Crusaders' last-minute comeback defeats Gold Rush

HATTIESBURG, Miss. — Jeremiah Dunnings' 5-point play with five seconds remaining lifted William Carey to a 72-71 victory against Xavier University of Louisiana in a matchup of ranked NAIA Division I men's basketball teams Tuesday.

The Crusaders (11-1), ranked 10th, completed a two-game season sweep of the Gold Rush (11-3), ranked 16th.

Dunnings, who finished with 17 points, helped William Carey erase a five-point deficit in the final minute. He scored and was fouled by Wanto Joseph on William Carey's final possession to cut Xavier's lead to 71-69. XU coach Dannton Jackson was assessed a technical foul after Dunnings' basket. Dunnings made three consecutive free throws — the last two as a result of the technical — to give the Crusaders their only lead of the second half.

Xavier then committed a turnover on the final possession.

Denzell Erves scored a season-high 22 points for Xavier and grabbed 10 rebounds in his eighth double-double of the season and 15th of his career. Nick Haywood had season highs of 19 points and six 3-pointers, and Joseph had 12 points and seven assists.

Daron Bell scored 16 points, Guy Payne 14 and Kelvin Nixon 10 for William Carey.

The Gold Rush rallied from an 18-9 deficit to lead 36-33 at halftime. Erves' basket with 11:09 remaining gave Xavier its largest lead, 60-47.

William Carey outshot Xavier 49 to 43.8 percent from the floor and outrebounded the Gold Rush 39-29. The Crusaders made 19-of-27 free throws, and the Rush made 7-of-12 to set season lows for free throws attempted, made and accuracy.

The loss was Xavier's first of the season in six road games and its second consecutive one-point decision. The Rush defeated Voorhees 56-55 Saturday.

The Gold Rush will break for Christmas, then resume the schedule at 2 p.m. on New Year's Eve at Belhaven in Jackson, Miss. The next XU men's home game will start at 5 p.m. on Jan. 12 against Tougaloo in the new Convocation Center.

Box score

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

SC State Women Defeat Coastal Carolina 78-55

ORANGEBURG, South Carolina  --  The South Carolina State women, off to their best start in 31 years, built a 27-point halftime lead over visiting Coastal Carolina and went on to a 78-55 victory over the Chanticleers Tuesday night in a non-conference matchup at Smith-Hammond-Middleton Memorial Center.

Guard Cabriel Duren had 15 points and four assists to lead SC State. Also in double figures were guards Kourtney Williams with 12 points and Tiara Knotts with 11. Center Fannie Goodwin added nine points and was one of three Lady Bulldogs with a team-leading seven rebounds. Knotts and forward Brittany Cochran also grabbed seven boards.

Coastal Carolina also had three players in double figures, led by Kayla Cook, who came off the bench for 14 points. Alex Puckett added 13 points and a game-high 11 rebounds and Katelyn Connor chipped in 10 points for the Chanticleers, who fell to 6-4 with the loss.

The victory, the fourth in a row for the Lady Bulldogs gave SC State an 8-2 overall mark, the team's best start since the 1978-79 campaign when the Orangeburg institution was 9-1 in its first 10 games on its way to a 33-2 campaign, which included the AIAW Division II National Championship. It is also the best start at SC State for fifth-year head Coach Doug Robertson, who succeeded Tonya Mackey in 2008-2009.

“It's good to be off to a good start,” Robertson said following the game. “We played well in the first half, got a big lead, but played a little lackadaisical in the second half.

“I'm glad we are where we are this point in the season,” he continued, “but we are not at the place where I want us to be yet. We have to learn to put two good halves together. We've gotten off to quick starts several times this season, only to have the teams come back in the second half.”

SC State got off to a quick 18-8 start when Knotts scored on a breakaway with 13:13 on the first period clock. Following a basket by Cook, the Lady Bulldogs went on a 14-2 run to build a 28-10 cushion on a short jumper by Williams with 10:40 left in the opening.

AJ Jordan connected inside the lane for the Chanticleers at the 9:35 mark but a 21-10 spree by the host to end the half sent SC State to the locker room with a 49-22 edge, matching its highest first-half point production of the season. The Lady Bulldogs also scored 49 first-half points in a 94-46 triumph over Southern Wesleyan on Nov. 27th.

Coastal scored 12 of the first 17 points in the second half to slice the lead to 54-34 following back to back baskets by Connor with 11:53 remaining but the Lady Bulldogs got 13 of the next 17 points, to fashion a 67-38 advantage with 8:48 to play on a 3-pointer by Cherisha Floyd, who had seven points in the win.
SC State took its biggest lead – 71-40 – on two foul shots by Duren with 7:46 to play and closest Coastal Carolina came after that was 19 points at 71-52 with 5:28 left on the clock.

SC State will have little time to enjoy the win as the Lady Bulldogs travel to Columbia Friday to face 21st-ranked South Carolina, which was 10-0 on the season going into a Wednesday matchup with No. 1 ranked Stanford.

The Gamecocks dominate the series as SC State's last win in the rivalry came during the 1977-78 campaign by a score of 68-64 in Orangeburg. USC won 63-44 at Columbia last season.

COURTESY SOUTH CAROLINA STATE UNIVERSITY SPORTS INFORMATION

B-CU women commit just 8 turnovers, rout UNC Asheville

DELAND, Florida — Bethune-Cookman built a 40-16 halftime lead and committed its fewest turnovers since the 2002-03 season in a 74-57 rout of UNC Asheville as part of the Hatter Classic at the Edmunds Center.

“We did a great job of starting the game ahead and taking care of the easy shots we were given,” Wildcats coach Vanessa Blair said. “I thought it was a very good team win.”

B-CU (4-5) had just eight turnovers and was led by 15-point nights from Chastity Rene Taylor and Terrenisha Hollis to cruise past the Bulldogs (2-9).

In the second half, UNC Asheville rode long-range shooting to cut B-CU's lead to 13 points with just under three minutes to go.

However, Hollis and Sharnese Neal hit free throws in the final two minutes to seal the game.

“It was refreshing to see them pull together, knock down their free throws at the end of the game and finish the game with a significant advantage,” Blair said.

READ MORE

HU scores 'huge' victory against American

HAMPTON, Virginia —  Hampton University coach Ed Joyner Jr. attempted to put the Pirates' signature performance Tuesday in perspective and then just stopped and chuckled.

"Here I am trying to sound all fancy," Joyner said. "Bottom line is, the win was huge. We needed it. It's great for our confidence. That's the way we feel like we can play."

HU's trio of Emmanuel Okoroba, Jasper Williams and Deron Powers fueled a 72-65 win over American at the Convocation Center in the Pirates' most complete effort of the season.

"We played a lot of 35-minute games," Williams said. "I think we kept our focus for 40 straight minutes today."

Hampton (2-7) came off a 10-day break for semester exams and played with energy at both ends of the floor for just its second win.

Okoroba recorded career-highs in points (18) and rebounds (11) in his first ...

READ MORE

Barclays Center to Host Big Apple Classic in Brooklyn

BROOKLYN, New York  --  Big Apple Classic, the original Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU) basketball event, has signed a multi-year agreement with Barclays Center and will be held at the Brooklyn venue starting December 2013. The annual showcase features the iconic southern basketball rivals, Howard University vs. Hampton University in the battle of the REAL HU, and Virginia State University vs. Virginia Union University. The BAC had been played at Madison Square Garden in the past.

"Big Apple Classic is a huge men's college basketball event and a great showcase for Historically Black College and University programs," said Louis "Skip" Perkins, Director of Athletics for Howard University. "So to compete in the Big Apple Classic in the brand new Barclays Center in the heart of Brooklyn, N.Y., is an honor and a huge statement for the Bison family."

Off the court, Big Apple Classic (BAC) will provide an exciting platform for BAC festivities, including a dynamic drumline exhibition, a college fair and educational symposium, and an unforgettable halftime show.

"Hosting Big Apple Classic in Brooklyn presents a unique opportunity," said Ken Johnson, CEO of Johnson, Inc. and Founder of Big Apple Classic. "Not only is Barclays Center state-of-the-art, but Brooklyn's love of college basketball is evident as soon as you step foot in the building. The energy is unlike anywhere else."

A portion of the proceeds from BAC will be donated to support the philanthropic efforts of Educational Learning Opportunities, a non-profit organization specifically designed to provide student mentoring, educational workshops, personal and professional development, as well as career planning.

"We are proud to host a tournament that supports the strong tradition of Historically Black Colleges and Universities," said Brett Yormark, CEO of Barclays Center. "Our college basketball events this season have brought a lot of excitement and energy to Barclays Center and we are thrilled to add Big Apple Classic to our lineup for next season."

General on-sale ticket information will be announced in 2013. For more information about the BAC weekend, visit www.thebigappleclassic.com, or visit facebook.com/thebigappleclassic.

 

About Big Apple Classic

A historic event, the Big Apple Classic was launched seven years ago as the first ever HBCU basketball competition. Produced by Johnson, Inc., a Richmond, VA-based marketing firm, the Big Apple Classic has one primary goal: to increase the awareness of Historical Black Colleges and Universities in the Northeast region. In addition to exciting basketball action featuring top CIAA and MEAC teams, BAC attendees enjoy the hottest entertainment, an HBCU college fair and more.  In fact, the Big Apple Classic has become the ultimate family and social event that draws thousands of alumni, students, fans of participating schools, and the general public. The Big Apple Classic's commitment to the community doesn't stop with promoting higher education. Each year, the BAC partners with a non-profit organization to donate a portion of ticket proceeds to a charitable cause that impacts the African American community.

 

About Barclays Center

Barclays Center opened on September 28, 2012, and is a major sports and entertainment venue in the heart of Brooklyn, New York. Developed by Brooklyn-based real estate developer Forest City Ratner Companies, and designed by the award-winning architectural firms AECOM (www.aecom.com/architecture) and SHoP Architects (www.shoparc.com), Barclays Center has one of the most intimate seating configurations ever designed into a modern multi-purpose arena, with unparalleled sightlines and first-class amenities. Barclays Center offers approximately 18,000 seats for basketball, 14,500 seats for hockey and up to 19,000 seats for concerts, and has 101 luxury suites, four bars/lounges, four clubs, and 40/40 CLUB & Restaurant by American Express.

COURTESY HOWARD UNIVERSITY SPORTS INFORMATION

 

Former prep star RB waits on FAMU's decision

TALLAHASSEE, Florida  --  Running back Demont Buice would like to play his last two years of college football at FAMU. At 6-foot-1, 225 pounds, he would add welcomed size to the Rattlers backfield, too.

But there is a little sticking point that’s keeping the two-time finalist for Mr. Football Alabama from committing. FAMU doesn’t have a permanent head coach, and Buice said that’s the reason why he didn’t commit after he made a visit this past weekend.

Buice, who started his college football career at Clemson, told the Democrat he was impressed with acting head coach Earl Holmes, but he had to hedge because of the program’s coaching situation.  Buice said he hasn’t arranged to visit any of his other options, including Auburn and Troy University.

“I have high interest in FAMU (and) I like coach Holmes,” Buice said during a telephone interview. “I told him I would try to commit if I knew he was the head coach but I can’t do that right now because they don’t have a stable coach.”



READ MORE

SAU Falcons Survive 66-63 Over West Georgia In 2 OTs

CARROLLTON, Georgia. – Whew!

Saint Augustine's University capped their four-game road trip in thrilling fashion on Tuesday, Dec. 18. 2012. The Falcons held off the University of West Georgia 66-63 in double overtime at The Coliseum on West Georgia's campus in a non-conference men's college basketball game.

“Anytime you get a road win, it's special, especially this far from home.” St. Aug Head Coach Lonnie Blow, Jr. said.

The Falcons last played in double overtime on Feb. 26, 2011. They lost at Shaw University 85-84 in a game so exciting that both teams received an ovation from the fans at Spaulding Gymnasium.

This time, the Falcons (7-3 overall) came out on top in a double overtime contest. The victory completed a successful ten-day road swing through Florida and Georgia. The Falcons were 3-1 on the trip including two straight victories with each win going down to the wire. The average margin of victory was three points.

“It is always good that you can play on the road and win,” Blow said. “It helps you in the long run to get used to the pressures of a road game. I thought we did a good job.”

On Tuesday, the Falcons handled themselves under duress. They connected on 16 of 18 free throw attempts for 89 percent which ultimately decided the outcome. Guard Joel Kindred (Sr./Raleigh, N.C.), who finished with 15 points and 12 rebounds, canned two free throws with 12 seconds left for the final margin.
“Free throws were big down the stretch,” Blow said.

The Falcons stepped up defensively on the last play, forcing a tough three-pointer which fell short of the rim for the victory. West Georgia (4-5) rebounded the miss but the buzzer sounded on the putback attempt. Credit guard Jordan Baber (So./Washington, D.C.) of the Falcons for the miss. His outstretched arms were difficult for West Georgia's Quincy Hill (16 points) to shoot over.

“The plan was to guard the three-point line and contest any shot they took,” Blow said. “We did a good job of communicating and making it tough for them on the last possession.”

Guard Percy Woods (Sr./Washington, D.C.), the CIAA player and newcomer of the week, added 12 points and 6-8, 340-pound center Jonathan Crawley (So./Richmond, Va.) scored 10 points. They came off the bench to spark the Falcons to a 32-11 edge in bench points.

Starting forward Chris Johnson (R-Jr./Hampton, Va.) pulled down 14 rebounds which was huge considering both teams shot under 40 percent. He also added three steals and six points on 3-for-5 shooting.

“Chris set the tone on the boards,” Blow said. “He was a major force. Joel had a double-double, and both Woods and Crawley were solid. This was the most minutes [Crawley] has played this season and he did a nice job.”

It appeared the Falcons would win in a cakewalk early on. They jumped out to a 10-2 lead which grew to 14 points in the first half. The Wolves eventually chipped away at their deficit despite shooting 28 percent (19-69) from the floor and 56 percent (18-for-32) from the free-throw line. They were also 7-for-32 in three-point attempts for 22 percent.

Kindred of the Falcons made two free throws with over two minutes left in regulation to send the game into overtime. The Falcons had a chance to win in regulation, but Woods' jumper near the top of the key hit the back iron.

Hill of West Georgia hit two free throws with three seconds left in the first overtime to tie the game at 56. Nick Chamblee (Sr./Hampton, Va.), who had a game-high six assists, shot a three-pointer which was off target, forcing a second overtime.

West Georgia began the second extra session with a three-pointer, but the Falcons took the lead for good at 63-62 on Chamblee's three-pointer at the 1:30 mark. The Falcons held on for the win behind Kindred's free throws and tight defense on West Georgia's final possession.

“This was a good win for us,” Blow said. “To win on the road is always hard. I don't care who you play.”

The Falcons are finished with their non-conference schedule, but will play in opposing gymnasiums three more times before returning to the friendly confines of Emery Gymnasium on campus. After a 14-day holiday break, the Falcons open the CIAA portion of their slate at Virginia State University on Thursday, Jan. 3, 2013 at 7:30 p.m. It will be the fourth of seven consecutive road games.

Based on their performances the last several days, the Falcons are prepared for CIAA battle.

“Hopefully, they take what they learned in non-conference games into conference play,” Blow said.

COURTESY SAINT AUGUSTINE'S UNIVERSITY SPORTS INFORMATION