them early and got ourselves a little working margin. We were able to be consistent enough to maintain the lead throughout the game. I am proud of my guys."

The Bulldogs, the No. 3 Northern Division seed, threatened late in the contest. Down 72-56 with 2:48 remaining, they outscored the Trojans 12-4 to close within 74-66 on forward Andre Jackson's three-pointer with 1:31 remaining.

"We were able to pressure them and started driving the ball," Bulldogs' Head Coach Darrell Brooks said. "We really wanted to drive the basketball most of the game. We felt if we could attack them, we could have some success offensively. Unfortunately, we didn't do that for 40 minutes."

The Trojans fended off the Bulldogs with key stops and timely free throw shooting. Moore and guard Tyler Peterson, who finished with 13 points and 11 rebounds, both made 3 of 4 free throw attempts down the stretch to preserve the win.

Guard Ahmaad Wilson scored 17 points for the Bulldogs, who had four players score in double figures. Forward Enuoma Ebinum added 14 points, guard Justin Beck chipped in 13 points and Jackson had 12 points for the Bulldogs, who ended their season at 17-13 overall.

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CIAA Tournament: Two-Time Defending Champion Livingstone Tops Virginia Union 75-70, Advances to Finals

CHARLOTTE, North Carolina  — Guard Daryl Traynham swished a huge three-pointer to break a tie with 38 seconds left and hit two free throws with one second left to ice the game as Livingstone outlasted Virginia Union 75-70 in the CIAA Tournament semifinals to reach their fourth consecutive men's basketball final at Time Warner Cable Arena on Friday, Feb. 26, 2016.

The two-time defending CIAA champions will take on Virginia State in Saturday's championship game at 7 p.m. The contest will be televised live on ESPN3 and shown on tape delay at 10 p.m. on ESPNU.

Traynham's three-pointer snapped a 69-69 tie after guard Ray Anderson made a free throw with 54 seconds left. John Mitchell of the Panthers sliced the Blue Bears' lead to two points after Traynham's trey with a free throw, but Traynham answered with a free throw with five seconds left. Traynham put the game away with his final two free throws after the Panthers committed a turnover.

Traynham scored nine of his game-high 19 points in the final two minutes. His free throw at the 1:55 mark broke a 66-66 tie and his jumper with 1:23 left put the Blue Bears (15-16 overall) ahead after the Panthers led 68-67 on guard Timonne Whatley's basket.

"Like coach [James Stinson] says, if it doesn't go in, I'm going to fuss you out," Traynham said. "If it does go in, then it's a good shot. I shot the ball with confidence and it went in."

Forward Ty Newman added 17 points for the Blue Bears, who had six players score seven or more points. Guards Juwan Cole and Eric Dubose both scored nine points for the Blue Bears, seeded No. 4 in the Southern Division.

Guard Kory Cooley of the Panthers (16-14 overall) led all scorers with 29 points. Anderson added 18 points and 12 rebounds and forward Tavon Mealy chipped in 10 points for the Panthers, the No. 2 Northern Division seed.

The Blue Bears, playing their third game in three nights including a double overtime win over Johnson C. Smith Thursday, led much of the contest but could not pull away from the Panthers, who stayed close by controlling the boards. They outrebounded the Blue Bears 47-38 which led to a 20-15 edge in second-chance points.

With nine reserves playing 10 or more minutes, the Blue Bears prevailed by outscoring the Panthers in bench points 40-21. While the Blue Bears substituted often, only seven Panthers logged 17 or more minutes.

"They were kind of tired [after the Smith victory] but did everything they were supposed to do that night," Stinson said. "That's a credit to our coaching staff. I want to thank them from the bottom of my heart."

The Blue Bears led 43-39 in a high-scoring first half. Dubose sparked a balanced scoring attack with nine points and Traynham added eight points. Cooley scored 16 first-half points and Anderson added 11 for the Panthers.

Both teams were scorching hot in the first 20 minutes. The Blu
e Bears shot 53.1 percent and the Panthers made 51.5 percent of their attempts. They cooled off considerably in the second half with the Blue Bears shooting 28.1 percent and the Panthers shooting 33.3 percent.

But the Blue Bears made the clutch shots during crunch time.

"I want to congratulate Livingstone College and Coach Stinson," Panthers' Head Coach Jay Butler said. "There is a reason why they are two-time champions. They are a very experienced team. They made plays down the stretch."

COURTESY CIAA MEDIA RELATIONS

CIAA TOURNAMENT: Shaw beats Chowan in ladies semifinals

CHARLOTTE, North Carolina -- Shaw University secured a spot in the CIAA Championship game with an 86-77 victory over Chowan University on Friday afternoon. The Lady Bears entered the contest as the No. 1 seed out of the CIAA Southern Division while the Hawks were the No. 2 seed from the Northern Division. Shaw advances with a 24-6 overall record while the Hawks move to 20-8 on the year after Friday's setback.

Jacques Curtis, Head Coach at Shaw University noted, "We got off to a good start. We knew it was going to be a tough game for us as Chowan is one of the stronger teams in the conference. We pride ourselves on playing good defense and the team did a good job tonight, especially in the first half despite us giving second chances in the second half."

Head Coach Patrick Mashuda added, "Today was a tale of two halves for sure. The team that played with the greatest energy won each half…Hats of to Shaw, they shot the ball very well. We gave Shaw everything we had in the second half and really just ran out of time…This is a great learning experience for the younger players on our team. I thought they handled the adversity of the first half well in the second half."

Kaula Jacks paced Shaw with a team-high 19 points while Aaliyah Mercer added 16 points in the win. Laquisha Taylor and Eboni Ross both notched 13 points for the Lady Bears with Ross grabbing a game-high 12 rebounds (three offensive, nine defensive).

CONTINUE READING

CIAA TOURNAMENT: Johnson scores 41 points for Virginia Union in semis

CHARLOTTE, North Carolina -- Virginia Union's Kiana Johnson lit up Livingstone to the tune of 41 points as the Northern Division top-seed rolled over the Blue Bears 93-63. The win puts Virginia Union into the CIAA Championship game for their fourth appearance and their first time since 2004. The Panthers will take on Southern Division top-seed Shaw for the league crown on Saturday afternoon at 4:00 p.m.

First quarter play saw Virginia Union (24-2), the top seed from the Northern Division, fall down early 4-0 as Livingstone connected on its first two attempts before Kiana Johnson nailed a three-pointer, her first points of a 27-point first half performance. VUU would then stretch their lead to as many as 11 at 19-8, after an Ashley Smith converted a layup at the 4:08 mark. Livingstone would trim the lead to six points after Amber Curtis drained a three-pointer to pull the Blue Bears to within 23-17. The Panthers got a jumper and a three pointer from Johnson to extend their lead back to 11 points at 28-17 at the end of the quarter.

In the second quarter, Livingstone again cut the Panther lead to six points (35-29) with 4:08 to go, but VUU went on a 12-3 run to boost their lead to 44-32 at the half. During that stretch, Johnson scored nine points, including a three pointer to stake VUU to the halftime margin.

The third quarter started much of the same, with the Panthers able to extend their lead to 51-34 following a 10-2 run. During that stretch of play, Johnson had the first two baskets followed by free throws from Ashley Smith and a three pointer from deep in the corner by Rahni Bell.

CONTINUE READING

Niagara Baseball Topped By N.C. Central

DURHAM, North Carolina -- The Niagara baseball team was defeated by North Carolina Central, 7-3, on Friday.

"We didn't play well today and they did," said Purple Eagles' head coach Rob McCoy. "We've got to limit free 90's, throw more strikes and simply play better pitch to pitch. It's something we've been working a lot on and we will have good days at it and bad days. As the season progresses, so will our game process."

Niagara (1-4, 0-0 MAAC) got out to an early 1-0 lead in the top of the first. With Michael Fuhrman already on base, Greg Rodgers hit a triple, sending Fuhrman home for the Purple Eagles' first run of the day. North Carolina Central (1-3, 0-0 MEAC) answered quickly, scoring three runs in the bottom of the first to take a 3-1 lead.

Over the bottom of the fourth and fifth innings, North Carolina Central scored a total of four more runs, taking a 6-1 lead over Niagara . Fuhrman led off in the top of the sixth, doubling to left center. He later scored on a wild pitch. With Christian Vangeison and Joel Brophy on base, Geoff Seto singled down the right field line, sending home Vangeison for Nigara's final run of the game.

Fuhrman led the Purple Eagles, going 2-for-5 at the plate and scoring a team-high two runs. Rodgers and Seto both recorded one RBI. In the field, Brophy led with 11 putouts. He also had two assists. James Walker pitched 3.2 innings and took the loss.

The Purple Eagles are back in action with a doubleheader against North Carolina Central on Saturday, Feb. 27.

Stay connected with the Purple Eagles through social media. Follow Niagara Athletics on Twitter @NUPurpleEagles and @NiagaraBASE. Check in with the Purple Eagles on Facebook/PurpleEagles and on Instagram @NUPurpleEagles.

COURTESY NIAGARA UNIVERSITY ATHLETIC MEDIA RELATIONS

NCAA to Lift Florida A&M’s APR Postseason Ban

Rattler Basketball Will be Eligible for the 2017 MEAC Tourney; Spring Practice Restrictions Lifted for Football

TALLAHASSEE, Florida -- Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University (FAMU)

announced Thursday afternoon that the NCAA has lifted its Academic Progress Rate

(APR) postseason ban on Men’s Basketball beginning with the 2016-17 season.

The postseason ban, which had been in effect since spring 2014, made FAMU Men’s

Basketball ineligible for both the NCAA and Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference

Tournaments in 2015 and 2016.

FAMU Director of Athletics Milton Overton made the official announcement, saying:

“I’m ecstatic for our student-athletes and Coach Samuels. ‘Building Champions’ is our

charge, and now we will have an opportunity to work towards a championship goal for

the 2016-17 academic year. This could not have been possible without the support of

president (Elmira) Mangum and her staff. The administrative support allowed this to be

successful, while assisting in the building of a championship academic culture at FAMU.

This is a positive step toward our mission of building champions in the classroom, on the

field and in life. ”

Overton elaborated further on the news explaining that the lifting of the ban was due to

positive reviews from the NCAA on the improved academic performance of the

basketball team; the implementation of a number of measures to more effectively monitor

the academic progress of student-athletes; the providing of increased academic support

by bolstering the department’s advisement and counseling services; and the University

putting into operation a more aggressive, strategic approach to both academics and rules

compliance to head off potential concerns in the future.

FAMU Head Men’s Basketball coach Byron Samuels, who was reached as he and the

team were traveling back from Washington, D.C. Thursday, was extremely delighted at

the news.

“We are thankful that for the great news that the APR ban has been lifted from our Men's

Basketball Program,” Samuels said. “There are so many people to thank. First and

foremost, I want to thank our University Administration and Athletics Administration. A

major thumbs up also goes to our academic advisor and our academic support staff and tutors.” Samuels added, “Most of all I want to thank our basketball student athletes

who've proven themselves in the classroom, and who committed to FAMU and our

basketball program during this rebuilding stage. I am especially proud of

two graduating seniors, Mario Karailiev and Jerran Foster, for their leadership example.”

FAMU also announced Thursday that APR appeals on behalf of the Rattler Football

Program were successful in getting the NCAA to lift the 2017 spring practice restrictions.

“This accomplishment is a major step forward in eventually getting the FAMU Football

Program reinstated to full postseason eligibility in the near future,” Overton said.

COURTESY FLORIDA A&M UNIVERSITY SPORTS INFORMATION

Gold Rush defeat another NCAA Division I opponent

MANDEVILLE, Louisiana — Xavier University of Louisiana got singles victories Thursday from Adam Albrecht and Karan Salwan to rally for a 4-3 men's tennis victory against Troy.
    
The victory was the second this year for the Gold Rush (5-2) against an NCAA Division I opponent. Xavier, ranked fourth in the NAIA, has a five-dual winning streak.
    
Albrecht tied the dual at 3 when he defeated Austin Racine 3-6, 6-1, 6-1 at No. 6 singles. Then Salwan clinched with a 7-5, 7-6 (7-4) victory against Tomas Fernandez at the top flight.
    
Also winning for Xavier was freshman Thomas Setodji, 6-1, 7-5 against Marcel Du Sart at No. 2. The Gold Rush won the doubles point — Salwan and Kyle Montrel defeated Racine and Hassan Ndayishimiye 6-1, then Albrecht and Tushar Mandlekar defeated Fernandez and Filip Mansson 6-3.
    
Xavier extended several individual win streaks. Salwan has won five straight in singles and six straight in doubles, the last four with Montrel. Albrecht has won his last five singles matches, and Mandlekar won his fourth in a row in doubles. This was Mandlekar's first match this semester with Albrecht as his partner.
   
Troy, the Sun Belt Conference champion in 2015 and ranked 68th in late January, is 1-10.
    
The Gold Rush have 31 victories against NCAA Division I opponents during Alan Green's 13 seasons as coach. The other one this season was 6-1 Feb. 14 at Nicholls State. The XU men have six more duals scheduled against the DIs, including Presbyterian at 3 p.m. Sunday at Lafayette, La.
    
Green said he added a pair of women's duals Friday at Jackson, Miss. The Gold Nuggets will play Belhaven at 4 p.m. at River Hills Club, then face Gulf Coast Athletic Conference opponent Tougaloo at 6 p.m. at Tennis Center South.

Ed Cassiere, Sports Information Director
XULAgold.com
XAVIER UNIVERSITY OF LOUISIANA 
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Hughes Makes History as OVC Track Athlete of the Year and Field Athlete of the Year

BRENTWOOD, Tennessee – Tennessee State track and field junior Amber Hughes (Atlanta, Ga.) was honored for her outstanding indoor season by being named Ohio Valley Conference Track Athlete of the Year as well as OVC Field Athlete of the Year, the conference office announced on Thursday. She is the first student-athlete in OVC history to win Female Track Athlete of the Year and Field Athlete of the Year.  

 

Hughes, who was an All-American on the track and Academic All-American in the classroom a year ago, has won three OVC weekly honors this season.

 

Throughout the regular season, Hughes turned in a number of top performances. Her time of 24.29 in the 200m at the Commodore Invitational is the best in the OVC this season, as is her converted 60m hurdle time of 8.29 seconds from the Ed Temple Classic.

 

In field events, her triple jump distance of 13.29m (43’7.25”) set at the Gladstein Invitational is tops in the OVC and good enough for seventh in the nation.

 

Hughes and the Tigerbelles will host the OVC Indoor Championship at the Gentry Center Feb. 26-27.

 

OVC INDOOR TRACK AND FIELD AWARDS
Women’s Track Athlete of the Year: Amber Hughes, Tennessee State
Women’s Field Athlete of the Year: Amber Hughes, Tennessee State
Women’s Freshman of the Year: NaAsha Robinson, Tennessee Tech
Men’s Track Athlete of the Year: Jaime Perales, Eastern Kentucky
Men’s Field Athlete of the Year: Julian Harvey, SIUE
Men’s Freshman of the Year: Ben Weisel, Belmont

COURTESY TENNESSEE STATE UNIVERSITY SPORTS INFORMATION

Virginia State Head Coach Lonnie Blow Jr. Named CIAA Men's Basketball Coach of the Year

CHARLOTTE, North Carolina -- Head Coach Lonnie Blow Jr., in his third year has led the Trojans to a 20-5 overall season record as well as being named the CIAA Men's Coach of the Year announced today at the CIAA Tipoff Luncheon.

This is Blow's second CIAA Coach of the Year honor. He received this honor in 2010 while serving as Head Basketball Coach at St. Augustine's University, in the Southern Division. Blow led the Falcons to a 23-4 overall season record. Coach Blow has not only had a tremendous impact at VSU, but his accolades reach well into the CIAA.

During Blows three-year tenure at Virginia State, he has led the Trojans to a 52-26 overall record. Last Season the Trojans were named CIAA Northern Division Co-Champions a title they shared with Bowie State University.The Trojans were the only CIAA men's basketball team to win 20 games this season. VSU enters the Tournament as the #1 seed.

Despite being honored as Men's Basketball Head Coach of the Year, the Trojans say that their coach has an even greater task ahead and they plan to assist him with it. "It's time to win the CIAA Championship for him now," said Freshman Guard Walter Williams (Richmond,VA).

In November during the Trojans Tip-Off Classic Coach Blow spoke about expecting the Trojans to improve, embrace the process, and get better. "It's a marathon, but I think we have a chance at being a really good team," expressed Blow.

As a unit the Trojans have embraced all that this historic season has had to offer, but their marathon is not over until they reach their goal of competing and winning the CIAA Championship. During the season Coach always describes the struggles the Trojans encounter as a bad taste being left in their mouths, so for this group of men nothing would be better than making sure their coach ends this amazing season avoiding those bad taste.

If the Trojans are crowned CIAA Champions, Coach Lonnie Blow Jr. will be the first CIAA Coach to win two CIAA Championships with two different CIAA institutions.

The men's basketball team will make their first appearance of the CIAA Tournament during the Quarterfinals on Thursday at 3:00 PM as they await the winner of the Chowan and FSU/ECSU game.

For more information on VSU Trojans men's basketball, follow Trojans Athletics on Twitter @VSUsports, or call 804-524-5030.

Sports Information GA- Shalyn Moore
COURTESY VIRGINIA STATE UNIVERSITY SPORTS INFORMATION

Wilson Jumper Lifts Bowie State to 73-71 Overtime Victory Over Saint Augustine's

CHARLOTTE, North Carolina -- Bowie State University earned a hard-fought 73-71 overtime victory over Saint Augustine's University on Thursday afternoon in the quarterfinal round of the CIAA Tournament. The Bulldogs entered the contest as the No. 3 seed from the CIAA Northern Division while the Falcons were the No. 2 seed from the Southern Division.

Darrell Brooks, Head Coach at Bowie State University noted, "I'm just really, really happy and blessed to be here.  We were kind of dead in the water with two seconds left…but I thought we defended and played tough to get back in the game. "

Anthony Gaskins led all players in the contest with 28 points in the loss while Quincy January netted 20 points and hauled in a game-high 12 rebounds (three offensive, nine defensive) for the Falcons.

Bowie State senior Miles Jackson (Silver Spring, Md.) drained 16 points and grabbed eight rebounds (one offensive, seven defensive) while fellow senior Andre Jackson (Baltimore, Md.) and sophomore Ahmaad Wilson (Baltimore, Md.) added 13 points apiece.  Junior Michael Briscoe (Waldorf, Md.) scored 10 points for the Bulldogs.

January opened the contest with back-to-back buckets and a free throw for the Falcons to give Saint Augustine's a quick 5-0 edge.  A jumper by senior Justin Beck (Ellicott City, Md.) and a layup by Miles Jackson cut the Bulldogs' deficit to 5-4.  Gaskins answered with a bucket but Andre Jackson's three-pointer knotted the score 7-7 by the 14:23 mark in the first half.

The Falcons responded with a 12-0 run to surge ahead 19-7 by the midway mark before a three-pointer by Wilson and three-point play by Justin Beck brought the Bulldogs within six points (19-13).  Wilson's jumper followed by two made free throws by Briscoe put the Bulldogs back within striking distance. 

Gaskins pushed the Falcons ahead 23-17 using four free throws.  Miles Jackson drilled a three-pointer on Bowie State's next possession to make the score 23-20 before Gaskins' hit a layup to give Saint Augustine's a five point edge with 4:13 on the clock.  Sophomore Omari George (Baltimore, Md.) took advantage of two Falcon fouls and dropped four free throws, leaving Saint Augustine's clinging to a 25-24 edge with 2:38 remaining before halftime.

Miles Jackson's jumper at the 1:36 mark gave Bowie State their first lead of the game.  January answered with a layup and Gaskins tacked on a bucket to push the Falcons ahead 29-26 heading into halftime.

At the start of the second half, Keith Crawford drained a three-pointer for the Falcons before Bowie State answered with a free throw and three-pointer by Andre Jackson to cut Saint Augustine's lead to two points (32-30) with within the first two minutes of the second half.  January's jumper and Gaskins' layup shifted the momentum back in favor of the Falcons before a 5-0 run by the Bulldogs put Bowie State within one point (36-35).  A free throw by three-pointer by Jeremy Saunders followed by a bucket by January left the Bulldogs training 42-35 with 13:31 left in the game.

At the 10:44 mark, Gaskins drained two free throws to give the Falcons 48-39 advantage and their largest lead of the second half.  Down but not out, Bowie State used a layup by Wilson and three free throws by George to make the score 48-44 with 9:00 left in the game. January answered with a layup to give the Falcons some breathing room (50-44) but the Bulldogs answered with a 7-2 run, leaving Saint Augustine's with a narrow 52-51 edge.

Nick Moyer sunk two free throws for the Falcons with 3:44 left in the game so to make the score 54-51. With a 55-53 lead and 2:52 on the clock Briscoe used two free throws to tie the score 55-55.  Gaskins answered with a jumper but Andre Jackson stroked a three-pointer on Bowie State' next possession to push the Bulldogs ahead 58-57. Gaskins came up with a steal and layup with 1:27 left to play resulting in a 59-58 lead for Saint Augustine's.

After a quick timeout, a Bulldog foul led to a successful free throw for January and a 60-58 advantage.  Watson hit a free throw for the Falcons with 39 seconds  on the clock but Wilson drilled a three-pointer to knot the score 61-61 with 33 seconds left to play.  A three-point play by Gaskins solidified the Falcons' advantage (64-61) with just six seconds on the clock but Julian Livingston drilled a three-pointer at the buzzer to send the contest into overtime 64-64.

At the start of the overtime period, Gaskins capitalized on two free throws before Andre Jackson answered with one of his own to make the score 66-65 in favor of the Falcons.  Livingston promptly drained a three-pointer with Wilson adding a free throw for a 69-66 Bowie State lead with 1:33 remaining in the contest.  Antonio Watson hit a jumper to put the Falcons within one point (69-68) but two free throws by Andre Jackson gave Bowie State a 71-68 edge with 47 seconds on the clock.

Crawford dug deep and hit a three-pointer to knot the score 71-71 with just 19 seconds left in the game but Wilson came through with a jumper to seal the 73-71 victory for Bowie State.

Bowie State advances to CIAA semifinal action on Friday with the victory.  Tip-off is slated for 7:00 p.m. in Time Warner Cable Arena. The Bulldogs will take on the winner of Thursday's Virginia State University/Fayetteville State University quarterfinal match-up.  Saint Augustine's ends the season with an 11-16 overall record while Bowie State advances with a 17-12 overall mark.

BOX SCORE

COURTESY BOWIE STATE UNIVERSITY SPORTS INFORMATION

from THE EDITOR: FAMU Rattler Basketball Experiences Largest Home Crowd Ever

TALLAHASSEE, Florida --The Rattler faithful should remember the date: February 20, 2016. On that date FAMU men and women basketball teams competed against their number one rival, the Bethune Cookman University Wildcats. Yes, the men lost and the Lady Rattlers won. Regardless of the outcome from either game, indications are that the Rattlers are on the rise.

The Wildcats and others in the MEAC should be concerned. The BCU men’s basketball team defeated the FAMU Rattlers, however, that win was by only 1 point against a young Rattler team full of developmental players. Recruiting is at a premium for the Rattler men. Because of sanctions brought on by poor academic performance in previous years the Rattler men lost two of their top players from last year’s team and are restricted from post season play. The Wildcats on the other hand could just as easily have lost in the same manner they won, but with an experienced team reflective of their best recruiting. One should note that this same Rattler team took the top team in the conference, the Hampton Pirates, into overtime before losing at their place.

CONTINUE READING

Shaw Football Releases 2016 Schedule

RALEIGH, North Carolina – The Shaw University football team will play a 10-game schedule in 2016, highlighted by six home games, including a season-opening date against Limestone, announced by the Department of Athletics Friday afternoon.

 

The Bears kick off the season Saturday, Sept. 3 with a 1 p.m. home game against Limestone for the first time ever in program history.

 

SU will take a trip down south the following week to face Wingate before hosting UNC Pembroke in a home contest to conclude the non-conference regular season.

 

After opening the season with three non-conference teams who will most likely be a top contender in their respective conferences, things don't get any easier for the Bears as they open conference play Saturday, Sept. 24 against Bowie State at Durham County Memorial at 1 p.m.

 

The Bears stretch run will consist of road dates at Elizabeth City State (Oct. 1) and Livingstone (Oct. 15), Saint Augustine's (Nov. 5) and home dates against Fayetteville State (Oct. 8), Johnson C. Smith (Oct. 22), while homecoming will be against the defending 2015 CIAA Champions of Winston-Salem State (Oct. 29).

 

The 2016 CIAA Football Championship will take place on November 12th at a site to be determined.

 

All home games will be played at the Durham County Memorial Stadium, located on 750 Stadium Drive, Durham, NC.

 

Visit Shawbears.com for the most up-to-date information on the Shaw football team and all 11 varsity sports.

SHAW UNIVERSITY BEARS 2016 FOOTBALL SCHEDULE
Sep. 03 Limestone 1:00 PM
Sep. 10 at Wingate 1:00 PM
Sep. 17 UNC Pembroke 1:00 PM
Sep. 24 Bowie State * 1:00 PM
Oct. 01 at Elizabeth City State * 1:00 PM
Oct. 08 Fayetteville State * ^ 1:00 PM
Oct. 15 at Livingstone * ^ 1:00 PM
Oct. 22 Johnson C. Smith * ^ 1:00 PM
Oct. 29 Winston-Salem State * ^ 1:00 PM
Nov. 05 at Saint Augustine's * ^ 1:00 PM

* Conference ^ Division  Bold: Home event

COURTESY SHAW UNIVERSITY BEARS SPORTS INFORMATION

Earnest Wilson named ECSU Vikings head football coach

ELIZABETH CITY, North Carolina -- Elizabeth City State University has named its new head football coach. Athletic Director Derrick Johnson announced today that former ECSU offensive coordinator and Savannah State University (SSU) head football coach Earnest J. Wilson III has been tapped to head the Vikings football program.

"We are delighted that Earnest has agreed to become our head football coach," said Johnson. "His football expertise, leadership traits and passion for Elizabeth City State University are qualities that our student-athletes and fans will embrace."

Wilson is entering his 25th year of coaching. He comes to ECSU with a strong background in college and professional coaching experience.

Wilson is coming to ECSU from Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference (MEAC) member Savannah State University where he served as the head football coach since 2013. Prior to SSU, Wilson served as the offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach at Hampton University in 2012.

Wilson took the helm at SSU at a time when the athletic program was faced with NCAA Academic Progress Rate (APR) sanctions, including scholarship reductions among other penalties. Wilson, who is credited with turning the program around, is also responsible for raising the football team's GPA from 1.9 to 2.5.

Wilson has a track record as a winning coach. While at Hampton University, the team's offensive attack was ranked in the top five and boasted the top rusher in the MEAC. Prior to Hampton he worked at Jackson State University as offensive coordinator, quarterback coach and wide receiver coach where his offense led the South Western Athletic Conference in scoring offense, pass offense, pass efficiency, first downs and fourth down conversions. Under his guidance, JSU led the nation in total offense, averaging almost 500 yards a game. During Wilson's time with JSU (2010-12) the team had the ninth highest scoring offense in the nation, averaging 35 points a game.

While at New Mexico State University, Wilson recruited the #2 Quarterback in the nation and his offense led the nation in total offense gained. Wilson's offense also captured the #3 spot for passing in Division I football.

Wilson's coaching background includes a stint as the head coach and director of football operations for the Jacksonville Tomcats and the Carolina Rhinos of Arena Football League 2 (AFL2). In his first season as the Rhinos head coach the team posted a 10-8 record. The next year, Wilson led the Rhinos to a 13-5 record and advanced to the semifinals of the playoffs. Wilson led the Jacksonville Tomcats to an 8-8 record (second place).

Wilson also served as the head coach of the Dayton Skyhawks of the Indoor Football League (1999). He led the team to the semifinals of the playoffs.

Wilson served as ECSU offensive coordinator and recruiting coordinator, quarterbacks and receivers coach and offensive line coach from 1996 to 1998. He was also the head men's and women's track coach.

"Coach Wilson brings deep experience in college and professional football," said Johnson. "He is committed to elevating the student-athlete experience, catalyzing fan and community engagement, while developing a winning tradition."

COURTESY ELIZABETH CITY STATE UNIVERSITY SPORTS INFORMATION

Records for Hopkins, Gathright in XU's road victory

TOUGALOO, Mississippi — Senior guards Trana Hopkins and Whitney Gathright combined for 58 points and five Xavier University of Louisiana women's basketball records Monday in a 78-68 Gulf Coast Athletic Conference victory against Tougaloo.
    
Hopkins scored a career-high 34 points and made seven 3-pointers to tie an XU game record. Gathright scored 24 points and set XU game records with 17 free-throws attempted and 15 made. Gathright raised her career total of made free throws to 429, an XU record, and her 150 made free throws in 2015-16 are an XU season record.
    
After a halftime tie at 28, Hopkins took control for the Gold Nuggets (18-11). She scored 18 points, including 4-of-4 3-pointers, in the third quarter. She scored eight points in the second minute of that period.
    
In addition to Gathright's three records, she raised her career point total to 1,324. She is the ninth Gold Nugget to reach 1,300.
    
Xavier's explosion occurred two days after a season-low-tying point total in a 60-47 loss at Edward Waters. The Gold Nuggets regained a tie for second place in the GCAC after Edward Waters lost 58-52 at home to SUNO. Xavier, Philander Smith and Edward Waters are 6-5 in conference. On Saturday, the final day of the regular season, Xavier will visit Dillard, Philander Smith will visit Tougaloo, and Edward Waters will play host to GCAC champion Talladega.
    
Hopkins produced the most points by a Gold Nugget since Cassee Davis scored 35 at Belhaven on Feb. 26, 1998. Gathright scored 33 in a 91-86 overtime victory Nov. 14 against the NAIA's current No. 1 team, Our Lady of the Lake.
    
Ahsia Clayton scored 16 points for Tougaloo (1-18, 0-11).
    
Xavier and Dillard will tip off Bat 3 p.m. Saturday at Dillard's Dent Hall. The Lady Bleu Devils won 57-52 at Xavier Feb. 6.

BOX SCORE

Ed Cassiere, Sports Information Director
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XAVIER UNIVERSITY OF LOUISIANA 
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