Georgia Tech Adds Alabama A&M To 2013 Football Schedule

THE FLATS - Georgia Tech filled an opening in its 2013 football schedule by adding Alabama A&M to a non-conference lineup that already includes Brigham Young and Georgia.

The void in the Yellow Jackets' schedule came when the ACC announced earlier this fall that it would play an eight-game conference schedule in 2013 instead of expanding to nine games.

Tech will host the Bulldogs, an FCS opponent out of the Southwestern Athletic Conference, Nov. 23, 2013 at Bobby Dodd Stadium - one week before the regular-season finale against rival Georgia.  A&M finished the 2012 season with a 7-4 record, including a loss at Auburn to close the year. The addition of Alabama A&M, coupled with a season opener scheduled against Elon, gives Georgia Tech two FCS non-conference opponents in 2013. The Yellow Jackets will need to win a minimum of seven games next fall to extend their school-record 16 consecutive postseason bowl appearances.

The Yellow Jackets will play seven home games in 2013.

Georgia Tech has never previously played Alabama A&M in football.


COURTESY GEORGIA TECH ATHLETICS MEDIA RELATIONS

Former JCSU player killed in wreck

WINSTON-SALEM, North Carolina  --  Former Johnson C. Smith women's basketball player Tiana Pope was killed in a single-car wreck in Winston-Salem Wednesday morning.

According to a university statement, Winston-Salem police reported Pope, 27, was speeding before she crashed her 2010 Chevrolet Aveo into a utility pole in the 500 block of Oak Summit Road at 2:45 a.m. She died at the scene. The car went off the right side of the road and police asserted speeding was a contributing factor in the wreck.

Police are still investigating.

Pope, who lived in Kernersville, played guard at JCSU from 2003-07. She scored 1,184 points, pulled down 413 rebounds, and was credited with 271 assists, and 206 steals. The Golden Bulls won CIAA Western Division titles in 2005, ‘06 and ‘07.

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Tennessee State Men's Basketball Slays the Drexel Dragons, 76-66

Nashville, Tennessee  --  The Tennessee State men's basketball team won its third straight game in row with a 76-66 victory over the Drexel Dragons.

Kellen Thornton had a game high 20 points on 9-of-16 shooting, and Tennessee State had at least five players in double-figures for the first time all season.

TSU got 26 points from its bench including 15 by Jordan Cyphers and 11 by Michael Green.

Tennessee State won the tip, and both teams got off a quick start shooting the ball. TSU nailed four of its first six shots-including two threes from Robert Covington- but Drexel was just a tad better at 5-for-7. The small difference in shooting percentage led to a small difference on the scoreboard, as the Tigers trailed 10-11 during the game's first six minutes.

Early in the game, the Tigers seemed content to feed the ball into the low-post on offense, and Thornton benefitted by racking up eight points on half of the Tigers' first 16 total shots.

Thornton ended the half with 13 points on 6-of-11 shooting.

Even with TSU's strong play in the post, the Dragons hung around by outrebounding Tennessee State 20-11 during the opening stanza.
 

With the score tied at 27, Deshawn Dockery nailed a jumper as the shot clock expired and Green added a fast-break two-handed dunk to give the Tigers and narrow four-point lead with 2:28 left to play in the period.
 

TSU executed an impressive display of the running the whole court when Drexel missed a shot with 51 seconds to play in the first half. Green started the break by getting a rebound. He then passed the ball off to Cyphers who found Thornton with a no-look pass. Thornton converted the layup, was fouled and made the ensuing free-throw to give TSU a 36-28 lead.

The Dragons had a tip-in on following possession, but the Tigers still led at the break, 36-30.

TSU had just two turnovers and the Tigers received 11 points from its bench during the game's first 20 minutes. Green (7) and Cyphers (4) accounted for all of Tennessee State's first half bench points.

Drexel started the second half on a 7-2 run, cutting the TSU lead to one and prompting the Tigers to burn their first timeout of the game.

Following the stoppage in play, Thornton canned an elbow jumper and drained a foul shot for an old-fashioned three-point play. The play put TSU up 41-37.

The Dragons came right back with a 7-0 run that was finally ended by a Covington jumper at the 12:20 mark.

Covington finished the game with 17 points, shooting 2-of-4 from three-point land. He also led the Tigers with seven boards.

The teams traded blows for the next eight minutes, with neither side gaining more than a one-possession lead. TSU finally broke the streak with four minutes to go in the game when Cyphers hit a layup and was fouled. He missed the shot at the charity stripe, but Green was there to clean up the miss to give the Tigers a 61-57 advantage.

Cyphers drained a three with 2:50 to go, and Covington threw down a dunk with a little over a minute to play, allowing TSU to hang on and vanquish the Dragons, 76-66.

TSU shot 50 percent (26-52) from the field and held the Dragons to just 38.8 percent (26-67).

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TSU Announces Recruiting Class for 2013-14

Nashville, Tennessee - Men's Basketball head coach Travis Williams has announced the class of 2016. Jamontae Davis (Nashville), Jamonte Graham (Nashville), and Rhyan Townes (Memphis) will join the Tigers for the 2013-14 season.

"We are always trying to stay local when the talent presents itself in the state of Tennessee," said Williams. "We were able to get two local guys in Davis and Graham out of respectable programs, which had tremendous summers on the AAU scene. For our first recruiting class, it is great to be able to get these types of players to set the foundation for future success of the program. These guys are impact players. There is always an adjustment process coming from high school to college, but I believe these young men will adjust quite nicely."
 

Davis is a 6-8, 200-pound forward and is listed as the No. 50-ranked forward according to ESPN Recruiting Nation. The Hillsboro High School product was selected to the All-City team as a freshman and was a part of the AAU Team Nashville that was ranked as high as 11th in the nation in 2012. The two-year member of the Avid Program intends to major in Business at TSU. Davis has been involved with humanitarian projects, such as clean-up help to flood victims and building access ramps for a teammate's parent's home.

"He is a very skilled combo player who reminds me of Robert Covington," Williams said. "He comes with a little more body size. He is very capable of playing inside/outside, three-point shooting, and putting it on the floor with good ball skills." 

A 6-1, 195-pound guard, Graham hails from Father Ryan High School and intends to major in Special Education. Graham helped head coach Doug Bondrager and FRHS reach the semifinals at the Tennessee State Championships in 2012. He was named to the All-Region team as a sophomore and to the All-State team as a junior after averaging 18 points per game. A multiple sport athlete at Father Ryan, Graham was selected to the All-Mid Region, All-Mid State and All-State teams in football as a junior. His brother Jamie, played basketball as a freshman at Vanderbilt and competed for the Commodores football team for three seasons. Jamie completed his collegiate football career at UCLA.

"[Graham] is a talented two sport star at Father Ryan. He is a player that succeeds wherever they put him on the field. As far as basketball, he is a tough hard-nosed player capable of playing the combo position for us. He brings a physicality to the program that I am very excited about."

Townes is a 6-5, 192-pound guard who prepped at Arlington High School and played for head coach Don Deaton. In 2012, Townes guided AHS to the second round of regionals for the first time in school history. As a junior, he averaged 14 points per game, including a season high 28 points against defending state champions Craigmont High School. For his play he was named a part of the Pepsi/Commercial Appeal AAA Best of the Preps. Townes played for Jerry Starks and Team Thad who finished as 2012 AAU Tennessee State champions and finished the summer ranked 11th in the nation. In the classroom, he has shown excellence academically and has been a member of the Principals Honor Roll every semester. Townes is a member of the National Honor Society, National Science Honor Society and the National Beta Club. He plans to major in Civil Engineering.

"[Townes] epitomizes what it means to be a student-athlete. Bottom line, he is taking care of business academically. On the court, you look at his skill set and he is a very talented player that had a great summer. Academically and athletically, he is the type of player we are recruiting to Tennessee State University."

 

 

COURTESY TENNESSEE STATE UNIVERSITY SPORTS INFORMATION

9-1 Gold Rush are 13th in poll after climbing six places

NEW ORLEANS -- Nine victories in the first 10 games helped Xavier University of Louisiana climb six spots to 13th Tuesday in the NAIA Division I Men's Basketball Coaches' Top 25 Poll.

The poll is the first since the NAIA announced preseason rankings Oct. 23. The next two polls will be announced Dec. 11 and Jan. 8.

The Gold Rush defeated NCAA Division II opponents Morehouse and Tuskegee en route to a 6-0 start. William Carey won 78-68 at Xavier on Nov. 19, but since then Xavier won three in a row to give Dannton Jackson his sixth start of 9-1 or better in 10 seasons as head coach.

Xavier is in the top 25 for the 13th consecutive time and the 26th time in 27 polls.

Oklahoma Baptist is No. 1. One of Xavier's city and Gulf Coast Athletic Conference rivals, SUNO, climbed three places to 21st. A third GCAC school, second-year member Philander Smith, received three points to tie for 34th. William Carey, which received no votes in the preseason, is 15th.

Coupled with Xavier's No. 10 position in the new women's poll, it's the first time since Feb. 7, 2011 -- and just the second time since the start of the 2004-05 season -- that both XU basketball teams are among the NAIA's top 13.

Both XU teams will play city rival Loyola on Wednesday at the Convocation Center. The men will tip off at 7:30 p.m. and follow a 5:30 women's game. Loyola was the other school to receive three points in the men's poll.

By Ed Cassiere, Sports Information Director
VISIT: XAVIER UNIVERSITY OF LOUISIANA
VISIT: XULAATHLETICS

Xavier Gold Nuggets earn first top-10 ranking since 2005

NEW ORLEANS -- Xavier University of Louisiana, aided by consecutive home victories against preseason ranked teams, climbed one spot to 10th Tuesday in the NAIA Division I Women's Basketball Coaches' Top 25 Poll. It's the first time since Feb. 8, 2005, that the Gold Nuggets have been among the top 10.

This is the first poll since the NAIA announced preseason rankings Oct. 23. The next two polls will be announced Dec. 11 and Jan. 8.

The Gold Nuggets (6-1) beat then-19th-ranked LSU-Shreveport 46-45 on Nov. 19, then defeated then-No. 14 Langston 46-38 three days later. LSUS is No. 17 in the new poll, but Langston received no votes. Xavier's loss was 62-50 at home Nov. 17 to Westminster (Utah), which was preseason No. 5 but climbed to fourth.

Xavier is in the top 25 for the 33rd consecutive time dating to January 2010. It's the Nuggets' longest top-25 streak since 34 straight polls from Jan. 13, 2003-March 8, 2005.

Future opponents in the top 25 are No. 13 Bethel (Tenn.) and No. 25 Faulkner. Xavier will play Faulkner on Dec. 29 in the Coaches vs. Cancer Classic at Montgomery, Ala., and Bethel on Jan. 2 at XU's new Convocation Center. Lubbock Christian is No. 1 for the second consecutive time.

Coupled with Xavier's No. 13 position in the new men's poll, it's the first time since Feb. 7, 2011 -- and just the second time since the start of the 2004-05 season -- that both XU basketball teams are among the NAIA's top 13.

Both XU teams will play city rival Loyola on Wednesday at the Convocation Center. The women's game will tip off at 5:30 p.m., and the men's game will start at 7:30 p.m.

By Ed Cassiere, Sports Information Director
VISIT: XULAATHLETICS
VISIT: XAVIER UNIVERSITY OF LOUISIANA

SWAC Championship Nears Kickoff

SWAC CHAMPIONSHIP NEARS KICKOFF

#THESWAC

Jackson State University and University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff prepare to Battle at the

2012 Toyota SWAC Football Championship Game

BIRMINGHAM, Alabama — Get ready, Judgment Day is coming! The Southwestern Athletic Conference (SWAC) 2012 Football Championship game is almost here. West Division Champion, University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff is set to play the East Division Champion, Jackson State University Saturday, December 8^th at Legion Field Stadium in Birmingham, Alabama and tickets are selling fast.

The 2012 SWAC Toyota Football Championship game is a time for SWAC fans, alumni and students to come together to celebrate and experience SWAC college football. SWAC has planned the ultimate fan experience by hosting many ancillary events before and after the championship game with events for all ages.

Celebrating its 14^th year, the SWAC Football Championship continues to grow in exposure and attendance every year. With festivities starting on Friday, December 7^th, the SWAC offers many events and entertainment for all fans, students and alumni. Below you will find a brief schedule of events.

Friday, December 7^th, 2012

What: SWAC Football Championship Press Conference

When: Friday, December 7^th, 2012 at 10 a.m.

Where: Birmingham Sheraton Hotel

Who: Media and participating SWAC Coaches

What: The Official SWAC Kickoff Party and Mini Concert

When: Friday, December 7^th, 2012 Doors Open at 8 p.m.

Where: Merienda Lounge, Birmingham, Alabama

Who: SWAC alumni, fans and students

Saturday, December 8^th, 2012

What: Great Championship Tailgate Party

When: Saturday, December 8^th, 2012, 9 a.m. to Noon

Where: Legion Field Stadium: Lower Parking Lot F; Birmingham, Alabama

Who: SWAC alumni, fans and students

What: SWAC College Expo

When: Saturday, December 8^th, 2012, 9 a.m. to Noon

Where: Legion Field Stadium: Lower Parking Lot F; Birmingham, Alabama

Who: Middle/High School Prospective Students

What: 2012 Toyota SWAC Football Championship Game, #SWACFBCHAMP12

When: Saturday, December 8^th, 2012 Kickoff at 12 Noon

Where: Legion Field Stadium, Birmingham, Alabama

Who: UAPB vs. JSU and SWAC alumni, fans and students

What: Verizon SWAC Battle of the Bands

When: Halftime, Saturday, December 8^th, 2012

Where: Legion Field Stadium, Birmingham, Alabama

Who: University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff and Jackson State University Band

For event details, download a complete 2012 SWAC Football Championship event schedule.

Find us on social media and keep up with the 2012 SWAC Football Championship events. Follow the SWAC on Twitter and Like on Facebook to keep up-to-date on the latest schedule.

For 2012 Toyota SWAC Football Championship Game information about hotels and travel, tailgating, vending opportunities and event details please visit www.swacfootball.org .

About SWAC

Founded in 1920, the Southwestern Athletic Conference – made up of historically black colleges and universities - and its members are committed to the philosophy of maintaining intercollegiate athletics as an integral part of the overall educational program. The conference believes in and subscribes to the fundamental principles of amateurism, institutional control, sound academic standards, financial aid, recruiting, and ethical conduct that govern intercollegiate athletics, and the enforcement of rules and regulations as adopted by the NCAA. Sponsoring 18 sports, the SWAC ranks among the elite in the nation in terms of alumni playing with professional sports teams- particularly in football. For more information about SWAC, visit www.swac.org.