Wednesday, November 29, 2017

MEAC Announces 2017 Football Post-Season Honors

NORFOLK, Virginia -- North Carolina A&T State University led the way in this year's All-MEAC voting as the Aggies had 12 student-athletes named to the first team. The team is voted on by the MEAC's head football coaches and sports information directors.

North Carolina A&T State’s Brandon Parker made history as the first player to be named MEAC Offensive Lineman of the Year for three consecutive seasons. Howard University freshman Caylin Newton was tabbed as the league’s Freshman of the Year while North Carolina A&T State’s Rod Broadway was selected as Coach of the Year.

In a partnership with the National Football Foundation (NFF) & College Hall of Fame, the league’s Offensive and Defensive Players of the Year will be announced as part of the festivities surrounding the 60th NFF Annual Awards Dinner, Tuesday, Dec. 5, at the Hilton Midtown in New York City. The event will be televised live on ESPN3 at 9 a.m.



Parker capped off his final season in dominating fashion as he was named MEAC Offensive Lineman of the Week seven times while serving as the anchor of an offensive line that allowed the least amount of sacks in the MEAC. The Aggie offense put together one of their finest offensive seasons in university history as they led the MEAC in scoring offense (36.4 ppg), pass offense (257.5), first downs (231), 3rd down conversions (42.9%), 4th down conversions (61.5%) and time of possession (32:57). The Kannapolis, N.C. native and Walter Payton Award nominee finished the season without allowing a sack as N.C. A&T finished the regular season with eight games over 400-plus yards of offense.

Newton stepped onto the college football scene in style as he helped lead Howard to its first-ever FCS win at UNLV in his collegiate debut. From that point, Newton couldn’t be stopped as he guided the MEAC’s top-rated offensive unit (447.8 ypg) and rushing offense (217.4 ypg). Newton was the first freshman in MEAC history to surpass 3,000 yards of total offense (3,185) as he averaged 289.5 yards of offense per outing. The Jerry Rice Award nominee also led the MEAC in scoring as he combined for 25 touchdowns en route to leading Howard to its best finish and record since 2012.

All Broadway did in 2017 was win as the Aggies capped off their best regular season in school history with a perfect 11-0 (8-0 MEAC) mark. The Aggies are one of only two undefeated teams in FCS play and are the 2017 MEAC champions for the third time in four years. For the first time in 14 years, the Aggies are the outright conference champions. The Eddie Robinson Award nominee became the school’s second all-time winningest coach this season and has reached 50 wins faster than any other coach in school history, getting his 50th win at N.C. A&T in 72 games coached.

Broadway has one more game remaining as the Aggies will play in its second Celebration Bowl on Saturday, Dec. 16 at the brand-new Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta. No MEAC team has finished the season with both a perfect regular season and postseason mark.

Listed below are the 2017 All-MEAC teams:

2017 MEAC Football All-Conference Teams

Offensive Lineman of the Year: Brandon Parker, North Carolina A&T State
Rookie of the Year: Caylin Newton, Howard
Coach of the Year: Rod Broadway, North Carolina A&T State


FIRST TEAM OFFENSE
QBLamar RaynardR-Jr.North Carolina A&T StateHigh Point, N.C.
RBMarquell CartwrightJr.North Carolina A&T StateHigh Point, N.C.
RBAnthony PhilyawSr.HowardLos Angeles, Calif.
WRElijah BellSo.North Carolina A&T StateWheeling, W. Va.
WRJequez EzzardSo.HowardCollege Park, Ga.
TETrey ScottGr.North Carolina A&T StatePowder Springs, Ga.
CDarriel MackSr.North Carolina A&T StateClio, S.C.
OLBrandon ParkerR-Sr.North Carolina A&T StateKannapolis, N.C.
OLGerald WrightSr.HowardMiami, Fla.
OLMarcus PettifordSo.North Carolina A&T StateDurham, N.C.
OLDwayne BrownJr.Bethune-CookmanIndianapolis, Ind.
FIRST TEAM DEFENSE
DLDarryl JohnsonSo.North Carolina A&T StateKingsland, Ga.
DLKawuan CoxSo.North Carolina CentralSummerville, S.C.
DLStefen BanksJr.Savannah StateColumbus, Ohio
DLChris LeeSr.Norfolk StateWoodbridge, Va.
LBDarius LeonardR-Sr.South Carolina StateLake View, S.C.
LBReggie HunterSr.North Carolina CentralHenderson, N.C.
LBJeremy TaylorSr.North Carolina A&T StateKinston, N.C.
DBDavanta ReynoldsJr.North Carolina CentralTucker, Ga.
DBFranklin (Mac) McCain IIIFr.North Carolina A&T StateGreensboro, N.C.
DBDiquan RichardsonSr.Bethune-CookmanAllen, S.C.
DBTimadre AbramJr.North Carolina A&T StateLakeland, Fla.
PNathaniel TilqueSr.North Carolina CentralCharlotte, N.C.
PKUriel HernandezJr.Bethune-CookmanHomestead, Fla.
RSKhris GardinJr.North Carolina A&TMorganton, N.C.
SECOND TEAM OFFENSE
QBCaylin NewtonFr.HowardAtlanta, Ga.
RBYahkee JohnsonSr.HamptonRichmond, Va.
RBIsaiah TottenR-Fr.North Carolina CentralApex, N.C.
WRJacen MurphySr.North Carolina CentralWilmington, N.C.
WRRonald BellSo.HamptonFort Washington, Md.
TEJosh McCoyJr.North Carolina CentralSharon, S.C.
CChris AdamsSr.Bethune-CookmanDayton, Ohio
OLMarley ConleyJr.North Carolina CentralFayetteville, N.C.
OLNick LeverettSo.North Carolina CentralConcord, N.C.
OLObinna NwankwoSo.Florida A&MMiramar, Fla.
OLRyan GouldSr.HamptonClemmons, S.C.
SECOND TEAM DEFENSE
DLTodney EvansJr.Bethune-CookmanDelray Beach, Fla.
DLAntonio BrownSr.North Carolina CentralJacksonville, Fla.
DLMalachi WashingtonJr.Morgan StateWaldorf, Md.
DLTy CravensSr.South Carolina StateAustell, Ga.
LBDayshawn TaylorR-Sr.South Carolina StateLincolnton, Ga.
LBAnthony SmithR-Sr.Norfolk StateNorfolk, Va.
LBRaheim HuskeyJr.HamptonGaffney, S.C.
DBJason BaxterGr.South Carolina StateManning, S.C.
DBBryan CookFr.HowardCincinnati, Ohio
DBAlden McClellonJr.North Carolina CentralLake Butler, Fla.
DBKeyjuan SelbyJr.Delaware StateBear, Del.
PFidel Romo-MartinezSo.Delaware StateBanning, Calif.
PKAedan JohnsonJr.North Carolina CentralChula Vista, Calif.
RSMarcus TaylorJr.Norfolk StateHighland Springs, Va.
THIRD TEAM OFFENSE
QBLarry Brihm, Jr.Sr.Bethune-CookmanDelray Beach, Fla.
RBDevin BowersJr.Florida A&MSt. Petersburg, Fla.
RBJamurez TompkinsSr.Bethune-CookmanTampa, Fla.
WRKyle AnthonySo.HowardMiramar, Fla.
WRMarcus TaylorJr.Norfolk StateHighland Springs, Va.
TEBrandon JonesJr.Morgan StateSalt Lake City, Utah
COsman AguileraSr.Florida A&MMiami, Fla.
OLPhillip NormanJr.Bethune-CookmanSebastian, Fla.
OLJustin EvansSr.South Carolina StateFlorence, S.C.
OLKenneth KirbySo.Norfolk StateNewport News, Va.
OLMalik MackeySo.HamptonAtlanta, Ga.
THIRD TEAM DEFENSE
DLNigel ChavisR-So.Norfolk StateRichmond, Va.
DLBrandon CarswellJr.Savannah StateMount Vernon, Ga.
DLElijah PriceSr.Florida A&MJacksonville, Fla.
DLSteven SmithSr.HamptonVirginia Beach, Va.
LBMarcus AlbertSr.North Carolina A&TCollege Park, Ga.
LBRico KennedySo.Morgan StateFort Lauderdale, Fla.
LBKyle ArchieSr.Norfolk StateVirginia Beach, Va.
DBJ.T. WaheeSo.Norfolk StateNorfolk, Va.
DBCarl GarnesJr.Morgan StateColumbus, N.J.
DBBrendan ColeSr.HamptonHampton, Va.
DBDevondre PowellSr.South Carolina StateMiami, Fla.
PChris FaddoulFr.Florida A&MWesley Chapel, Fla.
PKTyler ScandrettSr.South Carolina StateBarnesville, Ga.
RSJaMichael BaldwinFr.Savannah StateConyers, Ga.




MID-EASTERN ATHLETIC CONFERENCE MEDIA COMMUNICATIONS

Head Baseball Coach Jason Beverlin Departing from Bethune-Cookman Championship Program

DAYTONA BEACH, Florida -- After spending just over six years at the helm of the Bethune-Cookman Baseball program, Jason Beverlin has decided to step down as head coach of the Wildcats program in Daytona Beach. An acting head coach for the program will be announced in the coming days by Lynn W. Thompson, BCU Vice President for Intercollegiate Athletics.

Beverlin, the 2014 recipient of the National Consortium for Academics and Sports (NCAS) Giant Steps Award, compiled a record of 179-176 in six seasons with the Maroon and Gold. He leaves as the only coach in school history to compete for an NCAA Regional title – facing eventual national champion University of Florida in the final game of the NCAA Gainesville [Fla.] Regional in 2017 at McKethan Stadium.

The Royal Oaks, Michigan native is set for a new challenge as he departs BCU to become a regional scout for the Toronto Blue Jays in Major League Baseball (MLB). In his new job, Beverlin will scout the areas of North Carolina and South Carolina, respectfully.



MEAC CHAMPION COACH BEVERLIN TAKES POSITION WITH MAJOR LEAGUE BASEBALL TORONTO BLUE JAYS

"I want to thank Bethune-Cookman University, Lynn Thompson, Interim President Grimes and the baseball staff and student-athletes for everything," said Beverlin. "For just around seven years, I didn't just come to work each day. I had a family at my job each day. Everyone is family here at Bethune-Cookman, and they will always be a part of my life.

"This was certainly not an easy decision to make. It was one that I prayed on and spoke with my family about a lot about over the past few days. In the end, it was ultimately, the best choice for me right now, even though there's never a 'perfect' time for any change in collegiate coaching."

Beverlin helped the Wildcats win the 2012, 2014, 2016 and 2017 Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference (MEAC) Tournament titles in his stint with the BCU program. He was also responsible for the development of 2014 ABCA All-Atlantic and MEAC Pitcher of the Year – Montana Durapau. Additionally, in 2016 and '17, respectively, Beverlin was instrumental in coaching first baseman Danny Rodriguez (2016) to being named as a Louisville Slugger Freshman All-American, as well as pitcher Anthony Maldonado (2017) being selected to the Collegiate Baseball News Freshman All-American Team.

In 2017, Beverlin won his second, third and fourth NCAA Regional contests with the Wildcats, after becoming just the second coach in school history to win an NCAA Regional game when the Cats defeated Columbia in the NCAA Coral Gables [Fla.] Regional in an elimination game back in 2014. Last year, he helped the Cats defeat the Gainesville [Fla.] Regional host Florida Gators for the first time in school history.

"We want to thank Jason Beverlin, his wife Heather, and his two boys, for being a part of our family for just over six years," said Vice President Thompson. "I have been blessed to have a wonderful coach take our program to another level, and it was left in a great state by former head coach Mervyl Melendez, who is also family at BCU. Jason took what Mervyl established and continued to push forward.

"I am happy for the chance he has to be a father and husband more so than ever. He has been a father figure and raised so many kids in his time at BCU as a baseball coach. Now, he gets to see his oldest son finish high school, and watch his youngest son start high school – and be a dad first and foremost. We wish him well. But we know he will always be a part of our family."

Beverlin is a father to Cole (18) and Lucas (13). Less than a month ago, oldest son Cole signed a National Letter of Intent to play collegiate baseball at Florida State University.

Beverlin spent time in Major League Baseball with organizations such as the New York Yankees, Cleveland Indians, Oakland A's, Anaheim Angels (now Los Angeles Angeles) and his hometown Detroit Tigers. After eight long seasons in the minors, Beverlin cracked the major leagues with the Detroit Tigers and Cleveland Indians in 2002. Adding more diversity to his experience, Beverlin played three years professionally in Japan for the Yakult Swallows and Yokohama Baystars of the Nippon Professional Baseball League. He was selected as an All-Star in 2004.

"The true measure of the job I've done building the program will be in the professionalism that our coaches and players show throughout the upcoming season," added Beverlin. "I know they will continue to give everything they have on a daily basis to become champions."

Follow Bethune-Cookman Baseball on Twitter (@BCUDiamondCats) for all of the latest news and updates. For all Bethune-Cookman Athletics news, follow us on Twitter (@BCUathletics), Instagram (@BCUathletics), Snapchat (@BCUathletics) and Facebook (www.facebook.com/BCUathletics).

BETHUNE-COOKMAN UNIVERSITY SPORTS INFORMATION

XULA will try to keep good things going against LSUA

NEW ORLEANS — Both Xavier University of Louisiana basketball teams will put winning streaks on the line Wednesday when they meet LSU-Alexandria in a doubleheader at the Convocation Center.

The women's game will tip off at 5 p.m., followed by the men's game at 7.

Not only have the Gold Nuggets (2-2) won their last two games, but they also led wire-to-wire in both. The first of those victories was an 84-68 victory Nov. 8 at LSUA. That's the Generals' only regular-season game, although they've also lost six exhibitions to NCAA Division I opponents.

XULA junior guard Mikayla Bates has a unique distinction; she's the only Gold Nugget of the last 14 seasons to reach 25 points, 25 rebounds and 10 assists in the first four games.

In the men's game, the Gold Rush (6-3) will seek to extend a four-game home winning streak that includes three victories this season. But to accomplish that they'll have to snap a three-game skid against the Generals (3-2), the NAIA's second-ranked team and a national tournament semifinalist last season.

LSUA defeated the Gold Rush 92-65 three weeks ago and by 17 and 15 points last season.

Leading season scorers for each team are Essence Wells (9.0 points per game) of the XULA women, Lillie Snowden (19.0) of the LSUA wo
men, Virgil Davison (13.4) of the XULA men and Jordin Williams (17.8) of the LSUA men.

The Generals will be the highest ranked team to play the Gold Rush in the Convocation Center since No. 1 Talladega defeated XULA in the championship game of the 2015 Gulf Coast Athletic Conference Tournement.

Ed Cassiere, Assistant Athletic Director for Communications
XULAgold.com
XAVIER UNIVERSITY OF LOUISIANA 
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XULA earns Accusplit award for NAIA's best relay time

NEW ORLEANS — For the first time ever, Xavier University of Louisiana track and field has been named an Accusplit Top Relay Team after posting a No. 1 time in the NAIA during the 2017 outdoor season.
     
The XULA women's 800-meter relay team of Janelle JonesTramaine ShannonClarke Allen and Ry-Anne Riley earned that distinction with the NAIA's fastest 2017 time in that event — 1 minute, 42.01 seconds — at the McNeese Cowboy Relays in Lake Charles, La., March 11.
     

Shannon and Jones are from Baton Rouge, La. Shannon, who completed her XULA eligibility this past season, is a McKinley High School graduate; Jones graduated from Episcopal. Allen is from Mendehall, Miss., and Mendenhall High School, and Riley is from New Orleans and Lusher Charter School. Allen is a senior on the 2018 XULA roster, Jones a junior and Riley a sophomore.
     

XULA's Joseph Moses and other head coaches at the NCAA, NAIA and NJCAA levels will receive Accusplit awards Dec. 13 during an afternoon general session of the U.S. Track & Field and Cross Country Coaches Association Convention in Phoenix, Ariz.

Ed Cassiere, Assistant Athletic Director for Communications
XULAgold.com
XAVIER UNIVERSITY OF LOUISIANA 
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XULA Tomasoni voted to AVCA NAIA All-Southeast Region team

NEW ORLEANS — Xavier University of Louisiana's Juliana Tomasoni has been named to the 2017 American Volleyball Coaches Association NAIA All-Southeast Region team.

Tomasoni — a senior outside hitter from Nova Trento, Brazil, and a mass communications major at XULA — led the Gold Nuggets this year with 280 kills and 57 aces. She was second on the team with a .285 hitting percentage and 364 digs. She was first-team All-Gulf Coast Athletic Conference and GCAC Tournament MVP, both for the second straight year.

For the seventh straight year XULA won GCAC regular-season and tournament championships and qualified for the NAIA National Championship. The Gold Nuggets finished 23-3 and set a school record for season winning percentage.

Tomasoni is the fourth Gold Nugget to be named all-region first team. Previous recipients were Kimberlee Rock (2004), Taylor Reuther (2013) and Claudia Haywood (2015).

Ed Cassiere, Assistant Athletic Director for Communications
XULAgold.com
XAVIER UNIVERSITY OF LOUISIANA 
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Tuesday, November 28, 2017

A Ripple Effect: Hampton’s move to the Big South will affect the historically black Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference.



WASHINGTON, D.C. --  Hampton University’s decision to leave the historically black Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference has prompted questions about the ripple effect on the league, its institutions and HBCU athletics as a whole.

Last week, Hampton announced it would join the more visible and wealthier Big South Conference in July 2018, a change intended to raise the athletic profile of one of the most academically successful historically black colleges and universities. News reports indicated that the university has been in talks with the Big South for years, and Hampton's president, William Harvey, has been characterized as long wanting to advance the profile of Hampton athletics and the institution over all.
Hampton officials said the move would cut down on travel time and expenses for Hampton's athletics department and its players, citing the fact that Big South institutions are located in Virginia -- as is Hampton -- as well as North Carolina and South Carolina. The Mid-Eastern league spans the East Coast, from Delaware to Florida, but Big South members are also located in New Jersey and Georgia, too. 

With the shift, MEAC loses one of its most well-funded members -- Hampton’s athletics budget, $13.8 million in the 2015-16 academic year, more closely resembles those of potential rivals in the Big South. And Hampton has some of the better facilities in the MEAC.
Hampton also has established rivalries with Howard University and Norfolk State University that generate big revenue for the conference ...


A School-Record 12 North Carolina A&T Aggies Make First-Team All-MEAC

A&T ALL-MEAC PHOTO GALLERY
GREENSBORO – The North Carolina A&T football team got some early returns off the No. 12 ahead of their Celebration Bowl clash against the Southwestern Athletic Conference champion on Dec. 16 at Atlanta’s Mercedes-Benz Stadium.

The Aggies, who are seeking to finish the 2017 season 12-0 with a Celebration Bowl win, had 12 players named first-team All-MEAC on Tuesday. Senior linebacker Marcus Albert (5-foot-10, 205, College Park, Ga.) was a third-team selection. In addition, All-American left tackle Brandon Parker (6-7, 309, R-SR, Kannapolis, NC) was named offensive lineman of the year by the conference for the third straight year. The Aggies 12 first-teamers is a school record, dwarfing the seven players they placed on the first team last year.


“That’s half the (first team), isn’t it?” asked N.C. A&T head coach Rod Broadway. “I think it’s very well deserved. Record-wise, we’re the best team in the league. Record-wise, we’re the best team in the history of the university, so I think it’s only fitting that we have a large number of guys on the team. I think it says a lot about our players and of course, the job that the staff has done developing these guys.”

Broadway earned his first-ever MEAC Coach of the Year accolade. The Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association (CIAA) named Broadway coach of the year twice (2005, ‘06) during his time at North Carolina Central. Also at NCCU in 2006, he was named Pigskin Club of Washington, D.C., Coach of the Year. He was named coach of the year by the SWAC in 2008 when he was head coach at Grambling State. That same year, the Pigskin Club of Washington, D.C., made him their coach of the year for a second time. Following N.C. A&T’s black college national championship season in 2015, Broadway was named Eddie Robinson Coach of the Year by American Urban Radio Network.

“This thing is not about me. It never has been and hopefully, it never will be,” said Broadway. “When you have 12 players on the all-conference (first team), that’s all you need to say. We’ve got 12 players on the team, so it’s about them. I just happen to be the coach. And please give my coaching staff credit too. They’ve done an outstanding job. Not just this year but last year and the year before that. We’ve gotten better as a staff. The chemistry has gotten better.”  

FIRST-TEAM ALL-MEAC AGGIES

Timadre Abram (5-10, 168, JR, defensive back, Lakeland, Fla.) 
Stats: 28 tackles, 1.5 TFLs, 8 pass breakups; 1st first-team All-MEAC nod
Why is he a first teamer?: Look no further than the opposite side of the field. The Aggies other starting cornerback, Mac McCain, got off to such a torrid start, it made opponents look more in Abrams direction. He held his own, helping the Aggies rank second in the conference in passing yards allowed.  

Breakout Game: The Aggies toughest challenge in the conference all season was the Bethune-Cookman Wildcats. Abram broke up three passes in the game against quarterback Larry Brihm who threw for 376 yards versus the Aggies in 2016.  

Broadway’s Take: He’s sort of a quiet guy, but he comes to work every day to work hard. He is steadily starting to get better. He’s starting to understand how to do things now and as a result, he had a really good year. His recognition is well-deserved.”

Elijah Bell (6-1, 221, SO, wide receiver, Wheeling, WVa.) 
Stats: 54 rec., 858 yards, 11 TDs; 2nd first-team all-conference nod 

Why is he a first teamer?: Have you seen him play? If not, you’re missing a treat. He can make the jump-ball catch, the acrobatic catch, the one-hand catch and he is a big-time physical receiver. The scary part is he is still improving as a route runner. He broke the Aggies single-season TD receptions record (11), and he already has 19 career TD catches in just two years.  
  
Breakout Game: If there was any question of a sophomore jinx, the 2016 MEAC Rookie of the Year, Elijah Bell removed those doubts quickly in the 2017 season opener against Gardner-Webb. He caught five passes for 71 yards and two touchdowns, but the big takeaway was the 35-yard catch and run TD he had against GWU when he ran through two Bulldog defenders like they weren’t there. He also had a two-point conversion in the game.   

Broadway’s Take: “Elijah is a special talent and a heckuva player. You can cut it anyway you want to, he’s a playmaker. Some guys can make plays and some guys are playmakers. He is one of those playmakers, and he’s made so many big plays for us throughout the course of the year. He’s just a sophomore, so he’s only going to get better and better and better.”

Marquell Cartwright (5-8, 201, R-JR, running back, High Point, NC) 
Stats: 224 carries, 1,080 yards, 13 TDs; 1st first-team All-MEAC nod 

Why is he a first teamer?: Well, let’s start with this. He had to replace a legend, and he did so by having a 1,000-yard rushing season, the seventh for an Aggie in the last eight years. Give him props for that alone. How much did the Aggies coaching staff trust Cartwright’s ability to take over the running back duties after Tarik Cohen was drafted by the Chicago Bears? In 2016, Cohen carried the ball 212 times. In 2017, Cartwright has 224 carries.   
 
Breakout Game: Early in the game against Morgan State on Sept. 23, Cartwright, known for being a bruiser at running back, broke through a big hole and showed off his tremendous speed with a 72-yard touchdown run. He had a career-best 176 rushing yards in the Aggies win.   

Broadway’s Take: “I said before the season that we’re losing an All-American, but we have all-conference running back right here on campus. I love the way that guy plays the game. It’s downhill and it’s physical. He brings a totally different element to the way we play this game. We have those big offensive linemen upfront that can get on top of people, then Cartwright shows up and moves everything forward. You know, I think he can be an All-American player for us. He was so close on so many plays of breaking a big run. I think if he relaxes a little bit and let the game come to him instead of always trying to be a home run hitter, he can get even better.”

Khris Gardin (5-7, 185, SR, return specialist, Morganton, NC) 
Stats: 26 punt returns, 353 yards, 13.6 per return, 1 TD; 14 kickoff returns, 376 yards, 26.9 per return; 2nd first-team All-MEAC nod, third overall (2nd team in 2016) 
 
Why is he a first teamer?: A) Teams do not like to punt the ball to him, yet he is still successful, and B) The Aggies are not required to kick off often, so he had and did make the best of his opportunities. In fact, Gardin has had three kickoff returns for touchdowns called back or we could be talking about another guaranteed All-American recognition. Gardin has the second-most punt return yards in NCAA FCS history (1,576).    

Breakout Game: Gardner-Webb decided to challenge the 2017 preseason All-American, and Gardin showcased why so media outlets were high on him coming into the season. He returned five punts for 150 yards including an 88-yard punt for a touchdown in the third quarter. 
  
Broadway’s Take: “What Khris has done in his career is amazing. I think he has had six kicks (for touchdowns) brought back in his career. We’ve just received some untimely penalties on a lot of his returns or who knows where he would be in the NCAA record books. I can remember the first punt he ever caught. He fumbled it in the MEAC/SWAC Challenge. He came to the sideline with eyes as big as Coke bottles. I put my arms around his neck and said to him, ‘Let it go. We’re gonna need you’. And of course, it’s been history after that.”

Darryl Johnson, Jr. (6-5, 226, R-SO, defensive lineman, Kingsland, Ga.) 
Stats: 38 tackles (24 unassisted), 15.5 TFLs, 6.5 sacks, 3 pass breakups, 4 forced fumbles, 1 fumble recovery; 1st first-team All-MEAC nod    

Why is he a first teamer?: He has been a nuisance all season for opponents. His long reach gets him to ball carries quicker, it’s hard to get out of his swipe range for causing fumbles and his ability to rush the passer is not bad either. He was fourth in the nation in forced fumbles and 22nd in tackles for loss.   

Breakout Game: Johnson had three unassisted tackles against Bethune-Cookman on Nov. 21. All three were made in the BCU backfield including two sacks. His sack with 13 seconds remaining sealed the Aggies 24-20 win over the Wildcats.  
 
Broadway’s Take: “The way we play defense, we’re going to have one or two defensive linemen on the all-conference team every year. He is another one of those guys who has reaped the results of the effort, the energy and the work he put in to getting better. Darryl is a hard worker with a high motor. He’s long, has an outstanding reach and can knock balls out of the air. He does it all for us.”

Darriel Mack (6-2, 300, R-SR, center, Clio, SC) 
Stats: 641 snaps, 42 knockdown blocks, 83.4 average grade, 4,725 yards of total offense 2nd first-team All-MEAC nod  

Why is he a first teamer?: Mack’s average grade and knockdown block count for the season is close to his All-American teammate Brandon Parker who is slated to be drafted by an NFL team in the spring. That is good company to be in and that will get you recognized by and votes from MEAC head coaches.   
 
Breakout Game: Mack’s highest grade of the season was a 90 against Division II Mars Hill. While it may be easy to scoff at, he followed that with an 86 against the Charlotte 49ers, an FBS school out of Conference-USA. The Aggies collected 420 yards of offense in the 35-31 upset. 

Broadway’s Take: “Mack’s personality has really blossomed since he’s been here. You know, as a person, he’s really come a long, long way. He’s a joy to be around. He’s a joy to coach. Football-wise, he gets it. He understands his role, how to do things, and you know, I think that’s what happens when you have someone four years in your program. He’s just got better and better and better. He missed some time early in his career because he had some injuries. He’s gotten those things worked out and over the last couple of years, he’s been productive.”  

Franklin (Mac) McCain III (5-11, 174, R-FR, defensive back, Greensboro, NC) 
Stats: 46 tackles (33 unassisted), 5 INTs, 274 INT return yards, 3 INT returns for TDs; 8 pass breakups; 1st first-team All-MEAC nod 

Why is he a first teamer?: His first four games were about as an impressive as a collegiate debut can be. Twenty-seven tackles, five interceptions, three pick-6’s and three pass breakups will get people’s attention. 
   
Breakout Game: The breakout game was Charlotte. The sequel to the breakout game was Morgan State. McCain had the game-winning INT return for touchdown. Within minutes, a Charlotte Observer reporter tweeted out that he was the grandson of civil rights icon Franklin McCain. He then returned two pick-6’s the following week against Morgan State including a 100-yard return and the media interview requests flooded in from there. 

Broadway’s Take: “He could be another great one at this university. He has a bright future if he develops the right work ethic, the right attitude and really dedicates himself to becoming a great player. He can run. He has a pretty good feel for where he is on the field, he’s just got to continue to study the game, understand the game and understand his role. But the sky is the limit.”

Brandon Parker (6-7, 309, R-SR, offensive lineman, Kannapolis, NC) 
Stats: 656 snaps, 48 knockdown blocks, 84 percent average grade, 4,725 yards of offense; 3rd first-team All-MEAC nod; fourth overall (he was a third-team selection in 2014) 

Why is he a first teamer?: With the spotlight on him all season, something most offensive linemen are not used to, he did not crack under the pressure. In fact, despite having NFL scouts at practice every week, he took it in stride and picked up another MEAC Offensive Lineman of the Year award, the third of his career.   
 
Breakout Game: South Carolina State’s defensive line has notoriously given the Aggies fits over the past few seasons. But Mr. Parker kept quarterback Lamar Raynard upright for the vast majority of the game as the Aggies compiled 425 yards of offense. Parker had a season-high seven knockdown blocks in the game and graded out with an 82. 

Broadway’s Take: “Well everybody knows about Parker, and all the scouts rave about him. He’ll be on somebody’s NFL roster next year. He has had made tremendous growth during his time as a player here.   He put in the time, and he put in the work, so now he is starting to see the results of all those workouts and all that weightlifting he has done throughout his career. And for people to say you’re the best offensive lineman in your league for three straight years – that’s big.”

Marcus Pettiford (6-3, 274, R-SO, offensive lineman, Durham, NC) 
Stats: 519 snaps, 22 knockdown blocks, 83.3 percent average grade, 4,725 yards of offense; 1st first-team All-MEAC nod 

Why is he a first teamer?: His presence made the Aggies offensive line the envy of the league. Opponents could not take for granted that the Aggies wanted to run behind Parker on the left side because N.C. A&T was more than comfortable letting the athletic and agile Pettiford take the lead on the right side.  
    
Breakout Game: The N.C. A&T vs. Bethune-Cookman game Oct. 21 was a grueling contest that the Aggies pounded out on the ground with 55 yards rushing in the fourth quarter. Pettiford graded out at 87 percent and had five knockdown blocks in the game. 

Broadway’s Take: “If he dedicates himself to hard work like Brandon (Parker) did, he could also be an All-American. He’s so athletic and light on his feet. I can say this about Marcus, he’s changed. He’s starting to develop, and I hope the light goes off and he realizes how important it is to really work and develop because if he does, he can be a great one here.”

Lamar Raynard (6-4, 200, R-JR, quarterback, High Point, NC) 
Stats: 186-for-285 (.653), 26 TD passes, 5 INTs, 2,707 yards, 171.6 QB efficiency, 51 carries, 168 yards, 3 TDs; 1st first-team All-MEAC nod, second overall (named second-team All-MEAC in 2016) 

Why is he a first teamer?: There was a time when Alan Hooker’s records were believed to be written in ink because the Aggie quarterbacks who followed him had a hard time exceeding his marks. Not Lamar. He toppled Hooker’s more than 30-year old single-season records for completions, touchdown passes and touchdowns responsible for (29). For good measure, he took down Maseo Bolin’s single-season passing record as well. He is even after his own record. If he has a good Celebration Bowl he will break the single-season mark for best passing percentage he set last season at 64.6 percent. 

Breakout Game: N.C. A&T fans quickly realized that an upgrade of Lamar Raynard had been downloaded after he went 19-for-22 for 321 yards, three touchdowns and no interceptions in the Aggies 45-3 season-opening win over Gardner-Webb.  

Broadway’s Take: “Raynard has really grown as a quarterback. He is getting to where he is getting the ball out of his hand and making good, sound decisions and not turning it over too much. I think he has also grown as a leader. He’s got this quiet demeanor about him, but he has a competitive drive that I think drives him to be an excellent quarterback.”

Trey Scott (6-1, 220, GR, tight end, Powder Springs, Ga.) 
Stats: 24 rec., 347 yards, 3 TD’s 

Why is he a first teamer?: He is the best tight end in the MEAC. In fact, the Aggies may have the two best tight ends in the league considering junior Leroy Hill was a first-team All-MEAC selection in 2016. In a college football world where the tight end is used less and less, the Aggies have figured out to utilize the position.   

Breakout Game: He only had 40 yards receiving but all four of his catches went for first downs as Morgan State became victim to the drag route that made Scott so effective during the 2017 season in a 49-17 Aggies win.   

Broadway’s Take: “We already had an all-conference tight end. That’s amazing. Trey came in and had the ability to get the ball in the open field and make some dazzling moves. I’m happy for Trey. He is a graduate student who came in and go on a good football team – a winning program – and had a big year. He really contributed to our season this year.”

Jeremy Taylor (5-11, 190, R-SR, linebacker, Kinston, NC) 
Stats: 65 tackles (46 unassisted), 7.5 TFLs, 3 forced fumbles, 5 INTs, 133 INT return yards, 8 pass breakups, one pick-6 

Why is he a first teamer?: Because there are not many things he is incapable of doing on the defensive side of the football. He is a good tackler, he is good in coverage and he is good at taking the ball away from the other team. He leads the team in tackles and is tied for the team league in interceptions and pass breakups.   

Breakout Game: His versatility was on full display on Sept. 30 at S.C. State when he made three tackles, forced two fumbles, picked off one pass and broke up another in the Aggies 21-7 win over the Bulldogs.  
  
Broadway’s Take: “Jeremy’s a playmaker. I don’t know man, he just makes plays all over the place. Let me repeat myself. He makes plays, he makes plays, he makes plays. He is one of the guys you can depend on to do the right things on the field and to be in the right spot.”


NORTH CAROLINA A&T STATE UNIVERSITY SPORTS INFORMATION

Last Chance: Grambling State has opportunity to win last SWAC title game



GRAMBLING, Louisiana – Maybe Broderick Fobbs saves the sentiments for after the game has been played.

When his Grambling State football team loads the bus Thursday afternoon, heading to Houston, it’ll be the last time a bus ride in that direction will be needed after the annual regular season-end clash with Southern at the Bayou Classic.

Before the 2017 season kicked off, SWAC commissioner Duer Sharp announced the decision to forego the SWAC Championship Game after 18 seasons, meaning this year’s matchup between Grambling (10-1) and Alcorn State (7-4) will be the last one for the foreseeable future.

Since Fobbs took over the program at his alma mater four seasons ago, the Tigers have had their share of recent rollercoasters of emotions, falling to Alcorn in 2015, the last time an FCS opponent has beaten GSU, and avenged that loss last season, coming from behind to down the Braves, 27-20. Saturday marks the third straight season the Tigers will play Alcorn for the league championship.

Before Fobbs, Grambling State has tried to make the SWAC title game ...

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Monday, November 27, 2017

Career Highs By Fisher Lead Hampton Pirates Over St. Leo Lions

HAMPTON, Virginia -- Junior Kalin Fisher recorded career-highs of 24 points and 11 rebounds for his second straight double-double as Hampton University put away a pesky Saint Leo Lions squad 72-56 on Monday night at the HU Convocation Center.

The double-double was his second in a row after a 14 point-10 rebound outing against Rider last Friday night.

After a back-and-forth first half that saw five ties and six lead changes, the Pirates used an 18-3 run over a nearly nine minute span early in the second half to take a 53-39 lead with 9:56 left on a free throw from Trevond Barnes. Fisher started the run with a jumper at the 18:04 mark and hit a 3-pointer with 11:46 left to push the lead to 52-39.

The lead grew to 19 points on two occasions, with a layup from Eugene Marshall, III giving Hampton (3-5) its final points for a 72-53 lead with 22 seconds left.

Jermaine Marrow had 14 points and five assists to join Fisher in double figures. Joining Fisher in double figures on the boards were Charles Wilson-Fisher and Greg Heckstall with 10 apiece. Hampton held a 57-44 advantage on the boards.

Saint Leo (5-6) was paced by Drago Popovic with 13 points and 11 rebounds.

Hampton returns to action on Wednesday night at 7 pm facing Mid-Atlantic Christian University at the HU Convocation Center.

For more information on Hampton University men's basketball, please contact the Office of Sports Information at 757-727-5757 or visit the official Pirates website at www.hamptonpirates.com.

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Mount St. Mary's Rally Comes Up Short in 69-63 Loss to Morgan State on Monday Night

EMMITSBURG, Maryland -- Mount St. Mary's saw its late rally come up short in a 69-63 loss to Morgan State on Monday night at Knott Arena. The Mount cut an 11-point deficit with three minutes remaining to one, but Morgan State was able to stave off the rally to secure the victory. Donald Carey and Junior Robinson each scored 13 points for the Mountaineers in the game.

Morgan State (4-2) held a 57-46 lead with 3:16 left in the game after a Lapri McCray-Pace bucket in the paint. On the next possession, Bobby Planutis hit a pair of free throws to begin a 14-to-3 run that cut the Mountaineer deficit to one. Carey then took control for the Mount, scoring the team's next eight points. He hit a pair of free throws to make it 57-50 with 2:46 on the clock. After the Bears hit 1-of-2 at the line, Carey drained a long jumper to make it a six-point game. The Mount drew a charge on the next possession, and Carey nailed a three-pointer with 1:29 left to make it 58-55. Morgan State's Antonio Gillespie countered with a three-pointer from the corner, but the Mount answered on the other end. Carey was fouled, and he hit the first free throw to make it a five-point game. He missed the second shot, but Planutis grabbed the rebound and converted in the paint to make it 61-58.

Morgan State's Martez Cameron then missed the front end of a one-and-one, and Carey drove to the bucket to make it 61-60 with 40 seconds on the clock. The Bears were able to answer immediately when David Syfax dunked in transition to push the lead back to 63-60. Robinson's lay-up on the ensuing possession rimmed out, and Morgan State hit six consecutive free throws to seal the win.

Trailing 32-31 at the half, the Mount took the lead on a Ryan Gomes bucket on a feed from Robinson just over a minute into the second half. Morgan State responded with an 8-2 run to grab a five-point lead. The Mount pulled within three when Greg Alexander slammed home an alley-oop pass from Robinson with 14:37 remaining, but the Bears scored the next nine points on three three-point baskets from Kyson Rawls to take a 12-point lead.

Carey scored 10 of his 13 points in the final 2:55 while adding eight rebounds and a pair of assists. Robinson stuffed the stat sheet with 13 points, eight assists, five rebounds and three steals while Jonah Antonio and Alexander chipped in 11 points each in the loss. McCray-Pace led Morgan State with 15 points, Phillip Carr added a double-double of 12 points and 14 rebounds and Cameron finished with 14 points in the win.

Morgan State shot 52.9 percent from the field and was 5-for-11 (.455) from beyond the arc in the win. The Bears held a 36-to-25 edge on the boards as well. The Mount shot 40.0 percent overall and was 8-of-25 (.320) from beyond the arc.

After Morgan State opened the game with a 10-2 run, the Mountaineers rattled off a 17-to-2 run over the next eight minutes to take its biggest lead of the game, 19-to-12. Antonio's second three-pointer of the game capped the run to give the Mount a seven-point advantage. Alexander added five points during the streak as well. The Bears were able to counter the run, and held a 32-to-28 lead before Carey drained a three-pointer right before the halftime buzzer to make it 32-31 at the break.

The Mountaineers are back in action on Saturday, December 2, when Loyola visits Knott Arena for the 173rd all-time meeting between the two teams. The annual Catholic Clash is set to tip-off at 4:00 p.m.

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North Carolina A&T Aggies Get Big Upset Win Over East Carolina

GREENVILLE, North Carolina – North Carolina A&T’s two offensive stars in Aggies men’s basketball team’s 87-81 upset of East Carolina at Minges Coliseum talked about newness. Junior forward Femi Olujobi talked about a new mentality and Aaren Edmead discussed a new toughness.

Both were on display in the Aggies first win over the Pirates in six tries. The Aggies beat a non-conference in-state Division I foe not named UNC Greensboro for the first time since the 2010-11 season when they beat UNC Wilmington 84-79 in Corbett Sports Center. It was their first non-conference in-state Division I win outside of Greensboro since beating Wilmington during the 1990-91 season.

The Aggies (5-1) have now won four straight including two straight on the road.



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“We came into this game looking to win,” Olujobi, the nation’s leading scorer who finished with 23 points and nine rebounds on 11-for-12 shooting from the free throw line. “We have a whole new team and a whole new mindset. This was just another stepping stone to where we want to go as a team. Right now, we feel like we have a chance to do something special for the university and every guy in that locker room wants to be a part of it.

Everyone on this team brings something to the table. With all the pieces we have, there is no limit to what we can accomplish.”

Edmead, who scored 23 of his game-high 25 points in the second half, displayed the other newness in the Aggies men’s basketball program. With 15:25 remaining in the game and the Aggies leading 50-49, Edmead and ECU guard Shawn Williams found themselves in a heated verbal sparring match in which the two competitors got in each other’s faces. Edmead was called for a technical foul, giving the Pirates two free throws and the lead. It admittedly got him going.

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“I feel like I’m an energy guy, and I like to get the team going,” said Edmead. “I wouldn’t necessarily say that getting a tech is the way to do it, but it did spark me, and I just wanted to keep my team going. I’m ready to do what I can to continue winning. This is a new A&T this year, and I couldn’t be more excited.”

Edmead hit big shot after big shot in the second half, perhaps the biggest coming with 4:07 remaining in the game. ECU’s Isaac Fleming hit two free throws to bring the Pirates to within two, 73-71. Edmead then dribbled down the floor, worked his way to the middle of the floor and pulled up from the top of the key just behind the 3-point arc and netted a three to give the Aggies a 76-71 lead. The Pirates never recovered.

Fleming did bring the Pirates to within three on a layup with just under three minutes to play. But freshman guard Kameron Langley put his defender on his right hip and drove left to score on a layup to give the Aggies an 80-75 lead with 2:25 remaining. A 3-point play from Olujobi 52 seconds later was the knockout punch.

N.C. A&T, who did not win a road game last season, is 2-1 on the road this season.

“Winning is hard enough, to get it done on the road is huge,” said N.C. A&T coach Jay Joyner. “It gives us a lot of confidence to know whether we are home or away we can still get the job done. We have two really good road wins so far.”

The Aggies jumped on the Pirates (2-4) early led by graduate guard Devonte Boykins. After ECU took a 3-2 lead 44 seconds into the game, the Aggies went on a 9-0 run sparked by a Boykins 3-pointer. ECU would not see the lead again until the 18:52 mark of the second half. Boykins scored 11 of his 13 points in the first half including three 3-pointers to lead the Aggies to a 43-40 halftime lead.

“When you're able to come on the road and control the first half, it takes the crowd out of it,” said Joyner. “It helps you settle down offensively and defensively because you have the lead. I thought East Carolina did a great job in the second half. They came out swinging, and we must understand basketball is a game of runs.

They're going to make their runs, we're going to make our runs, but at the end of the day it's about finishing the job. I'm so proud of these guys for finishing the job.”

N.C. A&T’s new task will be a road game against Central Connecticut on Thursday, Nov. 30 at 7 p.m.

NORTH CAROLINA A&T STATE UNIVERSITY SPORTS INFORMATION

Alabama State Lady Hornets draw second-seeded Florida in NCAA opening round

MONTGOMERY, Alabama | For the third time in the last four years, Alabama State will travel to Gainesville (Fla.) for the opening round of the NCAA Women's Volleyball Tournament, facing second-seeded Florida.

Alabama State (28-10) and Florida (25-1) met for the first time in 2014, while meeting last season for the second time. The two will be joined by Miami, Fla. (21-5) and College of Charleston (27-5), with play beginning this week.

"We will go out there and leave it all on the court," Alabama State head coach Penny Lucas-White said. "We are excited to say we made it to the Big Dance, and we expect to dance. The young ladies have built a legacy of winning and have fortitude. They are never going to lie down. They have changed the mentality of the program, and they will never back down from their opponent across the net."

Thirty-two conferences were awarded an automatic qualification, while the remaining 32 positions were filled with at-large selections to complete the bracket.

The top 16 teams were seeded nationally and placed within four regions. Penn State earned the top seed, followed by Florida as the two seed and defending national champion Stanford as the third seed. Kentucky rounded out the top four.

Per the established bracketing principles, the top 16 seeded were provided the opportunity to host. Additionally, team pairings were determined by geographic proximity, with the exception that teams from the same conference were not paired during the first- and second-rounds.

The Lady Hornets and Florida will start at 7 pm (est) on Thursday at the Exactech Arena at O'Connell Center in Gainesville.

Follow the Hornets
For complete coverage of Alabama State University volleyball, please follow the Hornets on social media @BamaStateVB (Twitter), /BamaStateSports (Facebook) and @BamaStateSports (Instagram) or visit the official home of Alabama State athletics at BamaStateSports.com.

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Howard Bison Draw Penn State in the NCAA Volleyball Tournament

WASHINGTON, D.C. -- The NCAA Volleyball Committee announced its 64-team bracket where Coach Shaun Kupferberg and the Howard University Women's Volleyball team drew the top-seeded Penn State Nittany Lions in the opening round. The announcement came Sunday night.

Howard, the 2017 Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference (MEAC) volleyball champion, will take on No. 1 Penn State Friday, Dec. 1 in State College, Pa. The match is set for 7:30 p.m.

Sunday (Nov. 19), HU (16-15) won its third consecutive MEAC tournament championship with a straight-set win over Florida A&M (FAMU). Howard made its fourth straight appearance in the title match while becoming the first program since FAMU won nine straight from 2001-09, to win three straight MEAC titles.

Overall, this will be Howard's fourth NCAA appearance.

Penn State (29-1) won the Big Ten championship and currently rides a 19
-match winning streak. The Nittany Lions were ranked No. 1 in the latest Top 25 poll from the American Volleyball Coaches Association (AVCA).

VCU-Pittsburgh is the other first-round match-up on Friday in State College. The winners of the two first-round matches will square off on Saturday at 6:30 p.m.

For more information, visit the Bison Athletics website at www.HUBison.com.

Spears, Coleman Lead Lady Bears Past Mount St. Mary’s, 75-67

BALTIMORE, Maryland -- Lexus Spears scored a game- and career-high 22 points on 10-of-17 shooting to lead Morgan State to a 75-67 non-conference victory over visiting Mount St. Mary's on Sunday afternoon at Hill Field House.

Spears also pulled down a game-high 14 rebounds and added two steals and a game-high four blocked shots, falling one shy of her career-high of five.

"The game plan for me is to always go out and play hard no matter who my competition is," said Spears on her performance. "Whatever comes easy is how I flow on defense and offense. I just keep reminding myself before each game that I can only be stopped by me. There aren't many defenders who can guard me, so I have to go out and play like I know and leave it all on the floor."

Adre'onia Coleman finished with a season-best 21 points and had seven rebounds, while Braennan Farrar added 18 points, eight rebounds, four assists and a game-high four steals in the victory.



The win was the Lady Bears' first this season over a Division I opponent and avenged last season's loss to the Mountaineers. Morgan State (3-3) now leads the all-time series against Mount St. Mary's, 8-7.

Mount St. Mary's (0-5) was led by Kayla Agentowicz, who finished with a team-high 18 points and grabbed a team-high six rebounds. Ashlee White came off the bench to score 12 points on 4-of-7 shooting, including 3-of-5 from three-point range and dished out four assists.

Morgan State began the game scoring the first seven points, but the guests responded with a 10-4 spurt to take pull within 11-10, following a layup from Jatarrikah Settle with 4:38 to play in the opening quarter. Coleman would then score eight of Morgan State's final 11 points in the quarter to give the Lady Bears a 22-16 lead after one quarter of play.

The Lady Bears would maintain the lead throughout the second quarter and took a 34-31 advantage on a layup by Spears with 13 seconds remaining in the half. However, Daly Sullivan would drain a three-pointer to end the half and tie the score at 34 all at intermission.

The Mount would score the first four points of the third quarter to take their first lead of the game at 38-34. Trailing 48-47, Morgan State would put together a 10-0 run to take a 57-48 lead. The Mountaineers would close out the period with a quick 5-0 spurt, capped off by a three-pointer from White prior to the buzzer to cut the Morgan State lead to 57-53 at the end of three quarters.

Less than three minutes into the fourth period, the Lady Bears would break a 58 all tie, by using a 13-2 run to take their largest lead of the game at 11 points (71-60). Mount St. Mary's used a 7-0 run, capped off by a three-pointer by Agentowicz to cut the deficit to four points (71-67) with under a minute to play, but that would be as close as the Mount would get.

The Lady Bears return to action this Wednesday, Nov. 29, when they travel to New Britain, Conn. to take on Central Connecticut State. Tip-off is at 7 p.m. The Blue Devils (0-4) will host Albany on Monday, Nov. 27, before facing Morgan State.

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Kevin C. Paige, MSU Athletic Communications
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Chace Franklin's 3 Lifts JSU Tigers Past Nebraska - Omaha in Emerald Coast Classic

NICEVILLE, Florida -- The Omaha men's basketball team closed the Emerald Coast Classic Saturday morning, falling 75-73 in overtime to Jackson State.

Leaders for Omaha
Junior Zach Jackson tallied his second 20-point scoring performance of the year, finishing with 22 points on 6-of-8 shooting with four 3-pointers. He was 6-of-7 at the charity stripe and added two rebounds and two steals.

Sophomore KJ Robinson chipped in 13 points with a trio of threes, as well as a team-high five assists, two rebounds, a block and a steal. Senior Daniel Norl rounded it out with 12 points, a team-high five boards and three assists.

Senior Daniel Meyer matched Norl on the glass, pulling down five rebounds alongside eight points.

Leaders for Jackson State
Jackson State had a pair of 20-point scorers in Chace Franklin (22) and Paris Collins (21), with Franklin knocking down the game-winning 3-pointer in overtime. Charles Taylor added a game-high eight rebounds with eight points.

Team Stats
Omaha shot over 50 percent from the third straight game, finishing at .520 (26-of-50) from the floor, including .407 (11-of-27) from long range. JSU came in at .448 (30-of-67) from the field and .313 (5-of-16) behind the arc. The Tigers forced 18 Maverick miscues while committing 10 themselves.

Inside the First Half
Meyer led the Mavericks with eight points on 4-of-5 shooting in the first half, while sophomore JT Gibson had seven as Omaha shot .480 (12-of-25) out of the gate. The half included six ties and 12 lead changes, with the Mavericks taking a 35-31 advantage by the break, their first halftime lead of the year.

Inside the Second Half
Omaha built a five-point advantage at 38-33 in the first 90 seconds of the second stanza, but JSU regained the lead at 56-55. Later, down 66-62, Jackson hit a wide-open three from the corner to pull the Mavericks within one with just under two minutes to play. JSU again stretched it to a three-point lead with 21 seconds left in regulation, but Norl drained another trey to tie it at 68-all with 10.2 seconds left, sending the game to overtime.

Inside Overtime
Omaha used a pair of free throws and Jackson's fourth triple of the game to go up 73-68 with 3:26 left in the extra period. But JSU sunk two Taylor free throws and added a layup from Collins to begin its comeback, and the Mavericks committed three straight turnovers as their lead was trimmed to 73-72. Franklin then hit the game-winning three in the closing seconds, sealing the game at 75-73 with JSU's final 7-0 run.

The Mavericks are now 0-7 on the season, while the Tigers improve to 2-4.

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Grambling Takes First Win at UT Rio Grande Valley

EDINBURG, Texas | Ivy Smith, Jr., scored a career-high 27 points as the Grambling State University men's basketball team picked up its first victory of the season with an 82-76 win over the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley on Saturday night.

Smith was 6-of-13 shooting and 14-of-17 from the free-throw line to lead the Tigers with 27 points, six assists, six steals and three rebounds. Axel Mpoyo registered a double-double of 16 points and 10 boards, while Drake Wilks tallied 11 points off the bench.



Xavier McDaniel, Jr. paced the Vaqueros with 28 points on 10-of-17 shooting, including four 3-pointers. N. Dixon tallied 26 points and eight boards.

Grambling State (1-4) shot 43.5 percent (22-of-54) from the floor and 75 percent (31-of-42) from the free-throw line.

Up Next
Grambling State returns to action on Monday in Denton, Texas to take on North Texas. Tip-off is set for 7 p.m.

Follow Grambling State Athletics
For complete coverage of Grambling State athletics, please follow the Tigers on social media at @GSU_Tigers (Twitter), /gramblingstateathletics (Facebook), @gramblingathetics01 (Instagram) or visit the official home of Grambling State Athletics at gsutigers.com.

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Alabama A&M Lady Bulldogs rally past FIU in Thanksgiving Tournament

MIAMI, Florida  -- The Lady Bulldogs went on an 8-0 run in the final two minutes Saturday to take a 58-51 win over host Florida International University in the FIU Thanksgiving Tournament.

Alabama A&M, 3-2, will face Hartford in Sunday's tournament championship. Tipoff is 11 a.m. Central.

Nigeria Jones led the Lady Bulldogs with 15 points, Tierra Dark scored 11 and Natalie Collins added 10 points to give A&M three players in double-figure scoring.



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FIU held a 50-48 lead with 2:50 left when Dark hit a pair of free throws to tie the score.

The Panthers retook the lead at 51-50 on a free throw before Kenisha Sharp's layup at 1:58 gave A&M a 52-51 lead they never relinquished.

A&M trailed throughout the game until Jameica Cobb scored on a layup with 6:24 left in the third quarter to lift the Lady Bulldogs to a 29-28 lead.

However, FIU would go back in front and lead 41-38 at the end of the third.

The Lady Bulldogs trailed 47-40 with 7:27 left in the game but would go on a 8-1 run and tie the score at 48-48 with 4:17 to play.

Tharp pulled down 9 rebounds, including six on the defensive boards, to lead A&M.

ALABAMA A&M UNIVERSITY SPORTS INFORMATION

Big Runs Lead Hampton Over San Jose State, 81-73

Career Highs From Finney-Smith And Bates Give Hampton Split At Pacific Tournament

STOCKTON, California  --  Behind a 20-20 afternoon from Monnazjea Finney-Smith and the strength of an 18-4 run over the last six minutes of the third quarter, Hampton defeated San Jose State 81-73 for third place at the Tiger Turkey Tipoff at the University of Pacific on Saturday.

Finney-Smith scored a team-high 24 points and hauled in a career-best 21 rebounds to become the first player to score 20+ points and haul in 20+ rebounds in a game under ninth year head coach David Six. Her 21 rebounds is tied for fifth most in a game in school history and only two off the record of 23 by Brielle Ward against Virginia Tech on Jan. 1, 2014.

In a first half that saw seven ties, San Jose State held a 30-22 lead with 7:41 left in the second quarter on a Danae Marquez layup. Hampton went on a 20-9 run to lead 42-39 on a layup from Ashley Bates with 1:13 remaining. The Spartans scored the last three points on free throws to tie the game at 42 at half.



San Jose State opened the third quarter on a 10-2 run to lead 52-44 with 6:40 left on a 3-pointer from Andrea Kohlhaas. The Lady Pirates answered with the quarter closing 18-4 burst. Hampton scored the first 10 points as Finney-Smith drained a couple triples and Bates hit a couple layups. A pair of Bates free throws with 30 seconds left gave Hampton its own eight-point lead at 62-54.

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A 3-pointer from Kohlhaas cut the deficit to 62-59 with 9:25 left but Hampton put the game away on the heels of a 14-4 run as a Finney-Smith layup with 4:44 left gave Hampton a 76-63 lead.

Joining Finney-Smith in the double-double club was Bates with a career-high 22 points and 10 rebounds. Allina Starr just missed a double-double with 19 points, seven rebounds, six assists and four steals.

Hampton now heads to Eugene, Oregon for a Tuesday night 9pm EST matchup with #10 Oregon.

For more information on Hampton University women's basketball, please contact the Office of Sports Information at 757-727-5757 or visit the official Pirates website at www.hamptonpirates.com.