BCU GridIron Pro Day Set for March 23

DAYTONA BEACH, Florida -- Bethune-Cookman Football will hold its annual Pro Day this week Municipal Stadiu

m in Daytona Beach, Florida. The event will begin Friday, March 23, at 10 a.m.

Joining Bethune-Cookman Football student-athletes will be players from Warner Southern and Stetson, respectfully. Last season, BCU also had players from as far as Central State in Ohio visit Daytona Beach for Pro Day workouts.

"We are extremely excited for our Pro Day this year, and our defensive coordinator Charles 'Yogi' Jones always does an excellent job coordinating this event each year," said Head Coach Terry Sims. "This is going to be a really good group of guys working out, and we're excited to see what they can bring to the table on Friday."

The workouts begin at 10 a.m. with lifting, followed by speed testing, vertical jump and a number of tests on the field.

A complete list of athletes working out, along with times and results will be made available afterwards on Friday afternoon at BCUathletics.com.

Follow Bethune-Cookman Football on Twitter (@BCUGridIron) 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).

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Fobbs: Offseason changes brought Grambling coaching staff 'closer'

GRAMBLING, Louisiana -- Admittedly, it’s been a while since Broderick Fobbs has been this involved in his team’s offense.

When he lost this past December the only offensive coordinator he’s had since taking over his alma mater back in 2013, the Grambling State head football coach found himself on the hunt for a replacement. Former OC Eric Dooley left his position at GSU to take his first head coaching gig at Prairie View A&M.

While the offensive numbers the Tigers put with Dooley in charge are staggering, lighting up the scoreboard for more than 31 points per game on average, setting up a long-stay residence at the top of the SWAC, Fobbs noticed the attack needed some tweaks.

After fielding calls and running through several interviews, he ultimately looked within and promoted offensive line coach Reggie Nelson to offensive coordinator, and when the G-Men opened spring drills last week, the offensive approach has been about looking for balance.

“I wanted to bring ...

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Three takeaways from Jackson State's first spring practice of 2018

JACKSON, Mississippi -- The sun had yet to rise over the Jackson skyline when Jackson State wrapped up the first day of spring practice behind the Walter Payton Center early Tuesday morning.

"I was very, very pleased with our effort, attitude and work ethic," Hughes said. "I was happy with the start of our new offense. I thought we did a lot of good things. We caught the ball well and ran well. We had a few execution issues, but that's to be expected being the first day.

"I think we've got a chance to have a good football team this year."

That may be true, but as Hughes also pointed out, everyone looks like an All-American in shorts. Here are three takeaways from the first practice.

Pondering Ponder
The switch from a ground-and-pound offense to an air-raid has captured the imaginations of JSU's players and fans alike.

The skill position players are there: Terrell Kennedy and Jordan Johnson out of the backfield and a veteran wide receiver corps bolstered by JUCO additions Ra'meik Wallace, Kobe Gates and Calvin Keyes.

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Tennessee State Tigers Football Begins Spring Practices

NASHVILLE, Tennessee -- The Tennessee State football team is coming off its fifth non-losing season in the last six years. Head coach will head into spring practices on Monday, Mar. 19 looking to find replacements for seven starters on the defensive side of the ball.

The depth of the defense was a strength in 2017 and coach Reed, as well as defensive coordinator Garry Fisher look for the youngsters to step up during the spring session. Offensive coordinator Jeff Parker will look to replace all-conference wide receiver Patrick Smith and offensive lineman Ty Allen, but returns nine starters heading into the non-traditional season.

The Tigers will practice for four weeks with scrimmages at the end of the first three weeks. The Spring Game caps off the spring practices on Saturday, Apr. 14. The Legends Game kicks off the festivities at 1:00 p.m. and is followed by the Annual Game at 3:00 p.m.

The scrimmages and final game are open to the public.

WEEK 1
Mon., Mar. 19 – 1st Practice - 4-6:15 p.m.
Wed., Mar. 21 – 2nd Practice - 4-6:15 p.m.
Fri., Mar. 23 – 3rd Practice - 10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
Sat., Mar. 24 – 4th Practice/1st Scrimmage - 1:15 p.m.

WEEK 2
Mon., Mar. 26 – 5th Practice - 4-6:15 p.m.
Wed., Mar. 28 – 6th Practice - 4-6:15 p.m.
Fri., Mar. 30 – 7th Practice - 10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
Sat., Mar. 31 – 8th Practice/2nd Scrimmage - 11:15 a.m.

WEEK 3
Mon., Apr. 2 – 9th Practice - 4-6:15 p.m.
Wed., Apr. 4 – 10th Practice - 4-6:15 p.m.
Fri., Apr. 6 – 11th Practice - 10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
Sat., Apr. 7 – 12th Practice/3rd Scrimmage - 11:15 a.m.

WEEK 4
Mon., Apr. 9 – 13th Practice - 4-6:15 p.m.
Wed., Apr. 11 – 14th Practice - 4-6:15 p.m.
Sat., Apr. 14 – Legends Game 1:00 p.m. / SPRING GAME 3:00 p.m.

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Florida A&M Lady Rattlers Eye 2018 MEAC Bowling Title

TALLAHASSEE, Florida -- The FAMU Women’s Bowling team will be riding a wave of confidence as they head to Virginia for the 2018 Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference (MEAC) Bowling Championships Friday through Sunday at the AMF Chesapeake Lanes in Chesapeake, Va.

Coach Karen Brown’s Lady Rattlers finished the regular season second place in the MEAC Southern Division at 11-7, while compiling a 40-25 overall record.

FAMU tied division winner North Carolina A&T for first place in the final of three divisional tournaments in February, which along with the team’s overall winning mark, has stirred the confidence of youth-laden group.

The FAMU Women will be looking for their first MEAC title, having made the final round twice, losing to perennial kingpin Maryland-Eastern Shore both times, including once in a playoff.

The Lady Rattlers have just one senior among the seven-person contingent heading North to represent the Orange and Green, with two of the remaining six being true freshmen.

Evanston, Illinois native Jazmine Aron is the team’s lone senior, and she has turned in a nifty 178.92 per-game average through 13 games, with a high game of 224 in the second MEAC Southern Divisional event in December at Tallahassee.

On the opposite end of the classification spectrum, the team’s two first-year performers – Keondra Eaton (Baton Rouge, La.) and Bethany Noel (Lawrenceville, Ga.) – have been among the club’s high rollers.

Eaton, finished the regular season with a 187.2 per-game average in 24 games with a club-best 244 high game in her collegiate debut event in New Orleans at the Allstate Sugar Bowl Classic in November.

Noel meanwhile, finished the campaign with a 177.1 per game average in 17 games, rolling a 233 high game in the Alabama State Hornet Classic in November.

Heading the list of sophomore performers for FAMU is Monique Ragland (Flint, Mich.), who has rolled a team-best 190.04 per-game average through 24 games, scoring a season high 232 in the MEAC Southern Divisional at Greensboro, N.C., in February.

Other FAMUans to look for this weekend include:

Demetria Bethel from Piscataway, New Jersey, who brings a 176.66 game average (21 games) into this week’s tournament, having posted a 232 high game for the season in the MEAC Southern Divisional at Greensboro, N.C. last month.


Mikayla Davis of Valdosta, Ga., who holds a 165.56 per game average, with a high game of 219 in the December MEAC Southern Divisional event in Tallahassee.

Chicago, Illinois product Destiny Williams, who has a 166.75 per game average this season with a 200 high game in the AllState Sugar Bowl Classic in November.

2018 MEAC BOWLING TOURNEY FIELD, SCHEDULE

Eight teams from the MEAC qualify for the championship, four coming from the Northern and Southern Divisions.

North Carolina A&T (50-41, 14-4 MEAC) won the Southern, just ahead of a late-surging FAMU (11-7, 40-25), while Delaware State (59-24, 20-4 MEAC) captured the Northern Division, with perennial national power house Maryland Eastern Shore (64-36, 18-6 MEAC) coming in second.

The opening round of the 2018 MEAC Championship will start Friday at 9:15 a.m. at the AMF Chesapeake Lanes with Team Games play.

Saturday’s Bracket Play round opens at 9:00 a.m., with the eight teams being seeded based on their performances on Friday.

Sunday’s Championship Round will start at 12 noon. The Final will air nationally on ESPNU via taped delay on Sunday, April 1.

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Prairie View Football Back At Work For Second Spring Practice

PRAIRIE VIEW, Texas -- The Prairie View A&M University football team held its second spring practice Tuesday night at Panther Stadium.

"The effort of the guys is there," said first-year head coach Eric Dooley. "They are zoning in to what we are trying to accomplish. They are really flying around the field. We are thin at some positions, but the guys are working. They definitely want to learn, and they want to do what's best for the team."

With back-to-back practices, Dooley and his staff noticed the improvement from day one to day two in not only the grasp of the system, but also the effort and expectation of practice.

"They are definitely becoming accustomed to what we're looking for," Dooley said. "They've been working in that aspect in the weight room, in winter conditioning, and now here on the practice field. Now they see the tempo that we want and the high expectations. Our guys want to be good, and that works hand-in-hand."

The Panthers will end the first week of spring practice with sessions Thursday at 5:01 a.m. and Friday at 3:05 p.m.

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PVAMU Baseball Wins Home Opener Over Stephen F. Austin

PRAIRIE VIEW, Texas -- The Prairie View A&M baseball team won its home opener over Stephen F. Austin 8-2 Tuesday at Tankersley Field.

Trailing 1-0 entering the bottom of the fifth inning, the Panthers scored all eight runs to break the game open. Andrew Garcia singled to center to lead off the inning, followed by Avery Williams' bunt single between first and second base. Garcia then scored on a throwing error to a bunt attempt by Tyler Gordon to tie the game at 1-1. Corbin Jamison's two-run single scored A. Williams and Gordon to put PVAMU ahead for good at 3-1.

Jalyn Baker reached on a bunt single before Daniel Lingua walked to load the bases. Ezekiel Bear's double to left center cleared the bases to give the Panthers a 6-1 lead. Calvin Rucker then doubled to left, scoring Bear. Garcia came up again and singled up the middle, moving Rucker to third, before Avery Williams' groundout scored Rucker with the final Prairie View A&M run.

Garcia went 3-for-4 and Baker went 2-for-4 in the in the 11-hit attack for PVAMU. Kaelon Woods (1-0) earned the win in his first career start, throwing six innings allowing just four hits and one unearned run, walking six but striking out four. Tyler Laux pitched the final three innings to earn the save.

Prairie View A&M returns to action Wednesday at Houston at 6:30 p.m. before hosting Southern Friday at 3 p.m. in the first of a three-game Southwestern Athletic Conference Western Division series at Tankersley Field.

BOX SCORE

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SWAC looks for new commissioner after 'unanimous concern'

BIRMINGHAM, Alabama -- The Southwestern Athletic Conference is officially looking for a new commissioner after the resignation of Duer Sharp in January and the interim work of former SWAC associate commissioner Edgar Gantt.

The conference posted the job opening on the NCAA website's "The Market," a page where job openings can be shared and advertised. It said that the job would begin at or before July 1, 2018.

Former commissioner Duer's resignation was announced the first week of January and said that he would "pursue other opportunities"; sources stated that there was concern about the direction of Duer's leadership among leaders from various universities in the league.

Southern University athletic director Roman Banks said at the time that there was "unanimous concern," specifically in regards to his school's investigation into other conferences.

He told The Advocate in New Orleans that there was a lack of sponsorships" that caused Southern to "look around at other leagues."

"All had a concern about the last few years," Banks said. "What is our position, where we're going."

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Search Begins for Head Men's Basketball Coach at Winston-Salem State

WINSTON-SALEM, North Carolina -- Winston-Salem State University (WSSU) will begin a national search for the next head of its storied men's basketball program. WSSU Director of Athletics Tonia Walker has notified James Wilhelmi, head coach since June 2014, that the university will not renew his contract, which ends on May 31.

"I want to express my appreciation to Coach Wilhelmi for seven years of commitment to the program," Walker said. "This was a difficult decision, and we wish James nothing but the best for his future. We have tremendous expectations for our Rams men's basketball program at Winston-Salem State University, and I believe we can achieve great things within the Central Intercollegiate Athletics Association."

During four seasons, Wilhelmi compiled a 47-63 record. He led the team to the CIAA championship game and an 18-11 record during his first season as head coach. The Rams went 11-17, 13-14, and 5-22 in the following three seasons. The team also took losses in the opening round of the CIAA Men's Basketball Championship Tournament the last three seasons. Wilhelmi joined the Rams coaching staff in 2011 as associate men's basketball coach and was named head coach in June 2014.

A national search will begin immediately for the ninth head coach of WSSU's men's basketball program. Andrew Brown, associate head basketball coach since 2015, will serve as interim while the university seeks a new head coach.

Over the program's 70-year history, WSSU has won 11 CIAA titles and in 1967, became the first historically Black college to win an NCAA title.

For more information on Rams men's basketball, contact the WSSU Office of Athletic Media Relations at (336) 750-2143 or log on to www.WSSURams.com.

Weather pushes back start of FAMU's spring practice

TALLAHASSEE, Florida -- Growing up in Quincy, Willie Simmons is well aware of the area’s penchant for thunderstorms.

Severe thunderstorms swept through the Tallahassee region Monday, forcing Florida A&M to postpone its NFL Pro Day for the program’s draft-eligible players.



With additional rain expected through Tuesday afternoon, Simmons – the Rattlers’ new football coach – also pushed back the start of spring practice one day until Wednesday morning.

“It is what it is – it’s Tallahassee weather, so you have love it,” Simmons said good-naturedly.

Despite the delay, Mother Nature hasn’t dampened Simmons’ enthusiasm.

The Rattlers will practice 15 days over the next month, including the annual Orange & Green game Saturday, April 21.

During FAMU’s team meeting Sunday night, Simmons explained his expectations to players as the new regime looks to turn around the struggling program.



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Bates named Daktronics-NAIA Scholar-Athlete

NEW ORLEANS — Xavier University of Louisiana's Mikayla Bates was named Monday as a Daktronics-NAIA Scholar Athlete in Division I women's basketball.
     
Bates is a junior from Baton Rouge, La., and a graduate of University Lab School. The XULA accounting major qualified for the NAIA honor by having a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.5 on a 4-point scale and reaching junior academic status. The NAIA cited 143 for the award.
     
"Mikayla Bates represents everything a student-athlete should be," coach Bo Browdersaid. "She is a leader on and off the court. She does volunteer work. She is a great role model for young ladies in our community."
     
This past season Bates was named to the Gulf Coast Athletic Conference All-Defensive team and was a GCAC Player of the Week. A 5-foot-7 guard, Bates averaged 8.2 points and 5.5 points per game and ranks seventh nationally with 2.8 steals per game.
     
This summer Bates will return to Northwestern Mutual for an internship. The company rated Bates as one of its top 10 interns of 2017 nationally.

Ed Cassiere, Assistant Athletic Director for Communications
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XAVIER UNIVERSITY OF LOUISIANA 
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Nuggets, Rush extend their winning streaks

NEW ORLEANS — Xavier University of Louisiana extended winning streaks Sunday in 8-1 dual-match decisions against SCAD Atlanta at XULA Tennis Center.
     
The Gold Rush (7-6) — ranked second in the NAIA and the national runner-up in 2016 and 2017 — have won six in a row. The Gold Nuggets (10-7), ranked fifth, have won seven straight — their best streak since 11 consecutive victories in 2013 — and nine of their last 10. It was the Nuggets' seventh victory this season against a top-20 opponent.
     
Shaikh Abdullah and Samir Chikhaoui won in doubles and singles for the XULA men, who competed for the first time in 16 days. They defeated Alberto Menendez and Jordan Skalet 8-1 on the first doubles court. Abdullah beat Skalet 7-5, 6-2 at No. 2 singles, and Chikhaoui defeated Jonah Tewes-McCoy 6-3, 6-1 at No. 3.
    
Catalin Fifea posted his fifth consecutive victory at No. 1 singles, a 6-3, 6-1 decision against Menendez.

Results:  Men   •   Women
     
Winning in doubles and singles for the Gold Nuggets were Mariia Borodii, Yi Chen Pao,Angela Charles-Alfred and Farah Baklouti. Borodii and Pao defeated Sofia Guerra and Madison Umbaugh 8-3 at No. 1 doubles, and Charles-Alfred and Baklouti dominated Antonella Altamirano and Nathalia Bolivar in an 8-0 decision. In singles, Borodii clinched with a 6-3, 6-2 victory against Katrina De Guzman 6-3, 6-2 at No. 1, Charles-Alfred beat Madison Umbaugh 6-1, 6-4 at No. 3, Baklouti toppled Altamirano 6-0, 6-1 at No. 5, and Pao beat Madelyn Homan 6-1, 6-2 at No. 6.

Charlene Goreau, at No. 2, earned her eighth consecutive singles victory by beating Guerra 6-1, 6-1.
    
SCAD Atlanta's men are 0-5, and its women — ranked 14th in the NAIA — are 3-4.
     
The XULA men will play host to NCAA Division I Abilene Christian at 2 p.m. Friday, and the Nuggets will be at home the following day for a noon matchup with NAIA No. 11 LSU-Alexandria.

Ed Cassiere, Assistant Athletic Director for Communications
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XAVIER UNIVERSITY OF LOUISIANA 
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School relay record, plus 5 new NAIA qualifying marks

LAFAYETTE, Louisiana — Xavier University of Louisiana set a school record and produced five new national qualifying marks Saturday at the Louisiana Classics track and field meet.
     
The women's 400-meter relay team of Martina Latting, Alexis Milton, Justyce Riggs and Ry-Anne Riley set a XULA mark of 46.66 seconds and finished fourth out of seven teams. The previous mark was 47.04 at the 2016 Gulf Coast Athletic Conference Championships. Latting and Milton were members of that team as freshmen.
     
"The ladies knew it was going to be fast today," coach Joseph Moses said. "I'm just very pleased for the ladies working hard to get to this point."
     
The relay team met the A-qualifying standard for the NAIA National Championships for the third time in as many meets.
     
XULA's new B-qualifying marks were:
     •  Brandon Matthews in the men's triple jump — 14.31 meters/46 feet, 11 1/2 inches.
     •  Riggs (12.05), Latting (12.11) and Milton (12.13) in the 100.
     •  The 1,600 relay team of Milton, Riley, Janelle Jones and Clarke Allen (3:55.26).
     
XULA will compete next Friday and Saturday in Houston at the Rice Victor Lopez Classic.
     
Here are all the XULA Saturday results from the Louisiana Classics:

Women
     100:  Justyce Riggs, 12th in 12.05; Martina Latting, 15th in 12.11; Alexis Miltonm 17th in 12.13
     400:  Asja Thompson, 29th in 1:00.60; Junine Goodison, 42nd in 1:04.73
     800:  Brianna Pace, 9th in 2:25.52; Maluya Vaughan, 14th in 2:28.49
     1,500:  Taylor Price, 25th in 5:17.29; Maliya Vaughan, 26th in 5:21.28
     5,000:  Taylor Price, 14th in 22:47.15; Hajjia Mohammed, 15th in 26:04.84
     100 Hurdles:  Raven Davis, 22nd in 15.79
     400 Hurdles:  Toni Trail, 15th in 1:12.42
     400 Relay:  Martina Latting, Alexis Milton, Justyce Riggs, Ry-Anne Riley, 4th in 46.66
     1,600 Relay:  Alexis Milton, Ry-Anne Ro;ey, Janelle Jones, Clarke Allen, 6th in 3:55.26; Asja 
Thompson, Hillary Smith, Toni Trail, Junine Goodison, 11th in 4:18.93
     Discus:  Calah Williams, 15th in 29.55 meters/96 feet, 11 inches
     Long Jump:  Hillary Smith, 15th in 4.75 meters/15 feet, 7 inches
     Shot Put:  Calah Williams, 20th in 8.88 meters/29 feet, 1 3/4 inches
     Triple Jump:  Hillary Smith, 9th in 10.67 meters/35 feet, 0 1/4 inch

Men
     100:  Ethan Gipson, 34th in 11.31; Kyle Logan, 36th in 11.44
     400:  Ray Williams, 25th in 52.47
     800:  Damoy Boyd, 18th in 1:59.53; Ray Williams, 32nd in 2:22.09
     1,500:  Damoy Boyd, 13th in 4:16.89; Darrick Williams, 24th in 5:09.50
     5,000:  Darrick Williams, 18th in 19:43.42
     110 Hurdles:  Khalil Gallien, 8th in 15.27; Ayinde Abanu, 10th in 15.69; Jaland Green, 15th in 17.17
     400 Hurdles:  Ayinde Abanu, 15th in 59.80; Khalil Gallien, 16th in 1:03.45
     400 Relay:  Ethan Gipson, Jaland Green, Kyle Logan, Elijah Johnson-Henderson, 6th in 46.88
     Discus:  Evan Simmons, 17th in 40.03 meters/131 feet, 4 inches
     High Jump:  Edward Angel, tied for 5th in 2.02 meters/6 feet, 7 1/2 inches
     Long Jump:  Brandon Matthews, 20th in 6.26 meters/20 feet, 6 1/2 inches; Edward Angel, 29th in 5.65 meters/18 feet, 6 1/2 inches
     Shot Put:  Evan Simmons, 22nd in 10.07 meters/33 feet, 0 1/2 inch
     Triple Jump:  Brandon Matthews, 3rd in 14.31 meters/46 feet, 11 1/2 inches


Brandon Matthews

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XAVIER UNIVERSITY OF LOUISIANA 
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Morgan State Men's Track & Field Capture Six Events at Maryland Invitational

COLLEGE PARK, Maryland -- In their second outdoor meet of the 2018 season, the Morgan State men's track and field team captured six events at the Maryland Invitational hosted by the University of Maryland.


Keon Rantin had a solid performance in the 100m dash where he took first place with a time of 11.26. Bear teammates Shindell Henry (11.38) and Caniggia Harriott (11.49) placed fourth and fifth, respectively.

In the 200m dash, Desean White beat out the Terps' Alex Leto at the tape with an IC4A qualifying time of 22.13.

Morgan State also posted a pair of top times in the 400m, where Deyvon Howell placed fourth with a 50.00, and Stephen Varella ran a 50.31 which was good enough for sixth.

Complete Results

Vikarie Elliott placed first in the shot put. The sophomore recorded his best toss of the season with a throw of 15.04m (49'4.25"). Elliott also finished fourth in the hammer with a toss of 44.55m (146'2").

Sophomore Kurt Goodlitt finished fourth in both the shot (13.15m) and the discus (41.28m).

In long jump, Kobe-Jordan Rhooms was victorious with a jump of 6.71m (22'0.25"). Freshman Daenah Pressley finished seventh in the long jump (6.18m) and finished third in the high jump with a leap of 1.88m (6'2").

Morgan State 'A' team consisting of Kevin Leach, Desean White, Deyvon Howell and Keon Rantin clinched victory in the 4x100m relay with a time of 41.53. The Bears 'B' squad comprised of Shindell Henry, Caniggia Harriott, Lloyd Hylton and Stephen Varella finished as runners-up with a time of 43.65

The Bears return to action next Saturday (March 31) at the Navy Spring Invitational in Annapolis, Md.

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2018 MSU Football Schedule Announced

BALTIMORE, Maryland --  Morgan State's 2018 football schedule has been announced and it features five home games in Hughes Stadium, including a home opener matchup against Towson.
 
Coming off a 1-10 season (1-7 Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference) in 2017, Morgan State will open their 2018 campaign at home against Towson on Sept. 1 in the Battle for Greater Baltimore at Hughes Stadium. It will mark the 24th meeting between the teams and their 10th time facing each other in a season opener since 1979. Last year, Towson outlasted the Bears 10-0 at Unitas Stadium.  
 
MSU's next three contests will be on the road beginning with an FBS matchup at Akron on Sept. 8. It will mark the third meeting between the teams since 2009, with the Zips posting a 66-6 win at InfoCisison Stadium in 2012. Next, the Bears will face CAA member Albany on Sept. 15 in New York. The Bears will look to avenge last season's 26-0 home loss in the first-ever meeting between the teams.
 
The Bears will head south to challenge the reigning MEAC champion Aggies of North Carolina A&T on Sept. 22 in Greensboro, North Carolina. It will mark the Bears first trip to Aggie Stadium since suffering a 45-0 loss to the Aggies in 2014. The Aggies finished the 2017 season ranked No. 7 in the STATS FCS Poll.
 
Following a bye, the Bears will open MEAC conference play when they host South Carolina State for Homecoming on Oct. 6. The Bulldogs will be making their first trip to Baltimore since falling to the Bears 24-21 during the 2014 MEAC Championship run.
 
MSU will travel to Savannah State on Oct. 13 for the Tigers' homecoming festivities, followed by a home matchup to square-off against Beltway rival Howard on Oct. 20.
 
The Bears travel to Florida A&M on Oct. 27 for their first meeting in Tallahassee since suffering a 22-21 loss in 2016.
 
The Bears entertain Bethune-Cookman on Nov. 3, followed by a home finale matchup with Delaware State on Nov. 10 for 'Senior Day'.
 
MSU concludes its 2018 regular season when Norfolk State hosts the Bears in Dick Price Stadium on Nov. 17. The Bears will attempt to post its first win against the Spartans since 2006 – Norfolk State will enter the contest holding an 11-game winning streak against the Bears.
 
Game times and television plans for MSU's 2018 games will be announced at a later date.

All home games will be played at Earl C. Banks Field in Hughes Stadium.
 
The Bears open the 2018 campaign under Ernest T. Jones, set to enter his first year at the helm as interim head coach, and his third year at Morgan State.
 
Morgan State opens spring drills on Monday, March 26 and the annual spring game at Hughes Stadium on Saturday, April 28.

Fans can keep up-to-date with all MSU Athletics via twitter at Twitter.com/MorganStBears. You can also become a fan of the Bears on Facebook at Facebook.com/MorganStateBears.
  
2018 MSU FOOTBALL SCHEDULE

Sept. 1	TOWSON
Sept. 8	at Akron
Sept. 15	at Albany
Sept. 22	at N.C. A&T
Oct. 6	SOUTH CAROLINA STATE* (HC)
Oct. 13	at Savannah State*
Oct. 20	HOWARD*
Oct. 27	at Florida A&M*
Nov. 3	BETHUNE-COOKMAN*
Nov. 10	DELAWARE STATE*
Nov. 17	at Norfolk State*

* Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference game
Game times to be announced at a later date

ABOUT MORGAN STATE UNIVERSITY
Morgan State University, founded in 1867, is celebrating its 150th year of excellence in higher education. A Carnegie-classified doctoral research institution, Morgan offers more than 100 academic programs leading to degrees from the baccalaureate to the doctorate. As Maryland's preeminent Public Urban Research University, Morgan serves a multiethnic and multiracial student body and seeks to ensure that the doors of higher education are opened as wide as possible to as many as possible. For more information about Morgan State University, visit www.morgan.edu.  

UMBC's historic NCAA tournament win more than two decades in the making

BALTIMORE, Maryland -- For a little over two hours Friday night, Fang Mitchell went back in time. The former Coppin State men’s basketball coach was watching No. 16 seed UMBC’s historic NCAA tournament win over top seed Virginia in Charlotte, N.C.

Though he was sitting at home in the Atlanta suburbs, Mitchell was suddenly transported back more than two decades to another huge upset in the NCAA tournament.

Suddenly, Mitchell was reliving his former team’s victory as a 15th seed over No. 2 seed South Carolina in Pittsburgh in the opening round in 1997.

“I knew that you have to stay close at halftime, and when I saw it was 21-21 at half, I knew they had a shot,” Mitchell said Saturday. “The longer you stay in it, the better your chances become.

“When you get into that second half and things aren’t going right [for the higher seed], things get a little tight for the team that's supposed to win it. UMBC was as loose as they could be.”

In Coppin State's 78-65 win over the 30-point favorite Gamecocks, the Eagles fell behind by “seven or eight points” early in the second half and came back behind guards Antoine Brockington and Danny Singletary, who combined for 42 points in the game and forward Reggie Welch, who had 15 rebounds.

In UMBC’s 74-54 win over the Cavaliers, who came in as 20½-point favorites, the Retrievers built a seven-point lead before the first media timeout in the second half and saw the lead quickly climb behind senior guard Jairus Lyles, who scored 23 of his 28 points after halftime, as well as 5-foot-8 senior guard K.J. Maura, who dictated the pace at both ends, and sophomore forward Arkel Lamar, who had 12 points and 10 rebounds. It marked the first time since the tournament was expanded to 64 teams in 1985 — and eventually to 68 — that a No. 16 seed had beaten a No. 1 seed.



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Dillards' Comeback Effort Falls Short Against Montana Western In NAIA Tournament

Lady Bleu Devils Fall To Bulldogs 66-54 In First Round; Finishes Season 23-6

BILLINGS, Montana -- The four-seed Montana Western used a strong third quarter to beat five-seed Dillard (La.) 66-54 in the final opening round game of the Duer bracket in the 2018 NAIA Division I Women's Basketball National Championship presented by Wells Fargo.

Dillard (23-6) held the lead after the game's first 20 minutes, though it was only by a point. That was quickly erased by Western who scored eight straight points to start the third quarter. With the Bulldog's offense not turning it over, a problem earlier in the game, and making shots, the Bleu Devil's struggled to score on the other.

By the time the buzzer sounded to end the quarter, Western had outscored Dillard 21-6 in the 10-minute stretch and held a double-digit lead for the rest of the game.

Just like at the start of the second half, Western started the game on fire. The Bulldogs went on a 12-4 run in the first in the first three minutes of play. After that, the team cooled off and got sloppy with the ball, allowing Dillard to climb back in it.

The Bleu Devil's defense forced 15 turnovers with 11 steals in the first half, which allowed their defense to get out in transition and avoid UMW's suffocating half-court defense. Dillard scored 14 points off turnovers in the first half and late in the third quarter took the team's first lead and carried it into the half.

What doomed Dillard was Western keeping a clean sheet in the second half, forcing DU to try and score against a set defense. That didn't happen very often, as the Bleu Devils shot just 26.9 percent in the game.

Western was led by point guard Brianna King, who led all scorers with 18 points on 7-12 shooting. She was balanced in the paint by forward Britt Cooper who finished with a double-double of 12 points and 13 boards.

BOX SCORE

Dillard's two starting post players, Alexia McDonald and Asia Partlow where the team's most effective scorers, combining for 23 points and 14 rebounds.

The Bulldogs advance beyond the first round for the second straight year. In 2017, they lost to eventual National Champion, Oklahoma City University on a buzzer beater in the second round. This time they will face another one-seed, Campbellsville (Ky.) on Friday, March 16 at 10:15 a.m.

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Dillard Falls On Late 3-Pointer Against LSU Shreveport In NAIA Championship Second Round

KANSAS CITY, Missouri -- Dillard senior guard Quinton Jackson tied the game with 11 seconds remaining, however LSU Shreveport's Stevie Clark last-second 3-pointer lifted the Pilots to a 70-67 win Friday in the second round of the NAIA Championship.

With 1.2 seconds remaining, the Bleu Devils were unable to get off a final shot.

Dillard finishes the season 21-10, while LSU Shreveport moves to 29-4 and advance to the quarterfinal round to play the winner of Life (Ga.) and Wayland Baptist (Texas), Saturday at 2 p.m. CT.

NOTES

• LSU Shreveport (La.) improves to 29-4 on the season, and moves into the quarterfinal round for the first time since the 2013 national championship and third time overall.
• Dillard (La.) drops to 21-10 to end its season, and falls in the second round for the third-straight year and fourth-consecutive appearance overall.
• So far this year, 16 of the first 18 games have been decided by 10 points or less, including nine by six points or less and six by three points or less.
• Higher seeds are 9-9 thus far in the tournament, but two No. 1 seeds, three No. 2 seeds and the defending national champion are already out.
• The game featured 11 lead changes and seven ties

STANDOUT PERFORMANCES

• LSU Shreveport Guard Stevie Clark led all scorers with 27 points, including the game-winning three-pointer with 1.2 seconds to play. He also added eight rebounds and seven assists.
• LSU Shreveport Guard D.J. Clayton finished 8 of 11 from the floor, scoring 17 points.
• Dillard Forward Joshua Simmons recorded double-double No. 14 on the season with 16 points and 14 rebounds.
• Dillard Guard Jorori Coleman scored 15 points, and topped the 500-point mark on his season, scoring 508 points.

HOW IT HAPPENED

• Dillard took an early lead, using four points from Quinton Jackson to hold a 6-2 advantage with three minutes played.
• LSU Shreveport followed with a run over the next three minutes, outscoring Dillard by a 14-2 margin, using five points from D.J. Clayton, to build up a 16-8 advantage.
• LSU Shreveport maintained at least a four-point lead through much of the remaining time in the first half, but Dillard finished the half on a 9-3 run in the final four minutes, and used a three-point field goal from Joshua Simmons to trim the LSU Shreveport lead to 33-31 at halftime.
• Dillard took its first lead of the game since early in the first half when Jorori Coleman sank a three-pointer to make the score 36-35 with 18:34 remaining in the game.
• The two teams traded the lead a total of seven times over the next nine minutes, with a D.J. Clayton field goal putting LSU Shreveport in front, 55-54, with 8:33 to play.
• Dillard held its final lead of the contest at the 5:17 mark when a fast-break field goal from Kristopher Allmon gave the Bleu Devils a 60-59 advantage.
• Dillard tied the game at 67-67 with 17-seconds left on the clock, but Stevie Clark hit a three-point field goal with 1.2 seconds remaining to give LSU Shreveport a 70-67 win.
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HOW THEY SAW IT

Dillard Head Coach Mike Newell: "It was a very well-played game.This is what March madness is all about. The transfer from Oklahoma State had 27 points and Quinton (Jackson) was right on him. He was as close as he could get. The kid just made a tough shot, but we had our opportunities. The difference in the game was free throws."

LSU Shreveport Head Coach Kyle Blankenship: "What a game! We've been on the wrong end of a last second shot out here before, but it sure felt good to see the game winner go down for us this afternoon. Dillard is as talented and well coached as anyone in this tournament. We expected a war and that's what it was today. I'm so proud of our guys for the toughness they showed for 40 minutes, and we are excited for our season to continue tomorrow."

INSIDE THE BOX SCORE

• LSU Shreveport was 1 of 18 from three-point range before Stevie Clark sank the game-winning three-pointer.
• LSU Shreveport Guard Josh Robinson finished with a season-high 13 rebounds.
• Dillard had four players play all 40 minutes, while Jorori Coleman and Kristopher Allmon played all 80 minutes in the team's two games at the national championship.
• Quinton Jackson entered the game ranked fifth in the NAIA in assists per game (5.6) and finished with seven assists.

GAME NOTES

LSU Shreveport
The Pilots are making its 14th appearance overall in the NAIA Division I Men's Basketball National Championship, and 14th straight...LSU Shreveport lost in the first round of the 2017 national tournament to Montana Western, 99-94…The Pilots now advance to the quarterfinals of the tournament for the first time since 2013, when they defeated Evangel, 77-70… Overall, the Pilots are 1-1 all-time in the Quarterfinal round… The Pilots are now 9-13 all-time in national tournament games… LSU Shreveport is now 3-3 all-time in the second round of the national tournament…The Pilots are one of four teams from the Red River Athletic conference to qualify for this year's tournament… Prior to Stevie Clark's three to take the lead with 1.2 seconds remaining in regulation, the Pilots were 1-of-18 from behind the arc… Clark scored 27 points on 10-of-24 from the field… Collectively the Pilots shot 10-of 12 from the free-throw line…Forced 10 turnovers on seven steals…Eleven lead changes and seven ties…

Dillard

The Bleu Devils are making their ninth appearance in the NAIA Division I Men's Basketball National Championship, including the last three-straight years...Dillard has never gotten to the quarterfinals, though the Bleu Devils have advanced to the second round in each of their last four national tournament appearances...The Bleu Devils are now 5-8 all-time in the national tournament...The Bleu Devils are 0-5 all-time in the second round of the tournament...Dillard is one of two Gulf Coast Athletic Conference teams in this year's tournament...The Bleu Devils are now 7-4 against national tournament teams this season... Coming into the game against LSU Shreveport, Dillard had won five straight games and 12 of its past 13 contests...The Gulf Coast Athletic Conference is now 1-2 in the national tournament...



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