This Is Game Week: Morgan State vs. Florida A&M

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GAME TIME
Morgan State (2-5, 1-2) returns to the gridiron when they face Florida A&M (5-2, 4-0). The match-up will kick off in Bragg Memorial Stadium on Saturday, Oct. 27 at 4 p.m. and will be televised live by ESPN3 and  broadcast by WEAA, 88.9 FM.

The Bears enter the 2018 season under the leadership of interim head coach Ernest T. Jones. Florida A&M completed the 2017 season with a 3-8 overall mark and went 2-6 in the MEAC. The Rattlers will enter the contest fresh off of a bye week.

GAME COVERAGE
TELEVISION: ESPN3

RADIO: WEAA, 88.9 FM is the flagship station for the Morgan State Bears ... Lamont Germany will call the play-by-play with Renard Stubbs and Austin Ward in the booth. The game will be broadcast live on 88.9 FM and streamed on WEAA.org. 

LIVE STATS: Click Here

SOCIAL NETWORKS
Fans can keep up-to-date with all MSU Athletics via twitter at Twitter.com/MorganStBears and @MorganStateFootball. You can also become a fan of the Bears on Facebook at Facebook.com/MorganStateBears.

TICKETS
Season ticket plans—which include a ticket to all five home games, including homecoming start at only $95. Premium seats are now available for purchase by calling 443.885.1522 or visiting MSU Student Center Athletics Ticket Office during business hours (Monday through Friday 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.), or visit  morganstatebears.com/tickets.

THE SERIES
• Saturday's matchup marks the 29th meeting between the two schools.
• The Rattlers lead the overall series 21-7 since 1943.
• Florida A&M posted a 34-31 victory in the last meeting in Baltimore in 2017.
• The Bears fell 22-21 in their last visit to Bragg Memorial Stadium on Nov. 19, 2016.

THE COACHES
•  Morgan State - Ernest T. Jones (Alcorn State, '95) joined the Bears as the Defensive Coordinator in 2016 and was previously a JUCO head coach at ASA Miami (2015 - 8-2 record); he has also worked at Connecticut, Notre Dame, Univ. of Buffalo, Cincinnati, Alcorn State, Central Michigan, Oberlin, Kentucky State and Concordia. CAREER RECORD (12-17, 2 yrs); RECORD AT MSU (2-5, 1st yr).

•  Florida A&M - Willie Simmons (Clemson, '02) enters his first season at the helm for the Rattlers. He left Prairie View A&M after coaching three seasons, where he went a combined 21-11. He  also had an impressive three-year stint as the offensive coordinator at Alcorn State, winning the 2014 SWAC and SBN Black College National Championships. RECORD AT FLORIDA A&M (5-2, 1st yr), CAREER RECORD (26-13, 4th yrs).

QUICK HITS
• Junior DeAndre Harris, a 6-4, 210-pound quarterback from Washington (Ga.) has connected on 74 of 143 passes for 889 yards, including five TDs. He has also had 88 carries for 309 yards with three TDs.
• The Bears recorded a season-high 229 yards on the ground against UAlbany and had 226 vs. Howard.
• Against Howard, junior RB Josh Chase finished with a season-high 115 yards on 20 carries, including a 22-yard TD run.
• Senior LB Damare' Whitaker ranks second in the MEAC with 60 total tackles (42 solo).
• LB Rico Kennedy, the team's leading tackler in 2017 with 70 stops, in addition to 19.5 tackles for loss (No. 3 in the FCS), has posted 41 tackles, a team-high 7 TFLs, with 2.5 sacks and 4 QB hurries through 7 games.
• MSU's defense leads the MEAC in turnovers gained with 15 (12 interceptions, 5 fumbles).
• The Bears defense held #4 NCAT to 1 of 12 in 3rd down conversions.
• Ernest T. Jones' Bears are predicted to finish 9th in the MEAC's 2018 Preseason Order of Finish.

LAST TIME vs. FLORIDA A&M - OCT. 28, 2017
BALTIMORE, Md. -- Morgan State sophomore quarterback DeAndre Harris took over the reigns late in the second quarter after head coach Fred T. Farrier decided to pull starter Elijah Staley.
• Harris tossed a pair touchdown passes before halftime and added a 3-yard TD scamper that would have been the game clinching score, however Florida A&M answered on a 12-yard touchdown pass with under 6 minutes left to escape with a 34-31 victory at Hughes Stadium.
• Florida A&M (3-6, 2-4) overcame some early miscues – including three turnovers in the first half – to get their second conference win of the season. 
• Morgan State (1-7, 1-4) and FAMU made it an interesting game as both teams exchanged scores throughout the day, but key penalties and a late fourth quarter interception from redshirt sophomore Terry Jefferson sealed the Bears defeat.
• Harris completed 9 of 19 passes for 149 yards and tossed two TD passes to redshirt senior Amonta Poteat. Poteat led the Bears receiving corps with seven catches for 99 yards. 

A WIN WOULD ... 
...give Ernest T. Jones his second win as MSU's head coach and his 13th career win.
... mark the Bears' first win against Florida A&M since a 21-7 win on Nov. 14, 2015 in Baltimore.
... mark the Bears' first win against Florida A&M in Tallahassee since a 24-9 victory on Oct. 4, 2014. 
... mark MSU's second road conference win of the season.
... trim the Rattler's all-time series record lead to 21-8 since 1943.
... mark the Bears third road win of the season - matching the most road wins to start a season since 2011.

A GLANCE AT THE RATTLERS
•  Florida A&M finished 2017 with an overall mark of 3-8 and went 2-6 in conference play. The Rattlers finished 0-3 in MEAC home contests.
•  FAMU enters Saturday's contest coming off of a bye week. The Rattlers currently rank No. 1 atop the BoxToRow Coaches Poll and Media Poll with a 5-2 overall record and are unblemished in the MEAC at 4-0.  
•  Head coach Willie Simmons' (Clemson, 2002) offense ranks No. 2 in the league averaging 368.1 yards of total offense (143.6 rushing; 224.6 passing). They have scored 10 rushing TDs and 10 passing. The Rattlers average 27 points per contest.
•  FAMU's offense is led by r-junior QB Ryan Stanley. The 6-3, 210-pound Pembroke Pines (Fla.) product has completed 122-of-202 passes (60.4%)  for 1,545 yards (Ranks No. 3), with 10 TDs and 6 INTs. 
•  R-Sophomore RB Bishop Bonnett is averaging 8.0 yards per carry with 3 TDs. The 6-1, 205 pound senior has 343 yards on 43 carries, while Deshawn Smith has 57 carries for 304 yards and a TD.
• R-sophomore wideout Chad Hunter (6-0, 180) and r-freshman Xavier Smith (5-10, 165) are two of the league's top receivers. Hunter has 32 catches for 446 yards (63.7 avg/g) and 5 TDS, while Smith has 26 catches for 340 yards (42.5 avg/g) and 2 TDs. 
• FAMU is allowing 337.9 yards of total offense (rushing 116.3; passing 221.6). The Rattlers have also forced 9 turnovers (7 INTs; 2 FR). Opponents are averaging 5.2 yards per play. The Rattlers have recorded 45 tackles for loss.
• FAMU's D is led by sophomore linebacker Derrik Mayweather (Ft. Worth, Texas) and senior outside linebacker Antonio MIller. Mayweather, (6-0, 240) ranks No. 11 in the league with 44 tackles, while Miller (6-1, 205) ranks T-No.32 with 34 stops to go along with 7.5 TFL, 3 sacks and a pair of interceptions.

NOTABLE NATIONAL NOTES
Here are a few 2018 FCS national statistics of note on offense, defense and special teams that pertained to the Bears:
• Senior LB Damare' Whitaker ranks T-No. 16 nationally in solo tackles (35).
• Sophomore CB Donte Small ranks T-No. 6 nationally in interceptions per game (0.6; 4 ints) and
No. 3 in passes defended (13).
• Senior DL Ayodeji Agbelese ranks T-No. 7 nationally in fumble recoveries (2).
• Junior LB Ian McBorrough ranks T-No. 32 nationally in sacks (5).
• Freshman DE Colby Warrior ranks T-No. 6 nationally in blocked kicks (2).
• MSU ranks T-No. 8 nationally in turnovers gained (18) and T-No. 4 in passes intercepted (12).
• The Bears rank No. 12 nationally in 3rd down conversion defense (.295).
• The Bears rank No. 16 nationally in passing efficiency defense (105.06).
• The Bears rank T-No. 15 nationally in defensive TDs (2).
• MSU ranks No. 36 nationally in total defense (364.3).

PRESEASON PICKED 9TH 
Morgan State was picked to finish ninth (9th) to MEAC defending champion and Preseason #1 North Carolina A&T and #2 Howard.
 
PRESEASON ALL-MEAC PLAYERS
Seven (7) Morgan State football players were named to the 2018 MEAC preseason team, which was voted on by the conference head coaches and sports information directors.  Senior defensive lineman Malachi Washington and junior linebacker Rico Kennedy were first-team selections. Senior offensive linemen Joshua Miles and Matthew Thompson were third-team picks, along with junior wideout Manasseh Bailey, junior linebacker Ian McBorrough, and senior defensive back Carl Garnes. The seven preseason All-MEAC performers are part of a group of 37 lettermen and 16 starters returning for the 2018 Morgan State football season.
 
BEARS OPEN 120th SEASON OF FOOTBALL SINCE 1898
MSU enters its 120th season of football and will open the 2018 campaign under interim head coach Ernest T. Jones, set to enter his first year at the helm and his third year at Morgan State.
 
RETURN MEN 
The 2018 Morgan State Bears return 37 letterwinners, including 16 starters - 7 on offense, 8 on defense and 1 on special teams.
 
CAMPAIGNING FOR SUCCESS 
The Bears enter the 2018 season looking to post their first winning season since going 6-5 in 2009. MSU's 7-6 record in 2014 was vacated. 
 
NON-CONFERENCE PLAY
The Bears will open the 2018 campaign against four non-conference opponents. MSU opens the season against Towson (Sept. 1) in the 'Battle for Greater Baltimore', followed by road trips versus  Akron (Sept. 9), Univ. at Albany (Sept. 15) and the N.C. A&T (Sept. 22) game will also be recorded as a non-conference contest. 
 
BEARS OPEN 41st SEASON IN MEAC
The Bears will open its 41st season in the MEAC when they host South Carolina State for Homecoming on Oct. 6.
• The Bears opened the 2017 MEAC schedule with a 49-17 loss against #15 N.C. A&T at Hughes Stadium. 
• The Bears kicked off its first season in the MEAC in 1971. Morgan State withdrew from the conference at the end of the 1979-80 fiscal year, before returning to the MEAC in 1984.
 
EDWARD SCOTT NAMED TO FCS ADA EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE
The Division I Football Subdivision Athletics Directors Association announced that Morgan State's Director of Intercollegiate Athletics Edward Scott will serve on its Executive Committee. Scott represents the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference.

MAKING AN IMPACT IN THE CLASSROOM
The Morgan State football team has had great success in the classroom.
• Most recently, the Bears produced a 3.24 GPA during Summer 2018.
• The 2017-18 school year saw the Bears achieve their highest single-year GPA in program history.
• The program had 31 Athletic Director Honor Roll Members in the Fall of 2017, a 41% increase from the previous Fall. 

MSU LEGEND EDDIE P. HURT NAMED TO 2019 COLLEGE FOOTBALL HALL OF FAME BALLOT
76 players and six coaches from the Football Bowl Subdivision and 100 players and 32 coaches from the divisional ranks make-up the 2019 ballot for induction into the College Football Hall of Fame.  Morgan State head coach Eddie P. Hurt is among the list of nominees.
•  Hurt led Morgan's football teams to six Black College National Championships and won 14 CIAA titles. 
• Eleven of his squads executed undefeated seasons, including a non-losing string of games from 1932 to 1938. 
•  His 1943 team did not allow a score from a single opponent.
 
FOLLOW US IN CYBERSPACE 
There are many ways to keep up with MSU athletics online and on the go:
• Visit www.morganstatebears.com, the official web site of Bears athletics, for news, schedules, stats, bios and more. 
• Follow us on social media:
            Facebook: /MorganStateBears
            Twitter: @MorganStBears
            Instagram: /MorganStateBears

MORGAN STATE UNIVERSITY ATHLETICS MEDIA COMMUNICATIONS

Virginia State Women's Basketball 2018-2019 Season Outlook

2018-2019 Women's Basketball Schedule

ETTRICK, Virginia -- Head women's basketball coach James Hill, Jr. is on a quest to reclaim the CIAA title in 2019. The Virginia State University Women's Basketball team will tipped-off their 2018 – 2019 season on Tuesday, November 6th in an exhibition contest against Newport News Apprentice School. The Trojans finished the 2017-18 campaign as with 23-6 overall record, 12-4 CIAA, where the Trojans made an appearance in the 2018 NCAA Division II Women's Basketball Atlantic Region Tournament.   

The Trojans will return four players from last year's roster. Key returners include: senior Aja Robertson, senior Chrisanna Green, senior Taylor Hayes and junior Ebony Reynolds. Robertson, the senior guard from Bells, Tennessee, averaged 7.2 points a game will be leaned on for her senior leadership.  Green is a senior from Jamestown, New York averaged 13.1 points and 10.3 rebounds a game.  Taylor Hayes and Ebony Reynolds will be leaned upon to help out with leadership and keep the team focused. Shayln Washington(Richmond, Va.) is returning and will make an immediate impact to the team.

Newcomers to the team that are looking to make an immediate impact are sophomore Autumn Hopson(Gainesville, VA), junior Yazmen  Hannah (Hickory, NC), junior Tajah Clark (Clayton, NC), senior Asia Timmons (Virginia Beach, VA), freshman Jalynn Spaulding  (Lawrence, NJ), freshman Jeane' Robinson(Stafford, VA), junior BriAllen McIver (Williamsburg, VA), junior Zhane Barnes (Fredericksburg, VA) and sophomore Brianna Jones (Waverly, VA).

Head Coach James Hill, Jr. said of the upcoming season "with our returning players coupled with our incoming class.  I am excited to see where this season can take us." We have a lot of depth on the bench this year. We have four transfer added to the defensive end. We will be more aggressive and up-tempo this season." said Hill.

Throughout the year, VSU will play key games against Edinboro, Cheyney, Paine College, Puerto Rico-Bayamon, Tusculum, Lynchburg,  Saint Augustine's, Fayetteville State, Claflin, University of the District of Columbia, Winston-Salem State, Livingstone College, Johnson C. Smith University, Virginia Union University, Chowan University, Elizabeth City State University, Shaw University, Bowie State University, and Lincoln University.  The Trojans will play 12 of their 26 games scheduled at home. 
 
For the most up-to-date information on VSU women's basketball please visit www.govsutrojans.com and follow Trojans Athletics on Twitter @VSUsports.



VIRGINIA STATE UNIVERSITY ATHLETICS MEDIA COMMUNICATIONS

VSU Men's Basketball 2018-2019 Season Outlook

VSU 2018-19 MBB SCHEDULE

ETTRICK, Virginia -- The Virginia State University men's basketball program is coming off the best season in school history with a 26-5 overall record. The Trojans were ranked number team in the Atlantic Region, and hosted the 2018 NCAA Atlantic Region Men's Basketball tournament, where they advanced to the Regional Semi-Finals. During the past season at one point the Trojans were 17-1 and ranked eighth in the nation.
 
This year's 2018-2019 program returns nine players including starters Cyonte Melvin (6-3/Guard/Hampton, Va.) and Walter Williams (6-4/Guard/Richmond, Va.), who have started and played significant minutes since they were freshmen. VSU also returns sharp-shooter Brandon Holley (6-2/Guard/Richmond, Va.), who was injured a large part of the season, junior Andrew Corum (6-7/Forward/Leesburg, Va.), sophomore William Vedder (6-9/Forward/Washington. DC), who came up huge for us in some big games a freshman, senior Philip Owens (5-11/Combo Guard/Virginia Beach, Va.), sophomore Lual Rahama (6-5/Forward/Khartoum, Sudan), sophomore James Smith (6-1/Guard/South Boston, Va.). The Trojans also return two players who sat out the past year senior Jalen Jackson (6-2/Combo Guard/Cleveland, OH) and senior Tony Richardson(6-9/Center/Sterling, Va.).
 
We also have an outstanding recruiting class coming in the 2018-19 season that includes Kevin Holmes (6-9/Forward/Virginia Beach, Va.) a transfer from the University of Maryland Eastern Shore, Azariah Sykes (6-8/Forward/Richmond, Va.) a transfer from Morgan State University, Cedric Wiggins (6-0/Guard/Richmond, Va.) a transfer from North Carolina Central, and Armond Griebe (6-7/Forward/Woodbridge, Va.) a transfer from the University of Mount Olive. Also added to the roster is freshman Dallas Wilson (6-7/Forward/Portsmouth, Va.) and All-State, 3A Player of the Year (Antwan Miles (6-0/guard/Hampton, Va.) who has a chance of having a tremendous career here at Virginia State University.
 
Virginia State University has always been an extremely balanced team, with size and depth. We take pride in competing at an extremely high level. We are always one of the best defensive teams in the country, while attacking in transition, and being dominate on the glass.
 
We fell that the 2018-19 season could be an even better year for us, if we can get the new guys up to speed on the system quickly. Our size, athleticism and depth will give us a chance to be really good. Also I think our guard play will be much improved.  Our basketball program is here to stay. We consider ourselves one of the best programs in our region and in the nation.

For the most up-to-date information on VSU men's basketball please visit www.govsutrojans.com and follow Trojans Athletics on Twitter @VSUsports.

VIRGINIA STATE UNIVERSITY ATHLETICS MEDIA COMMUNICATIONS

FSU Broncos Claim Back-to-Back Women’s Cross-Country Titles

SALEM, Virginia – Fayetteville State University has done it again in women's cross-country with its second CIAA Championship Title in two years.
 
The Broncos held a 22-point lead over the competition with 70 points and had three runners, Nelly Kandie, Aleena Cruz, and Destiny Stevons, finish in the top 15 for All-Conference Honors. Head Coach Inez Turnerreceived her second CIAA Women's XC Coach the Year during the awards ceremony.
 
Charles Pumba led the men's team with an All-Conference performance, while the Broncos finished ninth overall. Pumba finished 11th overall in an 8K time of 28:58.9.
 
Days prior to the championship race, the Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association proclaimed Nelly Kandiethe 2018 Runner of the Year. Today from start to finish, Kandie (a junior from Eldoret, Kenya) proved why she deserved the honor. After the pop of the starter gun, Kandie took command of the race and won the 5-kilometer course in a time of 19:27.2; 45.7 seconds better than the second-place runner Kyla Frank of Virginia State University.
 
Last year's Runner of the Year Aleena Cruz earned her second All-CIAA Honor with a sixth-place finish in a time of 20:37.5; just a minute and ten seconds behind her teammate Kandie. Destiny Stevons was announced to the awards stage after finishing tenth overall with a mark of 21:03.5. Carissa Leonard missed All-Conference honors by three spots. Her 21:41.2 time helped the team with 18 points. Mylasia Pratt secured the championship title with a 36-place finish in a time of 22:56. Shanae Ingram finished 37th in 23:01.8.
 
Saint Augustine's received the runner-up trophy with 92 points while Bowie State finished third in the 13-team field with 98 points.
 Senior Richard Prudente-Bernal was just one position shy of receiving his second all-conference award after crossing the line with a season-best 29:22.4.
 
Fayetteville State will continue making marks in the record books with a new chapter of indoor track and field. The Broncos will compete in the JDL November Tune-up Meet on November 17th in Winston-Salem, NC.

FAYETTEVILLE STATE UNIVERSITY BRONCOS SPORTS INFORMATION 

Broncos and Trojans Repeat as the CIAA Cross Country Champions

SALEM, Virginia -- The Fayetteville State women captured their second consecutive CIAA Women’s Cr
oss Country Championship while Virginia State University captured their second consecutive Men’s Cross Country Championship Thursday afternoon at Green Hill Park in Salem, Virginia.

Full Results

The Broncos placed three women in the top ten overall as they captured the title with 70 points, defeating St. Augustine’s (92) and Bowie State (98).  The remaining order of finish included Virginia State (115), Winston-Salem State (137), Lincoln (142), Livingstone (151), Virginia Union (195), Shaw (206), Chowan (241), Claflin (257), Elizabeth City State (304), and Johnson C. Smith (324)

Fayetteville State Head Coach Inez Turner was named the 2018 CIAA Women’s Cross Country Coach of 

the Year, marking the second consecutive year she has earned the honor.

On the men’s side, the Trojans placed their first five runners in the top 15 overall as they cruised to victory with 56 points. St. Augustine’s was second with (86) points. Virginia Union placed third with 103 points.  The remaining order of finish included Lincoln (119); Bowie State (160); Livingstone (166); Claflin (189); Shaw (194); Fayetteville State (199); Elizabeth City State (214); Chowan (234); Johnson C. Smith (294); and Winston Salem State (332).

Virginia State Head Coach Wilbert Johnson was named the 2018 CIAA Men’s Cross Country Coach of the Year, mar
king the second consecutive year he has earned the honor.

Fayetteville State junior Nelly Kandie captured her first CIAA Championship, jumping out in front of the pack. She completed the 5,000-meter course in 19:27.2.  Virginia State sophomore Kyla Frank was second with a time of 20:12.7 and Nazirah Purnell, a sophomore from Lincoln was third with a time of 20:14.4

The All-CIAA Team includes Kandie, Frank and Purnell in addition to Amanda Crawford (SAU); Sarah Adam (VUU); Aleena Cruz (FSU); Angel Well (LC); Florence Fields (SAU); Tamia McLean (WSSU); Destiny Stevons (FSU); Clonne Gourrier (BSU);  Kaydi Ann Wint (SU); Asia Green (LU); Lela Knight (CU); and Zuwena Johnson (BSU).

Freshman Baron Freeman cruised to victory in his first CIAA Cross Country Championship event, outdistancing runner-up Tyreece Huff of Virginia State by 44 seconds, completing the 8,000-meter course in 25:52.6.  Huff finished in 26:36.5. Third place went to Mike Lagat of Shaw University with a time of 27:12.6.

The All-CIAA team includes Freeman, Huff and Lagat in addition to Torotich Kiplagat (SU); Enos Rotich (VUU); Anthony Wimbush (VUU); Dominic Samuel (CLAF); Kyuande Johnson (LU); Charles Whitelead-Tillery (VUU); Robert Edwards Jr. (SAU); Charles Pumbu (FSU); Steven Murdock (VSU); Nickolas Stackfield (VSU); Tyron Evans (VSU); and Louis Andrews (VSU)

Kandie and Freeman were named the CIAA Women’s and Men’s Cross Country Athletes of the Year based on their regular season performances, voted by the 2018 CIAA Cross Country Coaches Association.

CIAA MEDIA COMMUNICATIONS

Bethune-Cookman Picked as MEAC Favorites,Three Earn Accolades

COURTESY: BETHUNE-COOKMAN UNIVERSITY ATHLETICS
JASMINE ALSTON

NORFOLK, Virginia --The Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference (MEAC) has announced its 2018 preseason men's basketball all-conference teams and predicted order of finish. For the first time in program history, Bethune-Cookman has been tabbed as the preseason favorite; in addition, senior forwards Shawntrez Davis and Soufiyane Diakite were named to the First Team, and senior guard/forward Isaiah Bailey to the Second Team.
 
All awards are voted on by the conference's head coaches and sports information directors.
 
Bethune-Cookman captured a share of the MEAC Championship last season under then first-year head coach Ryan Ridder. The Wildcats finished 12-4 in MEAC play and 18-14 overall. They return nine players and four starters from last year's squad. Back-to-back MEAC Tournament Champion North Carolina Central was picked second followed by Norfolk State.
 
Diakite was named BCU's second-ever Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference Defensive Player of the Year last spring after he pulled in a conference-best 313 rebounds (28th nationally) and averaged 9.8 per-game. He led the MEAC with a 6.59 defensive rebounding average and a 3.19 offensive board average. In the regular season finale at FAMU (3/1) led BCU to a share of its second ever MEAC regular season title with 27 points on 13-13 shooting and became the only player in the 2018 season to go 13-13 from the floor in the NCAA. Diakite finished third in the MEAC with 11 double-doubles, and shot 57.3% from the floor to set a new BCU single-season record.
 
Davis was named to the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference Second Team and First Team NABC District 15 after finishing second in the MEAC with 1.22 blocks per-game. The Atlanta native was second on the team in offensive, defense, and total rebounding, as well as field goal percentage. His 8.7 rebounding average was third in the conference, and his 277 total boards placed him fourth in the MEAC. The forward was dependable as the only Wildcat to start all 32 games, and he averaged 27 minutes per-game. Davis led the team with a 37.7% success rate from three and was second in the MEAC with 13 double-doubles.


 
Bailey was named Third Team All-MEAC after leading team with 4.8 assists-per-game, which also ranked fifth in the MEAC. He posted BCU's first-ever triple-double against D1 competition, and third overall, when he went off for 19 points, 13 rebounds, and 10 assists vs. SSU (Feb. 24). Bailey broke the 20-point mark seven times in 2018, and reached double-figures in 22 consecutive outings until the season finale tournament loss to Morgan State. The senior also scored 10+ and in 28 of his 31 games played. His 172 made free throws was third in Wildcat single-season records, and  his 219 free throw attempts finished tied for third with C.J. Reed (2011).


 
Howard's sophomore R.J. Cole was chosen as the Player of the Year.
 
BCU opens its season on Wednesday, Nov. 6 at DePaul in a game televised on FS1.
 
Follow Bethune-Cookman Men's Basketball on Twitter (@BCUHoops) 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 ATHLETICS MEDIA COMMUNICATIONS

Tennessee State Tia Wooten Named a Candidate for the 2019 Cheryl Miller Award

SPRINGFIELD, Massachusetts — The Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame and the Women’s Basketball Coaches Association announced today the 20 watch list candidates for the 2019 Cheryl Miller Award.

Named after the three-time Naismith Player of the Year and Class of 1995 Hall of Famer, the annual award in its second year recognizes the top small forwards in women’s NCAA Division I college basketball. 

Tennessee State redshirt senior Tia Wooten was named to the list.

Wooten finished last season ranked 15th in the nation in points per game and 20th in made free-throws. She was the second leading scorer in the Ohio Valley Conference with 21.2 ppg while averaging 8.9 rebounds per outing. She was named to the 2017-18 All-OVC First Team while ranking 2nd in the conference in offensive rebounds and 3rd in defensive rebounds. She was recently named to the 2018-19 Preseason All-OVC Team.

The Selection Committee for the Cheryl Miller Award is composed of top women’s college basketball personnel including media members, head coaches, sports information directors and Hall of Famers. By mid-February, the watch list of 20 players for the 2019 Cheryl Miller Award will be narrowed to just 10. In March, five finalists will be presented to Ms. Miller and the Hall of Fame’s selection committee. Fans will also have the opportunity to vote for their favorite finalist at www.hoophallawards.com. 

The winner of the 2019 Cheryl Miller Small Forward Award will be revealed on an ESPN platform during the 2019 Women’s Final Four in Tampa, Florida. Additional awards being presented and recognized at the WBCA Convention include the Nancy Lieberman Point Guard Award, the Ann Meyers Drysdale Shooting Guard Award, the Katrina McClain Power Forward Award, and the Lisa Leslie Center Award. Also being awarded is the Wade Trophy, the sport’s oldest and most prestigious national player of the year award which is presented annually by the WBCA’s community of coaches to the best player in college women’s basketball. 

Last season, Gabby Williams of Connecticut was named the inaugural winner of the Cheryl Miller Small Forward of the Year Award. 

For more information and the latest updates on the 2019 Cheryl Miller Award, log onto www.hoophallawards.com and follow @hoophall and #MillerAward on Twitter and Instagram.

TENNESSEE STATE UNIVERSITY ATHLETICS MEDIA COMMUNICATIONS

2018-19 TSU Men's Basketball Preview - Post Players

PHOTO GALLERY

NASHVILLE, Tennessee -- First-year Head Coach Brian “Penny” Collins will have multiple options for post players during the 2018-19 season.

Stokley Chaffee Jr., who appeared in 28 games last season, returns for his senior season with another year of experience. Starting the last two games of the season in 2017-18, Chaffee put up nine points in both the regular season finale and the first round of the Ohio Valley Conference Tournament.

Among the post players, DaJion Henderson and Demarcus Mitchell attended TSU last year but did not play in a game. Henderson earned All-Conference honors at El Camino College Compton Center, a junior college in California, during the 2016-17 season. Mitchell secured All-Metro honors from The Commercial Appeal as a senior in high school.

The newcomer to the group is Emmanuel Egbuta, who starred at Navarro College in Texas for the last two seasons. Egbuta brings length and athleticism to the frontcourt after earning NJCAA Region XIV Second Team All-North Zone accolades a year ago for Navarro.  

Jy’lan Washington, a Smyrna, Tenn. native, will sit out the 2018-19 season after transferring from Louisiana Tech. Washington played in 97 games in three seasons for the Bulldogs. He will have one year of eligibility left in 2019-20.

POST PLAYER BREAKDOWN

NAME	CL	HT	WT	NOTE
Stokley Chaffee Jr.	Sr.	6'8	215	Played in 28 games with two starts; Averaged 2.7 ppg and 3.1 rpg
DaJion Henderson	R-Jr.	6'7	275	Missed 2017-18 season with injury; All-Conference at El Camino College Compton Center
Demarcus Mitchell	R-Fr.	6'7	220	Redshirted in 2017-18; AAA All-Metro from Commercial Appeal as a senior
Emmanuel Egbuta	Jr.	6'7	230	NJCAA Region XIV 2nd Team All-North Zone at Navarro College (Texas)
Jy'lan Washington	Sr.	6'9	195	Will sit out the 2018-19 season after transferring from Louisiana Tech

TENNESSEE STATE UNIVERSITY ATHLETICS MEDIA COMMUNICATIONS

TSU Heads to the OVC Cross Country Championship

MEET INFORMATION

OHIO VALLEY CONFERENCE CROSS COUNTRY CHAMPIONSHIP

Date: Saturday, Oct. 27
Location: Osage Center – Cape Girardeau, Mo. 
Time: WOMEN – 9 a.m. / MEN – 10 a.m. 
Distance: WOMEN – 5K / MEN – 8K
Live Results:  CFPI Timing
Course Map:  WOMEN / MEN

STARTING LINE: With three weeks in between competitions, the Tennessee State men’s and women’s cross country teams head to Cape Girardeau, Mo. for the Ohio Valley Conference Cross Country Championship. The event, held at the Osage Center, will kick off with the women’s 5K at 9 a.m. followed by the men’s 8K at 10 a.m.

THE FIELD: Austin Peay, Belmont, Eastern Illinois, Eastern Kentucky, Jacksonville State, Morehead State, Murray State, Southeast Missouri, SIUE, TSU, Tennessee Tech, UT Martin

LAST TIME OUT: At the Fast Cats Classic on Oct. 6 in Owensboro, Ky., sophomore Larry McNary paced the men’s team with an 8K time of 30:34 to help TSU place 15th. On the women’s side, sophomore Rebekah Wynn clocked in at 22:06 in the 5K put the Tigerbelles 14th overall.

LAST YEAR’S EVENT: Larry McNary and Rebekah Wynn were TSU’s top finishers a year ago at the OVC Cross Country Championship in Charleston, Ill. Both the men’s and women’s team earned 12th place.

OVC CHAMPIONSHIP HISTORY: The Tigerbelles have had one top-10 individual finisher at the OVC Cross Country Championship – Candice Simon (9th in 2000). TSU had placed 12th at the OVC Cross Country Championship in each of the last six seasons.

UP NEXT: TSU heads into the indoor track and field season with the Blue and White Meet at the Gentry Center on Nov. 12 to unofficially kick off the season. The first official meet of the indoor season is Dec. 1 – the Vanderbilt Opener in Nashville.

TENNESSEE STATE UNIVERSITY ATHLETICS MEDIA COMMUNICATIONS

Xavier's Horn promoted to Assistant VP for Student Affairs

NEW ORLEANS — Xavier University of Louisiana has promoted Jason Horn to assistant vice president for student affairs, effective immediately.
     
Horn, hired in 2014 as XULA's director of athletics and recreation, will continue to have primary oversight of those departments. He has been given additional responsibilities which include exploration of the addition of new sports and programs, the management of XULA's trademarking and licensing endeavors as well as other strategic university initiatives.
     
XULA also announced that Dr. Ashley Baker, the department's associate athletics director and senior woman administrator, will assume additional responsibilities that include direct oversight of some sports programs.
    
Horn's and Baker's new responsibilities were part of nearly a dozen changes within the Office of Student Affairs announced Wednesday by Vice President Curtis Wright.
     
"Jason Horn is an innovative, student-centered athletics director," Wright said. "Jason's leadership and ingenuity have positioned Xavier University as a standard-bearer in our conference and among HBCUs athletic programs. I'm looking forward to the great, good work that he'll produce as assistant vice president as we grow our sports programs and create services which continue to support our brilliantly talented student-athletes."
     
During Horn's XULA tenure, he has successfully negotiated several multi-year partnerships — with Ochsner Health System's sports medicine division, apparel provider adidas, website provider SIDEARM Sports, UniversityTickets to provide online ticketing for athletics competitions, concerts and other events, and Follett Advanced-Online to provide an official athletics online store featuring XULA products.
     
Said Horn, "I feel very privileged and honored to continue to lead Xavier's athletics and recreation teams. This promotion would not be possible if it weren't for the dedicated staff we have in both areas. I enjoy being at Xavier and look forward to continue implementing innovative methods that support the university's service excellence initiatives."
     
Horn is a Detroit native and a graduate of the University of Michigan. He is on the board of directors of the Minority Opportunities Athletic Association (MOAA) and the Greater New Orleans Sports Foundation. Horn is a member of the NAIA's National Administrative Council (NAC) and the Competitive Experience Committee, and he serves the NAIA's Gulf Coast Athletic Conference as chair of the athletic directors and as vice president of the league.
     
XULA is a longtime member of the NAIA and the GCAC. XULA sponsors intercollegiate teams in women's volleyball, men's and women's basketball, men's and women's cross country, men's and women's tennis and men's and women's outdoor track and field.

Ed Cassiere, Assistant Athletics Director for Communications
Department of Athletics & Recreation
XAVIER UNIVERSITY OF LOUISIANA 
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XULA promotes Mitchell to associate head coach

NEW ORLEANS — Xavier University of Louisiana has promoted Tyrone Mitchell to associate head coach of men's basketball, effective immediately.
     
Mitchell is in his fourth season on the staff. Since his hiring at XULA as assistant coach in August 2015, the Gold Rush qualified for the NAIA Division I National Championship tournament 2-of-3 times: 2016 and 2018. Last season the Gold Rush earned a share of the Gulf Coast Athletic Conference regular-season championship and ranked 25th in the final national coaches poll.
     
"Tyrone Mitchell has continued to grow and develop as he begins his fourth season," head coach Alfred Williams said. "Every year, we've had a better recruiting class since our first year together. Tyrone's relationships in the state of Louisiana have helped Xavier to recruit and keep local talent home. He has been a great addition to our program."
     
A native of New Iberia, La., Mitchell was an assistant coach at Baton Rouge (La.) Community College during the 2014-15 season. He was a standout point guard at Northwestern State University from 2002-06 and played seven years professionally in Europe.
     
"I'm extremely grateful for this vote of confidence from Xavier's athletic administration and coach Williams," Mitchell said. "It's really a testament to the awesome student-athletes and coaching staff who are building a culture of success and excellence. I'm humbled to play a role in helping build a first-class, winning team, and I am looking forward to what's ahead."
     
The XULA men will open their 81st season with games at St. Thomas, Virgin Islands, against Keiser Friday (7 p.m. AST/6 p.m. New Orleans time) and Virgin Islands Sunday (2 p.m. AST/1 p.m. New Orleans time). The home opener will tip off at 7 p.m. next Thursday against Carver in the Convocation Center.

Ed Cassiere, Assistant Athletics Director for Communications
Department of Athletics & Recreation
XAVIER UNIVERSITY OF LOUISIANA 
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