INDIANAPOLIS, Indiana -- After falling to Virginia State Saturday afternoon, the last 24 hours may have been the longest of the year for the 14th-ranked Tuskegee University Golden Tigers football team as they awaited the release of the 2016 NCAA Division II field of 28. However, the news couldn't have been as for the fourth consecutive year, the Golden Tigers heard their named called during the NCAA Division II Selection Show.
Tuskegee (8-2) will hit the road as the seventh seed to face second seeded Newberry College (10-1) on Saturday, with game slated to kick at 1:00 pm (est).
The Golden Tigers have been the lower seed in the opening round for two of their first three times in the playoffs, falling to North Alabama in their first appearance and defeating Catawba last season in the opening round as the sixth seed. Last season, Tuskegee also defeated North Alabama on the road to get to the Super Region 2 championship game (NCAA Division II quarterfinals) before falling to West Georgia.
This season, the Golden Tigers were ranked each week in the American Football Coaches Association (AFCA) Top 25, reaching as high as number five during week six of the season - a school record for ranking in the poll which was established in 2000. They also have been ranked each week in the D2football.com, reaching as high as 10th in that poll. The region rankings were released four weeks ago, and the Golden Tigers have been ranked each week - third, fourth and sixth last week.
For more information on Tuskegee University athletics, follow us on Twitter/Instagram/Snapchat @MyTUAthletics and like us on Facebook.
TUSKEGEE UNIVERSITY SPORTS INFORMATION
Monday, November 14, 2016
WSSU Rams Punch Their Playoff Ticket! Face LIU-Post In First Round
INDIANAPOLIS, Indiana – For the first time since the 2013 season, the Winston-Salem State University Rams are playoff bound.
The WSSU Rams gathered as a team this evening in the Bowman Gray Field house to watch the announcement from the NCAA, and the Rams (9-2) will travel to Long Island University-Post (11-0) on Saturday, November 19th.
The Rams will enter the contest coming off of a thrilling 43-33 win over Bowie State in the CIAA Championship Game. LIU-Post is coming off of a 43-23 win over #15 Assumption in the Northeast 10 Championship game.
WSSU will enter the game as the #7 seed, and LIU-Post will enter as the #2 seed in Super Region 1. This will be the Rams first playoff berth since 2013 when they defeated Slippery Rock in the first round, before falling 7-0 to Shepherd University in the second round.
The winner of Saturday's contest will face the winner of the Shepherd (10-0) versus Assumption (9-2) game.
Game time and ticket information will be released on Monday evening.
WINSTON-SALEM STATE UNIVERSITY SPORTS INFORMATION
TSU Completes Cable Car Classic Sweep with Win over Santa Clara
SANTA CLARA, California -- The Tennessee State men’s basketball team completed a sweep of the 50th annual Cable Car Classic with a 69-61 victory over Santa Clara on Sunday at the Leavey Center. TSU, which was the only undefeated team in the four-team field, is 3-0 for the first time since the 1994-95 season.
Delano Spencer (Atlanta, Ga.) nailed five three-pointers to lead TSU (3-0) with 15 points on the afternoon. Wayne Martin (Brooklyn, N.Y.) scored 12 points and Jordan Reed (Philadelphia, Pa.) added 11, while Tahjere McCall (Philadelphia, Pa.) and Darreon Reddick (Belleville, Ill.) tallied 10 points apiece for the Tigers.
TSU sprinted out to a 35-22 halftime edge over Santa Clara (1-2) and continued to play well in the second half, finishing 10-for-16 (62.5 percent) from three-point range.
The Tigers found themselves down 11-8 five minutes into the game as the Broncos shot 50 percent from the field in the early going. A 15-0 run by TSU highlighted by a pair of Spencer transition three-pointers gave TSU a 23-11 advantage. The TSU defense held the Broncos off the scoreboard for nearly seven minutes on the run.
TSU maintained a double-digit lead for the remainder of the half, taking its largest first-half lead at 35-19 on back-to-back threes from Spencer. Heading into halftime, the Tigers held a 35-22 edge behind 12 points from Spencer.
Santa Clara battled back, trimming the TSU lead down to 41-35 with 15:59 left in the second half. TSU responded with a run of its own to stretch the advantage back up to 16 at 62-46 on two threes from Reddick and another from Martin.
TSU made four free throws in the final 30 seconds of the game to pull away.
Next up for TSU is a road game at Middle Tennessee in Murfreesboro, Tenn. on Saturday, Nov. 19, at 6:30 p.m.
GAME NOTES: TSU moves to 2-0 in the all-time series versus Santa Clara with the Tigers defeating the Broncos by a 99-94 final score in the first meeting during the 1963-64 season… TSU’s last 3-0 start came in 1994-95. TSU has gone 3-0 to start the season three other times at the Division I level... Delano Spencer finished with five made three-pointers. The most a TSU player hit in a game last season was five, which was accomplished by Marcus Roper once and Keron DeShields on three occasions. The school record for made three-pointers in a game is nine set by Daryl Brooks versus Chattanooga on Dec. 8, 1989.
TSU Guard Jordan Reed
“In the very beginning, we got a lot of turkeys (three stops in a row). We just really listened to personnel well and our coaches did a good job as far as telling us their strengths and weaknesses of the other team. We made sure we stayed up on the shooters and gave the drivers a little bit of space.”
- On the team’s defense
“It means a lot. Coming out here to California, going all out for the team. It’s more so a confidence builder. I feel like we can build on top of that, knowing we went 3-0 and are going back victorious, that’s big for us.”
- On winning all three games
TSU Guard Delano Spencer
“It was intense. My teammates got me involved. I feel like it started on the defensive end. We brought out the energy on defense first and that carried over to the offensive end. It was a good experience out there.”
- On hitting five three-pointers
“Definitely coming out here in California, them having the home court advantage, that helped our toughness on the defensive end. We really came together and played as a team, so I think we were tough on both sides of the ball and that’s how we won.
- On beating Santa Clara on the road.
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TENNESSEE STATE UNIVERSITY ATHLETIC MEDIA RELATIONS
Delano Spencer (Atlanta, Ga.) nailed five three-pointers to lead TSU (3-0) with 15 points on the afternoon. Wayne Martin (Brooklyn, N.Y.) scored 12 points and Jordan Reed (Philadelphia, Pa.) added 11, while Tahjere McCall (Philadelphia, Pa.) and Darreon Reddick (Belleville, Ill.) tallied 10 points apiece for the Tigers.
TSU sprinted out to a 35-22 halftime edge over Santa Clara (1-2) and continued to play well in the second half, finishing 10-for-16 (62.5 percent) from three-point range.
The Tigers found themselves down 11-8 five minutes into the game as the Broncos shot 50 percent from the field in the early going. A 15-0 run by TSU highlighted by a pair of Spencer transition three-pointers gave TSU a 23-11 advantage. The TSU defense held the Broncos off the scoreboard for nearly seven minutes on the run.
TSU maintained a double-digit lead for the remainder of the half, taking its largest first-half lead at 35-19 on back-to-back threes from Spencer. Heading into halftime, the Tigers held a 35-22 edge behind 12 points from Spencer.
Santa Clara battled back, trimming the TSU lead down to 41-35 with 15:59 left in the second half. TSU responded with a run of its own to stretch the advantage back up to 16 at 62-46 on two threes from Reddick and another from Martin.
TSU made four free throws in the final 30 seconds of the game to pull away.
Next up for TSU is a road game at Middle Tennessee in Murfreesboro, Tenn. on Saturday, Nov. 19, at 6:30 p.m.
GAME NOTES: TSU moves to 2-0 in the all-time series versus Santa Clara with the Tigers defeating the Broncos by a 99-94 final score in the first meeting during the 1963-64 season… TSU’s last 3-0 start came in 1994-95. TSU has gone 3-0 to start the season three other times at the Division I level... Delano Spencer finished with five made three-pointers. The most a TSU player hit in a game last season was five, which was accomplished by Marcus Roper once and Keron DeShields on three occasions. The school record for made three-pointers in a game is nine set by Daryl Brooks versus Chattanooga on Dec. 8, 1989.
TSU Guard Jordan Reed
“In the very beginning, we got a lot of turkeys (three stops in a row). We just really listened to personnel well and our coaches did a good job as far as telling us their strengths and weaknesses of the other team. We made sure we stayed up on the shooters and gave the drivers a little bit of space.”
- On the team’s defense
“It means a lot. Coming out here to California, going all out for the team. It’s more so a confidence builder. I feel like we can build on top of that, knowing we went 3-0 and are going back victorious, that’s big for us.”
- On winning all three games
TSU Guard Delano Spencer
“It was intense. My teammates got me involved. I feel like it started on the defensive end. We brought out the energy on defense first and that carried over to the offensive end. It was a good experience out there.”
- On hitting five three-pointers
“Definitely coming out here in California, them having the home court advantage, that helped our toughness on the defensive end. We really came together and played as a team, so I think we were tough on both sides of the ball and that’s how we won.
- On beating Santa Clara on the road.
BOX SCORE
TENNESSEE STATE UNIVERSITY ATHLETIC MEDIA RELATIONS
Fast Facts: 3 things you need to know about Alabama A&M
All-time series: Auburn leads 1-0Last meeting: Auburn won 51-7 at Jordan-Hare Stadium on Nov. 17, 2012.
Line: N/A
No. 9 Auburn (7-3) saw its six-game win streak snapped this past weekend at the hands of its bitter rival, Georgia. Auburn looks to get back on the right track this weekend, and it will do so against a non-conference foe in Alabama A&M on senior day.
Here are three things you need to know about the Bulldogs heading into Saturday:
1. The Bulldogs enter with a losing record but rallied for a win last week.
After trailing Jackson State 17-0 in the first half last week, Alabama A&M never gave up. And that attitude paid off, as the Bulldogs pulled off a come-from-behind win 27-20 win on the road. But it wasn't easy. With just a minute left in the game, Jackson State had first-and-goal at the 4-yard line. Jackson State receiver Jairus Moll caught a pass at the 3-yard line and turned upfield. But as Moll tried to reach the ball across the goal line for a score, he lost control of it. Alabama A&M's Dylan Hamilton was in the right place at the right time, falling on the ball in the end zone for the game-sealing touchback. The victory improved the Bulldogs' record to 4-6 overall and 4-5 in SWAC play this season.
2. Alabama A&M has played just one FBS team this season.
That came in the opener at Middle Tennessee State. Alabama A&M never had a chance, trailing 28-0 after the first quarter. The Blue Raiders finished with 681 yards of total offense compared to the Bulldogs' 146. Alabama A&M punted 13 times and went just 1-for-15 on third-down conversions.
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Grambling is a 'compact car' looking to upgrade
GRAMBLING, Louisiana — Broderick Fobbs consistently finds himself finding new, innovative ways to get the same message across to his Grambling football team.
Some days that means he relates the 2016 season as a hurdles race as to not allow the Tigers to take a big-picture approach. His logic: focus on the task at hand, or the hurdle in front.
Other times, Fobbs refers to the season as driving a car. It's his job to control the car throughout the year. Both are aimed to keep Grambling on alert for this weekend's game at Texas Southern and not the Bayou Classic in two weeks.
So which type of car is Grambling, which is amid a 16-game Southwestern Athletic Conference win streak?
"Well, I mean just a traditional car right now. At the end of the day, you have to win the crown. Until you win the crown, you can't drive that BMW or that Audi or whatever that is that you want to drive," Fobbs said Monday. "Right now, we're driving a regular car. We're not there yet. Ask me that question in a little bit."
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Luke Johnson: Southern fans should take advantage of their last chance to see a stellar senior class at home
PRAIRIE VIEW, Texas — Southern coach Dawson Odums was in a rare mood Saturday following his team’s big win at Prairie View.
Maybe it was the timing. Odums usually allows himself a long time after the game before speaking to the media. The players usually go first while Odums showers, giving himself some time to wash himself clean of the postgame emotion.
Usually, Odums is composed during these sessions. He’s never too high or too low — always somewhere in the middle.
Saturday was different. He went first, and he was not in the middle. This was not a bad thing.
Odums spoke passionately. He raised his voice to be heard over the blare of the Human Jukebox playing its feel-good music nearby. He answered every question about a specific player by referring to the group and its special nature. He had a message to convey, and it’s worth listening to.
“It’s fun,” he said. “It’s fun to watch these guys. It’s fun to watch them go; it’s fun to be around them. I love them, now. We’ve been through a lot. We’ve had our tough days, but every day they’ve put in the work. I’m grateful to be the head coach.”
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Marquette Faces Howard Monday Night in National Broadcast
TV: FS1 | Radio: 540 ESPNMarquette Game Notes
The Marquette University men’s basketball team (1-0 BIG EAST) hosts Howard (0-1, 0-0 MEAC) Monday, Nov. 14 at 7:30 p.m. CT in the home lidlifter at the BMO Harris Bradley Center. FS1 will feature Marquette’s first national television broadcast, with Jeff Levering (play-by-play) and Nick Bahe (analyst) calling the action. Following Monday’s game, the Golden Eagles will travel to New York City Tuesday afternoon in advance of the 2K Classic at Madison Square Garden (Nov. 17-18).
Marquette Opens Play In 2K Classic
Marquette is hoping to continue a trend of recent success in regular-season tournaments when the team opens play in the 2016 2K Classic.
MU has claimed five titles since 2004-05 and advanced to the final game in four other events. Two of the wins have come in overtime and at one point the Golden Eagles had claimed 12-straight victories in the annual tournaments.
The Golden Eagles are 31-9 overall since 2004-05 in multi-team events, including championships at the BCA Classic (2005), Great Alaska Shootout (2006), CBE Classic (2007), U.S. Virgin Island Paradise Jam (2011) and Legends Classic (2015).
MU appeared in the championship contest of the EA SPORTS Maui Invitational (2007), Chicago Invitational (2009), Old Spice Classic (2010) and DIRECTV Wooden Legacy (2013).
Marquette To Face Howard For First Time
While Marquette is celebrating its 100th year of basketball in 2016-17, it has taken until Monday night for the Golden Eagles to face Howard on the court.
The Golden Eagles have posted an overall record of 28-0 against the 13 current members of the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference (MEAC), having not faced Howard or South Carolina State on at least one occasion.
The most recent matchup against a MEAC school came on Dec. 28, 2014 versus Morgan State (six all-time meetings, most with any MEAC program) at the BMO Harris Bradley Center. MU posted an 81-53 victory in that game.
Other first-time opponents this season for Marquette include SIU-Edwardsville and a potential matchup with SMU in the 2K Classic.
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Pilots rally in 4th to give Nuggets 1st loss of season
SHREVEPORT, Louisiana — Courtney Randle scored 10 of her 23 points in the fourth quarter Saturday to rally LSU-Shreveport to a 73-61 women's basketball victory against Xavier University of Louisiana in the final game of the LSUS Classic.
The Pilots (1-2) outscored the Gold Nuggets (3-1) 24-7 in the final period after trailing 54-49 through three quarters.
Randle scored six points during a decisive 10-0 run, and her 3-pointer with 6:23 remaining put LSUS ahead to stay, 60-57. LSUS outscored Xavier 8-0 in the final 2:38.
Kourtney Pennywell scored 12 points, Bria Freeland and Chaterra Cage had 11 apiece, and Quiana Tucker scored 10 for LSUS.
Ireyon Keith scored 13 points for XULA, and freshman Gina Smith had career highs of 10 points and seven rebounds. Jalyn Hodge and Mikayla Bates made 2-of-2 3-pointers apiece for the Gold Nuggets, but those were their only points.
LSUS outshot XULA 41.5 to 39.7 from the floor and made 24-of-33 free throws to the Gold Nuggets' 7-of-13. XULA outrebounded LSUS 43-32 but was minus-13 in turnovers after committing 27 and gaining 14.
XULA and LSUS both finished 1-1 in the four-team, two-day event. NAIA No. 9 Lyon defeated No. 3 Our Lady of the Lake 73-58 in the first game Saturday. On Friday, XULA beat OLLU 71-67, and Lyon defeated LSUS 49-46.
The Gold Nuggets will play NAIA No. 24 Loyola at 5:30 p.m. Tuesday at XULA's Convocation Center in the opener of a doubleheader between the city rivals.
BOX SCORE
Ed Cassiere, Sports Information Director
XULAgold.com
XAVIER UNIVERSITY OF LOUISIANA
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Phillips, Tomasoni honored; XULA gets NAIA news Monday
NEW ORLEANS — Xavier University of Louisiana's Tiffany Phillips and Juliana Tomasoni are recipients of Gulf Coast Athletic Conference volleyball awards for Oct. 31-Nov. 6. Phillips was named Setter of the Week for the sixth time this season, and Tomasoni was chosen Attacker of the Week for the second time.
Phillips — from Gardena, Calif., and a graduate of Bishop Montgomery High School — set a XULA record for the most GCAC volleyball weekly awards in a season and tied Nour Abbes (women's tennis, 2014) for most weekly awards by a XULA freshman. Phillips averaged 9.13 assists per set during the GCAC Tournament, which the Gold Nuggets won for the sixth consecutive season. In a five-set championship victory Nov. 5 against Talladega, Phillips had 39 assists and six kills.
Tomasoni — a junior outside hitter/defensive specialist from Nova Trento, Brazil, and a graduate of Francisco Mazzola in her home country and Northeastern Oklahoma A&M — hit .414 during the GCAC Tournament and had 23 kills, five in the fifth set, against Talladega. Tomasoni ended the third and fifth sets of the GCAC final with kills.
The GCAC Tournament championship automatically qualified XULA (16-16) for the NAIA National Championship for the sixth consecutive year. The NAIA will announce its 44-team bracket at 10 a.m. Monday. The Gold Nuggets will play Saturday in one of 12 opening-round matches on campus sites.
| XULA Freshmen With the Most GCAC Weekly Awards | |||
| Awards | Name | Sport | Season |
| 6 | Tiffany Phillips | Women's Volleyball | 2016 |
| 6 | Nour Abbes | Women's Tennis | 2014 |
| 5 | Taylor Price | Women's Cross Country | 2016 |
| 5 | Zahri Jackson | Women's Cross Country | 2011 |
| 5 | Mark Dotson | Men's Cross Country | 2009 |
Ed Cassiere, Sports Information Director
XULAgold.com
XAVIER UNIVERSITY OF LOUISIANA
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Texas Southern Lady Tigers pummel UTEP 89-68, claim first win over Miners since 1981
At UTEP's Don Haskins Center, Kaitlyn Palmer drained eight 3-pointers and scored a game-high 24 points in her first game in a TSU uniform to lead the Lady Tigers to their first victory in a season-opening contest since 2013.
In all, the Lady Tigers (1-0) saw four players score in double figures, three of whom are newcomers at Texas Southern.
The Lady Tigers got 14 points apiece from UT–Arlington transfer Artavia Ford, and true freshman Chynna Ewing. Sophomore Joyce Kennerson scored 13 points for TSU, and was 9-of-10 from the 3-point line.
UTEP, the defending Conference USA champion, was led by Sparkle Taylor, who posted double-double totals of 14 points and 13 rebounds. Axelle Bernard scored 11 points for the Miners.
The win was Texas Southern's first over UTEP since defeating the Miners 77-65 in Houston on January 23, 1981. The triumph was also the Lady Tigers' first-ever win over the Miners on their home court.
HOW IT HAPPENED:
The Lady Tigers gave the Miners and their announced crowd of 1,289 an early indication of things to come when they scored 10 unanswered points late in the first period to take a 17-9 lead. Ford knocked down two jumpers during that span between the 5:40 and 1:38 marks of the opening quarter.
UTEP trimmed a deficit of seven points early in the second quarter to three points, but TSU answered with a 7-0 run to stretch its lead to 34-24 with 6:22 left to play before halftime.
The Lady Tigers outshot their opponents in each of the four quarters as they slowly added to their lead. After seeing UTEP cut their lead to single digits only once in the second half, the Lady Tigers delivered the knockout punch with an 8-0 run midway through the fourth quarter that stretched the advantage to 80-59. Palmer drained two of her 3-pointers during the run.
KEY POINTS:
Texas Southern shot better than 42 percent in three out of the four quarters, and shot better than 50 percent in the second quarter (10 of 18, 55.6 percent) and fourth quarter (7 of 11, 63.6 percent).
On the other end of the floor, the Lady Tigers held UTEP to under 40 percent shooting in each of the game's first three quarters.
Palmer's eight 3-pointers were the most by a TSU player in a single game this decade.
While TSU shot 37.5 percent from 3-point range (9 of 24, 1 of 8 from players other Palmer), the Lady Tigers held UTEP to 25 percent shooting from behind the arc (5 of 20).
TSU held Taylor, last season's C-USA's Sixth Player of the Year, to 4-of-19 shooting from the floor. She scored 28 points in the UTEP opener against Northern Arizona.
UTEP lost to a SWAC opponent for the first time since Dec. 18, 1998, when the Miners lost 68-47 to Alcorn State in Mobile, Ala. That game was the second of two contests against SWAC opponents at the Coca-Cola Classic, as UTEP defeated Southern 89-70 the day before.
TSU starts the season 1-0 for the first time since 2013, when they opened with an 88-80 win at Tulsa in Coach Johnetta Hayes-Perry's first game leading the Lady Tigers.
NEXT UP:
The Lady Tigers visit Texas A&M–Corpus Christi on Wednesday. Tipoff is scheduled for 7 p.m.
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TEXAS SOUTHERN UNIVERSITY ATHLETIC MEDIA RELATIONS
Alcorn Dominates MVSU 61-7, Clinches Third Straight SWAC East Division Title
ITTA BENA, Mississippi – The Alcorn State University football team got off to a quick start and then poured it on Mississippi Valley State, 61-7 Saturday at Rice-Totten Stadium.
With the win and Jackson State's 27-20 loss to Alabama A&M, the Braves (4-5, 4-4 SWAC) clinched the SWAC East Division crown for the third year in a row. Alcorn will play either Grambling State or Southern in the SWAC Championship at NRG Stadium in Houston, Texas on Dec. 3.
Freshman quarterback Noah Johnson had a historic outing, accounting for eight touchdowns which is an all-time Alcorn record and one shy of matching the all-time FCS record. He threw for seven touchdowns and 285 yards, and rushed for a touchdown and 65 yards.
Junior Norlando Veals turned in a monster performance with 183 receiving yards and three touchdown catches. Two of his touchdown receptions were of 52 and 51 yards, respectively.
Noah Johnson also threw touchdown passes to freshman Tavares Johnson, senior Collins Moore, senior LaDarrien Davis and freshman Demetrius Lewis.
On the ground, the Braves racked up 253 rushing yards. Junior De'Lance Turner led the way with 96 yards, while juniors Silas Spearman and Quadre Butler pitched in with 60 and 52 yards, respectively.
Alcorn accumulated 538 yards of total offense and held MVSU (1-9, 1-7 SWAC) to 162.
Defensively, Alcorn registered three interceptions including a 64-yard pick-six by freshman Javen Morrison. Also grabbing interceptions were sophomores LaShaun Ealey and Deago Sama.
PLAY-BY-PLAY SUMMARY
Ealey got the Braves started early in the game with an interception on the one-yard line after the Delta Devils were threatening. A big gain of 20 by Turner followed by a rush of 15 got Alcorn out of its own end zone and all the way out to its own 43-yard line. After a 15-yard unsportsmanlike penalty, the Braves faced a 3rd-and-17 when they connected on a deep ball to Veals for 41 yards to move to the MVSU nine-yard line. Alcorn scored on a nine-yard pass to Tavares in the corner at the 7:20 mark as he was able to leap up, make the catch and keep a foot in-bounds.
After a three-and-out defensively, the Braves got the ball back and moved to the MVSU 23-yard line after a 20-yard rush by Turner. On the very next play, Noah kept it himself on a quarterback-read option and scored on a 23-yard spurt to make it 14-0 with 3:40 left in the first quarter.
The Braves stuck again right before the end of the first quarter. After a first down rush by Noah moved Alcorn into MVSU territory, Noah connected with Veals on a deep 38-yard pass to make it 21-0.
Early in the second quarter, Sama pulled down an interception at the Delta Devils 48 after MVSU tried to test him one-on-one deep along the sideline. On the next play, Alcorn ran a reverse to Tavares for a gain of 20 at the MVSU 28-yard line. The Braves scored on a 23-yard jump ball pass to Moore as he outleaped the covering cornerback.
The Braves added on late in the second quarter on a 16-yard pass to Davis. The drive was set up by a 19-yard run by Spearman after the Braves began the possession on MVSU's half of the field.
Right before the half, Alcorn increased its advantage to 41-0 after Morrison scored on a pick-six. Morrison intercepted the pass and ran about 65 yards down the right sideline nearly untouched.
On Alcorn's first possession of the second half, it quickly found the end zone on a 51-yard pass to Veals. On the Braves ensuing possession, it was like dejavu as Noah found Veals again for a 52-yard touchdown pass to make it a 54-0 game with 10:00 left in the third quarter.
Alcorn's final score came at the end of the third quarter on a five-yard pass to Lewis. It capped off a nine-play, 73-yard drive that featured eight running plays from Spearman and Butler combined.
NOTES
- The 54-point win was Alcorn's most lopsided victory since Oct. 5, 2013 when it beat Warner 57-0. It was Alcorn's largest win over a Division I opponent since Oct. 11, 2003 when it topped Prairie View A&M 66-0.
- The Braves remained unbeaten against the SWAC East Division this season after already defeating Alabama State 21-18 and Alabama A&M 42-19.
- Alcorn has now won seven consecutive games against SWAC East Division opponents dating back to last season.
- The Braves posted their fourth consecutive win over MVSU. Alcorn won 55-14 last year, 52-9 in 2014 and 35-28 in 2013.
- The Braves have rushed for at least 155 yards in eight of their nine games this season, including at No. 20 Arkansas. Alcorn has rushed for at least 250 yards in back-to-back games after running for 256 at Prairie View A&M. The Braves entered the game averaging 199.5 rushing yards per contest.
- Alcorn entered the game ranked 18th in FCS in sacks allowed, and will improve upon its standing as it did not allow a sack in the contest.
- Veals' 182 receiving yards marked a career-high, breaking his previous best of 106 set earlier this season against Texas Southern.
- Turner's 96 rushing yards marked a career-high, breaking his previous best of 90 set earlier this season against Southern.
- Alcorn's captains were seniors Deonte Brooks, Stacey Garner and Moore. MVSU won the coin toss and chose to receive.
Quoting Alcorn head coach Fred McNair
On getting off to a hot start
"That's one of the things we talked about all week. We wanted to start fast and then stay on them, and that's what we did. We prepared ourselves at practice every day to play this way. The guys had a great week of practice."
On the team clicking on both sides of the ball
"This is what we've been trying to put together the whole season. We've had a lot of injuries and all that stuff, but this is how we want to play on both sides of the ball. In the past, we had spurts of playing good offense and playing good defense, but it seems like it's all coming together as a team now. That's what I told the team, everything is coming together and we didn't get injured today. We just have to get back to the practice field now and start preparing for Jackson State next week."
On getting momentum heading into next week
"It's big. To win a game in this fashion makes practice a whole lot easier next week. Our team knows the magnitude of the game next week and we have to make sure we're doing all the right things at practice as both players and coaches."
UP NEXT
The Braves will wrap-up the 2016 regular season against Jackson State at Jack Spinks-Marino Casem Stadium next Saturday. The 2 p.m. contest will also be Senior Day as Alcorn recognizes 14 student-athletes.
The Braves will be looking for their eighth consecutive victory over a SWAC East Division opponent dating back to last season.
BOX SCORE
ALCORN STATE UNIVERSITY SPORTS INFORMATION
Ohio State basketball vs. North Carolina Central preview: TV info, key players, stats, prediction
COLUMBUS, Ohio -- -- Ohio State basketball plays its home opener on Monday night against North Carolina Central. Here's everything you need to know before tip-off.GAME INFORMATION
Who: North Carolina Central (0-1) at Ohio State Buckeyes (1-0)
When: Monday, 9 p.m.
Where: Value City Arena (19,049)
TV: ESPNU
Twitter: Follow cleveland.com's Bill Landis for updates from the game.
Latest line: Ohio State -23.5
Series record: This will be the first meeting ever between Ohio State and North Carolina Central.
PROJECTED STARTERS
North Carolina Central: G Dajuan Graf (6-0, Sr., 19 ppg); G Rashaun Madison (6-0, Sr., 6 ppg); G Patrick Cole (6-5, Sr., 18 ppg); F Will Ransom (6-8, Sr., 0 ppg); F Kyle Benton (6-7, Jr., 0 ppg).
Ohio State: G JaQuan Lyle (6-5, Soph., 3 ppg); F Keita Bates-Diop (6-7, Jr., 14 ppg); F Marc Loving (6-7, Jr., 13 ppg); F Jae'Sean Tate (6-4, Jr., 10 ppg); C Micah Potter (6-9, Fr., 0 ppg).
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Sunday, November 13, 2016
Lenard Tillery and the usual suspects power Southern's 44-34 win in Prairie View, Jaguars seventh straight win
PRAIRIE VIEW, Texas -- This win, Southern’s seventh straight, took on a little extra meaning for Southern coach Dawson Odums.
As the Human Jukebox thundered on behind him, Odums got emotional thinking about what his Southern team has overcome to put itself in its current position.
After Saturday's 44-34 victory over Prairie View, the Jaguars remained in control of their own destiny in the race for a Southwestern Athletic Conference championship.
“Nobody has had to go through what we’ve had to go through, and we’re doing it the right way,” Odums said. “We’ve got some special guys. We’ve been through a lot together, and I love them for it, because they stayed the course and they’re reaping the rewards from it.”
As has been the case throughout much of the Jaguars’ win streak, those special guys stepped up Saturday.
Despite getting off to a slow start as the Panthers keyed on his every move, Lenard Tillery ran for a career-high 245 yards — 106 of which came on runs of 52 and 54 yards that set up scoring opportunities.
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Coach Sandy Pugh unsatisfied with Southern women's 68-53 win over Spring Hill in season opener
BATON ROUGE, Louisiana -- The Southern women's basketball team defeated Spring Hill 68-53 to claim its season opener in commanding fashion Saturday in the F.G. Clark Activity Center.
For most teams, starting a season with a 15-point victory would be cause for celebration, but the Jaguars' reaction after the game was anything but.
Southern coach Sandy Pugh said she was unimpressed with her team’s performance against its Division-II opponent, knowing it won’t be enough to get the Jaguars through the next month of a schedule that includes trips to some of the nation’s top programs.
She liked that Southern went after the Badgers with 66 field goal attempts, but she didn’t like that 14 of them were from 3-point range. She was pleased with the effort Southern showed late, but less so that it took a strong talking-to during the first half to bring it out.
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Grambling pitches shutout at Alabama State
SHREVEPORT, Louisiana -- Although some might claim the fame, there aren’t many bands in the land that can match the Grambling State University marching band.
Best band in the land? Hard to argue with them when it comes to entertainment value. While most bands simply perform at halftime, the Tiger band celebrates with their fans, bringing them to their feet with pom-poms waving.
But the thing is, the Grambling football team, built into household name under the late great Eddie Robinson, is showing it can continue to hold its own as a SWAC power under coach Broderick Fobbs and continues to expand fame of its own.
After dispatching Alabama State 21-0 Saturday afternoon at Independence Stadium in somewhat subdued fashion, the Tigers (7-1, 7-0 SWAC) now boast a 16-game SWAC win streak that dates back a couple of years when these same Hornets (3-7, 3-6) won 45-32 in Robinson Stadium.
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Stanley Rallies FAMU Rattlers Past Morgan State, 22-21
TALLAHASSEE, Florida -- Redshirt freshman quarterback Ryan Stanley fired two touchdown passes in a three-minute span late in the fourth quarter to help lift Florida A&M past Morgan State, 22-21 in a Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference game at Bragg Stadium Saturday evening.
Stanley, the Pembroke Pines, Florida product who has led FAMU (4-6, 4-3 MEAC) to four wins in his six collegiate starts, got off to a slow start, as did the rest of the Rattler squad coming off a bye week, Nov. 5, but heated up in the final stanza when it counted, going 5-for-6 passing for 54 yards and two TDs, while rushing for 49 yards on five carries in the final period.
The redshirt freshman finished the game with 264 passing yards on 25 of 42 passes, with three touchdowns against one interception. He also rushed 15 times for 59 yards, giving him 323 total yards Saturday.
The sluggish Rattlers seemed out of sync until their backs were against the wall in the fourth, trailing a struggling Morgan State (2-7, 2-5 MEAC) squad, 21-9 headed into the fourth period.
FAMU made its’ move, aided by the Rattler Defense, which forced a turnover deep in Morgan territory, when Auburn transfer end Raashad Kennion shook the ball loose from Bear quarterback Chris Andrews on the MSU 23.
Four plays later, Stanley tossed an 11-yard strike to halfback Devin Bowers to cut the deficit to 21-16 with 8:55 left.
The Rattler Defense would force Morgan to punt after a stirring stand aided by a raucous Bragg Stadium crowd, whose noise levels caused a false start, and seemed to unnerve the Bears.
FAMU would take the lead with 5:40 left on Stanley’s third scoring toss, a two-yard aerial to Brandon Norwood, putting the Rattlers ahead for the first time in the game. Stanley was the key player on that five play, 57-yard drive, dashing 30 yards on a quarterback keeper down to the two-yard line, a daring move which nearly brought the house down.
The visiting Bears were forced to punt after their next possession, and the Rattlers ran out the clock to preserve the win, although the end of the game was marred by a brawl which took place with 39 seconds left.
Four players were ejected, including FAMU’s T.J. Jones, the starting left tackle, and reserve running back Kevin Newman, along with Morgan State linebacker Malachi Washington and defensive back William King.
Morgan used their special teams and defense to garner great field position and take the early lead, as William King returned th game’s opening kickoff 87 yards to the FAMU two yard line, from where Eric Harrell took the ball into the end zone for a two-yard score and a 7-0 lead with 14:45 left in the first period.
Stanley drove the Rattlers 80 yards in six plays capping things off with a 29-yard swing pass to speedy Devin Bowers, who raced through the Morgan defense for the touchdown. Colby Blanton’s PAT try failed, leaving the Rattlers down one.
With seconds remaining in the first, linebacker Jai Franklin sacked Stanley, forcing a fumble which Franklin took into the end zone for a 14-6 lead.
Blanton would nail a 19-yard field goal with 13:04 left in the second quarter to draw the Rattlers closer at 14-9, but Morgan QB Chris Andrews capped a five-play, 70-yard Bears drive with 1:58 left in the third to stake his club to a 21-9 advantage, setting the stage for FAMU’s fourth quarter awakening.
POST GAME NOTES: The Rattler Nation faithful turned out 16,879 strong to send off the 12 seniors and the Rattler Football team as a whole toward their final regular season game next Saturday in Orlando against archrival Bethune-Cookman… The two turnovers by Ryan Stanley (fumble, interception) were his first as a starter, as he came into Saturday with five straight starts without a turnover…. FAMU outgained the Bears offensively, 419 to 212, and had a huge edge in first downs, 24-11….
Devin Bowers led FAMU on the ground with 88 yards on 18 carries, while he caught three passes for 47 yards, and two TDs… Montavious Williams led the Rattlers with eight catches for 51 yards…. QB Chris Andrews led the Bears in rushing with 71 yards on 13 tries and a TD, while throwing for 58 yards on 7-of-16 passes…
Morgan’s kickoff return trio William King (1 for 87), Deadrick Jones (2 for 95, long of 76 yards), and Dushon David (2 for 18, long of 13), kept the Bears ahead of the game with great field position…. Jones led the Bears defensively with seven tackles (six solos), while linebacker Jakaris Wilson topped the Rattler tackle charts with seven tackles, a sack and a tackle for loss…. Both teams finished with four sacks, with FAMU’s Calvin Darville scoring a pair of quarterback takedowns.
INSIDE THE NUMBERS: The four FAMU wins is the most for the Rattlers since their 4-7 finish in 2012, and a win Saturday against Bethune-Cookman would push them to five victories, the most for the Rattlers since 2011 (7-4)…. It was FAMU’s fourth win in six games after an 0-4 start., and Saturday's win vaulted the Rattlers into fourth place in the MEAC at 4-3, behind North Carolina A&T and NCCU (both 7-0), and Hampton (5-2).
WHAT’S NEXT: The Rattlers close the 2016 regular season seeking to end a five-game losing slide in the Florida Blue Florida Classic to archrival Bethune-Cookman. The game will be televised by ESPN Classic and ESPN3.com, starting at 2:30 p.m. from Camping World Stadium in Orlando.
FLORIDA A&M UNIVERSITY SPORTS INFORMATION
NCCU Defeats Howard to Remain Unbeaten in MEAC
Victories by NCCU and Rival NC A&T Delivers Showdown in Durham on Nov. 19 for MEAC Championship
DURHAM, North Carolina – Senior quarterback Malcolm Bell amassed 345 yards of total offense and accounted for three touchdowns to lead No. 25 North Carolina Central University to a 30-21 victory over Howard University on Saturday inside O'Kelly-Riddick Stadium.
NCCU (8-2, 7-0 MEAC) remains unbeaten in the MEAC with its 14th straight conference victory. Wins by the Eagles and North Carolina A&T (9-1, 7-0 MEAC) on Saturday, sets up a showdown between the rivals on Nov. 19 at 2 p.m. inside O'Kelly-Riddick Stadium with the winner claiming the league's first outright conference championship title since 2012.
Bell's 223 yards and a touchdown through the air against Howard moves the three-year starter into second on NCCU's career passing list with 5,916 yards. The Richmond, Virginia native is also second among the school's career leaders with 7,258 yards of total offense.
With an average of 11.1 yards per carry and two touchdown runs against the Bison, Bell's 122 rushing yards on Saturday are the most by an NCCU quarterback since September 1999.
NCCU sophomore running back Ramone Simpson rushed for 81 yards and a score, while redshirt freshman Torri Cotton contributed 45 yards rushing, averaging 6.4 yards per carry.
Jalen Wilkes caught five passes for 64 yards to top the Eagles, followed by LaVontis Smith with four receptions for 58 yards. David Miller had three grabs for 36 yards, including a diving catch in the end zone, and freshman tight end Maleek Henderson also tallied three receptions for 36 yards.
Senior linebacker LeGrande Harley recorded a team-high nine tackles, including a huge stop for a loss on third down and short yardage to spark NCCU. Safety Alden McClellon collected eight takedowns, while Mike Jones, Jeremy Miles and Reggie Hunter chipped in six tackles each. Hunter closed out the game with his team-best fourth interception of the season, all coming in the last three outings. Antonio Brown had four tackles with two solo sacks to bring his season total to 7.0 sacks, tops on the squad.
NCCU finished the contest with 477 yards of total offense (254 rushing, 223 passing), while Howard posted 422 total yards.
Howard (1-9, 1-6 MEAC) was topped by running back Anthony Philyaw with 139 yards and a touchdown rushing and 45 yards receiving for 184 all-purpose yards. Quarterback Kalen Johnson completed 22-of-34 passes for 211 yards and two touchdowns.
The Bison defense was charged by linebacker Jalen Day with a game-high 11 tackles.
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WSSU Rams Capture 2016 CIAA Football Championship
SALEM, Virginia – The Winston-Salem State University football team captured the 2016 Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association (CIAA) Championship with a 43-33 victory over Bowie State University on Saturday, November 12th at the Salem Football Stadium. WSSU improves to 9-2 overall after winning their second consecutive title and fourth championship since 2011. The Bulldogs move to 7-4 in the standings after suffering their second straight loss in the championship game.
Bowie State opened up the contest with the first offensive possession. Sophomore quarterback and CIAA Offensive Player of the Year Amir Hall drove the Bulldogs into WSSU territory. Hall had a pass intended for Nyme Manns intercepted in the end zone with one hand by freshman defensive back Tyrell Flemming. Following the turnover, the Rams wasted no time scoring.
Redshirt quarterback Rod Tinsley threw a 50-yard strike to freshman wide receiver Will Walton for a touchdown. Walton scored with 11:30 remaining in the first quarter. Bowie State stalled on offense their next two possessions. WSSU tacked on another TD in the opening quarter. Senior running back Justus Picket found a wide open running hole for a 42-yard TD with 3:17 left in the first.
Before the end of the opening quarter, Hall connected with redshirt freshman wide receiver Geordan Clark for a 39 yard touchdown reception. Bowie State trailed 14-7 at the end of the first quarter. The Bulldogs tied the game 14-14 off a three yard score from sophomore running back Robert Chesson.
On the ensuing kickoff, junior wide receiver Canard Brown returned the kick 87 yards for the score. Later in the second, the Rams added to their advantage with a 39 yard TD reception from Tinsley to Walton again. Winston-Salem led 28-14 at halftime.
In the third quarter, both teams scored with a touchdown throw. Hall completed a 27-yard pass to redshirt senior tight end Jordan Garrison with 3:10 on the clock in the third. Tinsley answered with a 36 yard scoring pass to senior wide receiver Reggie Wilkins on the following drive. WSSU recorded a safety earlier in the quarter due to a BSU holding penalty on the goal line. Bowie State trailed 37-21 at the end of the third.
In the fourth, BSU capped a 16 play drive that last over five minutes with a three yard pass from Hall to Chesson. The Bulldogs only faced a 37-27 deficit with 11:08 left to play. However, WSSU produced a back-breaking 68-yard TD run by redshirt sophomore running back Kerrion Moore.
Moore rushed for 177 yards off 22 carries with one TD. He set a new CIAA Championship game rushing record and was named Championship Game MVP.
Bowie State scored another touchdown with less than two minutes remaining. The Rams ran out the clock on the next possession and claimed their 12th CIAA title in school history.
Tinsley completed 11-of-25 passes for 194 yards, three touchdowns, and no interceptions for WSSU. Walton had two catches for 89 yards and two TDs. Defensively, Flemming finished with three interceptions and two tackles. Xavier Gregory had a team-high 11 tackles (8 solo).
Hall ended the evening with 348 yards off 27-46 passing with three touchdowns and four interceptions. Chesson had 107 yards and one TD. Manns caught 10 passes for 176 yards, followed by Garrison with six catches for 111 yards and one score. Senior defensive lineman Rahsaan Moore had four solo tackles, including two sacks.
The Rams will await the NCAA Division II Regional Rankings to see if their season continues. Rankings will be announced on Sunday, November 13th at 5:00 p.m. EST.
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WINSTON-SALEM STATE UNIVERSITY SPORTS INFORMATION
Bowie State opened up the contest with the first offensive possession. Sophomore quarterback and CIAA Offensive Player of the Year Amir Hall drove the Bulldogs into WSSU territory. Hall had a pass intended for Nyme Manns intercepted in the end zone with one hand by freshman defensive back Tyrell Flemming. Following the turnover, the Rams wasted no time scoring.
Redshirt quarterback Rod Tinsley threw a 50-yard strike to freshman wide receiver Will Walton for a touchdown. Walton scored with 11:30 remaining in the first quarter. Bowie State stalled on offense their next two possessions. WSSU tacked on another TD in the opening quarter. Senior running back Justus Picket found a wide open running hole for a 42-yard TD with 3:17 left in the first.
Before the end of the opening quarter, Hall connected with redshirt freshman wide receiver Geordan Clark for a 39 yard touchdown reception. Bowie State trailed 14-7 at the end of the first quarter. The Bulldogs tied the game 14-14 off a three yard score from sophomore running back Robert Chesson.
On the ensuing kickoff, junior wide receiver Canard Brown returned the kick 87 yards for the score. Later in the second, the Rams added to their advantage with a 39 yard TD reception from Tinsley to Walton again. Winston-Salem led 28-14 at halftime.
In the third quarter, both teams scored with a touchdown throw. Hall completed a 27-yard pass to redshirt senior tight end Jordan Garrison with 3:10 on the clock in the third. Tinsley answered with a 36 yard scoring pass to senior wide receiver Reggie Wilkins on the following drive. WSSU recorded a safety earlier in the quarter due to a BSU holding penalty on the goal line. Bowie State trailed 37-21 at the end of the third.
In the fourth, BSU capped a 16 play drive that last over five minutes with a three yard pass from Hall to Chesson. The Bulldogs only faced a 37-27 deficit with 11:08 left to play. However, WSSU produced a back-breaking 68-yard TD run by redshirt sophomore running back Kerrion Moore.
Moore rushed for 177 yards off 22 carries with one TD. He set a new CIAA Championship game rushing record and was named Championship Game MVP.
Bowie State scored another touchdown with less than two minutes remaining. The Rams ran out the clock on the next possession and claimed their 12th CIAA title in school history.
Tinsley completed 11-of-25 passes for 194 yards, three touchdowns, and no interceptions for WSSU. Walton had two catches for 89 yards and two TDs. Defensively, Flemming finished with three interceptions and two tackles. Xavier Gregory had a team-high 11 tackles (8 solo).
Hall ended the evening with 348 yards off 27-46 passing with three touchdowns and four interceptions. Chesson had 107 yards and one TD. Manns caught 10 passes for 176 yards, followed by Garrison with six catches for 111 yards and one score. Senior defensive lineman Rahsaan Moore had four solo tackles, including two sacks.
The Rams will await the NCAA Division II Regional Rankings to see if their season continues. Rankings will be announced on Sunday, November 13th at 5:00 p.m. EST.
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Eight HBCU Bands Selected to Perform at 15th Annual Honda Battle of the Bands Celebration
TORRANCE, Califorinia – Students, alumni and fans of Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU) rocked the vote for an epic lineup of bands to perform in the 15th Anniversary Honda Battle of the Bands (HBOB) Invitational Showcase on January 28, 2017 at the Georgia Dome.
The 2017 lineup features bands that have historically performed at the annual showcase, plus newcomers who are gearing up for their debut at the marching band event of the year. The following eight bands will perform at the 2017 HBOB Invitational Showcase celebration:
- Alabama A&M University, Marching Maroon & White (Southwestern Athletic Conference) – 4th appearance
- Alabama State University, Mighty Marching Hornets (Southwestern Athletic Conference) – 5th appearance
- Benedict College, Marching Band of Distinction (Southern Intercollegiate Athletic Conference) – 1st appearance
- Bethune-Cookman University, Marching Wildcats (Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference) – 12th appearance
- Jackson State University, Sonic Boom of the South (Southwestern Athletic Conference) – 8th appearance
- North Carolina A&T State University, Blue and Gold Marching Machine (Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference) – 5th appearance
- Texas Southern University, Ocean of Soul (Southwestern Athletic Conference) – 2nd appearance
- Winston-Salem State University, Red Sea of Sound (Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association) – 6th appearance
These bands were selected through a process that included online fan voting, as well as feedback from band directors, HBCU school presidents and Honda representatives. Each of the final eight bands will receive an all-expenses paid trip to the Invitational Showcase, and their universities will receive a $20,000 grant from Honda to support their music education programs. And as a thank-you to all the bands who participated in this year’s voting process, Honda will donate $1,000 to their respective schools’ music programs.
“Honda is excited to have the final eight bands take the field at our fifteenth annual Honda Battle of the Bands Invitational Showcase,” said Alexandra Warnier, Manager, Corporate Social Responsibility for Honda. “We hope fans will join us for this milestone celebration that promises to deliver some fantastic performances.”
Tickets to the HBOB Invitational Showcase are available for purchase on the official website, starting at $10. In addition to performances by the final eight bands, Honda will honor one special nominee with the third annual HBCU Power of Dreams Award at the Invitational Showcase. Students, alumni and fans are invited to nominate exceptional individuals who have gone above and beyond to help their HBCU community. Nominations can be submitted online at hondabattleofthebands.com/power-of-dreams through November 14.
Fans can follow each band’s journey to the Georgia Dome via official HBOB social media channels and join the conversation using #HBOB.
- Facebook – Facebook.com/HondaBattleoftheBands
- Twitter – @The_Honda / Twitter.com/The_Honda
- Instagram – @the_honda / Instagram.com/the_honda
- YouTube - 2016 Invitational Showcase Highlights
About Honda
Honda seeks to be a company that society wants to exist, creating products and technologies that improve the lives of people while minimizing the environmental impacts of its products and business operations to ensure a sustainable future. Honda also is committed to making positive contributions to the communities where it does business, to socially responsible business practices and to the promotion of diversity in its workforce. From Honda’s involvement in STEM education and Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU) to its support of pediatric brain tumor research and volunteer efforts by Honda associates – including environmental clean-up activities – Honda believes in giving back to the communities where its associates live and work. Learn more at csr.honda.com.
Robert Colon Sinks Concord With Last Second Shot To Give WSSU A 93-90 OT Win
ATHENS, West Virginia -- WSSU's Robert Colon, hit a game winning three pointer with .4 seconds left, as the Rams came away with a 93-90 ocertime win over Concord University on Saturday night in the MEC-CIAA challenge in Athens, WV.With the win, WSSU moves to 1-1 on the season, while Concord falls to 1-1.
The WSSU Rams battled back from a 44-42 half time deficit to outscore the Mountain Lions, by two points in the second half to tie the game at the end of regulation and force an extra period, where they outscored Concord 16-13 in the overtime period, and got a big time shot from Robert Colon with .4 seconds left to give WSSU a 93-90 win on the road.
WSSU was led by freshman, Robert Colon, who finished with 26 points, while TJ Wilson added 22 points and 10 rebounds, and Carlos Rankins added 18 points and seven rebounds. williams Crandell scored nine points and pulled down four rebounds, and Jamel McAllister added seven points and six rebounds.
WSSU will return to action on Tuesday evening in the Gaines Center, as the Rams will opne their home campaign, at 7:00pm when they host Lees McRae.
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WINSTON-SALEM STATE UNIVERSITY SPORTS INFORMATION
Fort Valley State University 2016 SIAC Champions
MONTGOMERY, Alabama -- The Fort Valley State University Wildcats football team is the 2016 Southern Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (SIAC) Football Champions for the thirteenth time since 1999 with a 33-30 double overtime victory over Kentucky State University Saturday night at the Cramton Bowl. Junior running back Chauncey Jackson was named Most Valuable Player and Kevin Porter the Outstanding Coach of the Game Award.
FVSU collected 20 first downs in the game to KSU's 15, KSU out gained the Wildcats 265 yards to 106 on the ground, FVSU added 254 yards in the air to 119 yards for KSU. The Wildcats had 360 yards of Total Offense on 76 plays to 384 yards on 67 plays for the Thorobreds. In penalties, the team had nine for 75 yards and KSU were rewarded with 10 for 101 yards, while time of possession went to FVSU with 46.32 to KSU's 28.18.
Senior quarterback Otis Brown led the Wildcats in rushing with 52 yards, followed by Jackson's 43 yards, one touchdown and freshman running back Jamari Clark 19 yards. Brown completed 17-of-32 passes for 254 yards and two touchdowns and one interception. Sophomore wide receiver Christopher Weems grabbed four catches for 65 yards to lead the team, while Clark finished with three catches, 46 yards, junior wide receiver Bodarius Johnson 43 yards, three catches, Jackson three catches, 43 yards, one touchdown, junior kicker/punter Juan Serna punted four times for 161 yards and a long of 60 yards, while making a 37 and 43 yard field goal. Senior defensive end Brian Walker returned three punts for 20 yards, three kickoffs for 144 yards and a touchdown.
Defensively, senior linebacker Ryan Bowman had nine tackles (seven solos), one tackle-for-losses (one yard), one interception (four yards) and three quarterback hurries, while freshman defensive back Camron Young grabbed nine tackles (six solos), a half tackle –for-losses (one yard), one pass break up and junior linebacker Cannon Thomas with six tackles (five solos),a half tackle-for-losses and one forced fumble.
In the first quarter, KSU put up two quick scores, Reginal Harris 40 yard touchdown pass from Julian St. Ge and with 6:41 left Lavelle Cloyd rushed 58 yards for the second (KSU 14 – FVSU 0).
Brown completed a pass to Weems for 32 yards, placing the ball on the two yard line. Then with 3:17 on the clock, Jackson went up the middle for the two yard touchdown to complete an 8 play, 72 yard drive, junior kicker/punter Juan Serna kick attempt good (FVSU 7 – KSU 14).
At the 6:51 mark KSU's Darmontre Warr rushed around the right side for five yard and a touchdown, Bill Rose kick attempt good (KSU 21 – FVSU 7).
Rose kicked off to the FVSU's 10 yard line, senior defensive end/punt and kick returner Brian Walker returned the ball 90 yards for a touchdown, Serna kick attempt good (FVSU 14 – KSU 21).
With 7:05 left in the third quarter, Brown tied the game with a 16 yard touchdown pass to senior tight end Bolden Davis, completing a 5 play, 55 yard drive, Serna kick attempt good (FVSU 21 – KSU 21).
KSU's Rose completed a 7 play, 34 yard drive with a 45 yard field good as time run out in the quarter (KSU 24 – FVSU 21).
Serna's 24 yard field goal attempt went wide to the left with 10:10 on the clock which would have tied the game, but he was given a second shot from 37 yards out with 8:32 remaining (FVSU 24 – KSU 24).
First overtime, the Wildcats received first and after seven plays, Serna kicked a 43 yard field goal (FVSU 27 – KSU 24). KSU answered with Rose 32 yard field goal (KSU 27 – FVSU 27).
Second overtime KSU's ball and the Wildcats defense held forcing KSU's Rose to kick a 32 yard field goal (KSU 30 – FVSU 27).
Next drive for the Wildcats, Brown completed a seven yard pass to Weems moving the ball to the three yard line, Brown rush failed to gain and losing eight yards to the 11 yard line. After two time outs, Brown threw an 11 yard touchdown pass to Jackson for the championship win (FVSU33 – KSU 30).
FORT VALLEY STATE UNIVERSITY SPORTS INFORMATION
Virginia State Trojans Defeats Tuskegee in Extended Season Game
TUSKEGEE, Alabama -- The VSU Trojan Football team rounded out their extended season with a 45-35 victory over the Golden Tigers of Tuskegee University on November 12.Senior Tarian Ayres completed 13 passes for 150 yards and a single touch down, while teammate sophomore Josh Harris led the team with 1 reception touchdown. The dynamic duo of All-CIAA first team pick junior running back Trenton Cannon and senior Kavon Bellamy, remained unstoppable in the matchup. Cannon collected 2 touchdowns on 99 net rushing yards while Bellamy was not too far behind with 82 net rushing yards.
Leading the defense was All-CIAA first team pick linebacker Geo Feggins with 12 total tackles. CIAA Defensive Player of the Year Bryant Frazier tallied in 8 tackles and a single sack.
Despite a pass interception by Tuskegee in the first quarter, the Trojans regained possession with a forced fumble with 7:32 left in the quarter. The Trojans path to the end zone was denied resulting a good field goal kick to give VSU the 3-0 lead.
Tuskegee was able to push pass the VSU at the beginning of the second quarter with a 15 yard unsportsmanlike conduct penalty. The Golden Tigers would connect for a 16 yard pass to take the 7-3 lead over VSU.
The Trojans started their drive with 5:12 left until halftime, in hopes of securing a touchdown. After a 4 yard rush by Bellamy followed by and 11 yard rush by Ayers to secure the 1st and 10, Ayres found junior wide receiver Willie Stubblefield for a 62 yard connection. A pass completion to Josh Harris gave the Trojans a 10-7 lead. As the clocked ticked away with under 3 minutes left until half time, Tuskegee was not successful on the offensive side of the ball. A 35 yard punt at the Trojans 21 yard line gave sophomore wide receiver Marcus VanHook the chance to secure a 79 yard punt return to extend the Trojans lead to 17-7 to round out the first half.
The Trojans started the second half off with no hesitations as Trenton Cannon advance to the end zone off of a 75 yard kickoff return. A good kick by Hillquist moved VSU to a 24-7 lead. Tuskegee would score on their next drive to close the gap 24-14, but the Trojans would quickly answer back with Ayres running in for a 17 yard touchdown. The games call and response continued as the Golden Tiger grasp 7 additional points on their next drive. As the clocked ticked away with under 6 minutes left in the 3rd quarter, the Trojan has a 31-21 lead. VSU put a halt to Tuskegee with a blocked field goal by senior Daishun Jackson and recovered by junior Tyquante Simms. At the Golden Tigers 25 yard line, Cannon rushed for a touchdown giving VSU a solid 38-21 lead. Tuskegee made a quick play to advance to the end zone and make the final touchdown of the quarter.
Enter the 4th quarter, the Trojans held a 38-28 lead. VSU pressed their way down the field on the quarters opening drive. Despite VSU picking up a 5 yard delay of game penalty, pushing them back to Tuskegee 12 yard line, Cannon changed the tone tacking on an additional touchdown for the Trojans. The home team would make the final touchdown of the game to bring the score to 45-35.
Originally adding VSU to the schedule for their 10th game in hopes of improving their record as they are in the midst of competing for a playoff spot for the fourth consecutive year in NCAA Division II, Tuskegee fell to a 8-2 overall season record.
After an unexpected 11th game addition to the schedule, VSU rounds out the 2016 season with a 9-2 overall record under the leadership of Reggie Barlow.
For more information on VSU football, visit govsutrojans.com, c
all 804-524-5030, or follow Trojan Athletics on Twitter @VSUsports.
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VIRGINIA STATE UNIVERSITY SPORTS INFORMATION
Cohen, NCA&T Aggies set up showdown for MEAC title
DOVER, Delaware -- Tarik Cohen crossed the final victim off his list Saturday afternoon.Cohen rushed for a pair of touchdowns and 221 yards on just 13 carries as N.C. A&T downed Delaware State 45-14 in a MEAC contest. The Aggies remained unbeaten in the MEAC at 7-0 and improved to 9-1 overall.
Cohen now has scored a touchdown against every team in the MEAC in his career.
“It goes to show the hard work I put in has paid off,” Cohen said. “When I first got here, I wasn’t expected to be the premier running back here or in the MEAC. That motivated me to become the running back I am today.”
The Aggies set themselves up for a winner-take-all matchup next Saturday at 2 p.m. at N.C. Central (7-0, 8-2) for the MEAC title.
“Delaware State gave us a really hard game,” Cohen said. “That will prepare us for how Central is going to play. We can’t make any mistakes. It’s all or nothing.”
Delaware State (0-7, 0-10) scored on its first drive before the Aggies responded with 28 unanswered points.
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Saturday, November 12, 2016
Virginia State Basketball wins season opener over Cal (Pa.) 78-53
ETTRICK, Virginia - The Virginia State Men's Basketball team and defending CIAA Champions opened their season with a bang, out-scoring the University of California (PA) 40-24 in the first half on the way to winning 78-53.The Trojans' season opener marked the first of two games of the Trojan Tip-Off Classic that were held this weekend at Virginia State University in Ettrick, with the second game on Saturday against Mansfield finishing after an early press deadline.
Brice Rowe and Richard Granberry led the way for VSU with 11 points apiece. Teammate Walter Williams (10) joined them in the double-digits. Trey Brown led the team defensively with eight rebounds, followed by Rowe with six and Elijah Moore with five.
Kevin Williams and Cyonte Melvin each made two steals.
Moore led the way with three blocks.
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Hampton Pirates hold off Savannah State to win 28-24
HAMPTON, Virginia — The Hampton Pirates escaped a spirited comeback charge from an improving Savannah State team, and held on for a 28-24 win Saturday at Armstrong Stadium.In the end, it took a defensive stand by Hampton to hold off the Tigers, who entered the game with a 3-4 record.
With fourth-and-20 at the HU 37 and 2:01 remaining in the game, freshman quarterback J.J. Bell dropped back to pass. However, sophomore linebacker Devon Johnson broke through the line and dropped Bell at midfield, sealing the game for the Pirates (5-4, 5-2 MEAC).
For coach Cornell Maynor, the ferocity of the Tigers' comeback was not a surprise.
"Our hats are off to Savannah State. They are a much improved team," said Maynor, who is now one win away from completing a second straight winning season with Hampton. "They gave us a four quarter battle, and we knew they would. But we never quit in the second half, and mounted a drive after they took the lead (24-21 in fourth). And we made a defensive stand at the end, so I'm proud of our team for overcoming adversity."
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