TSU's Hughes, Dameus Garner OVC Weekly Honors

NASHVILLE, Tennessee -- Tennessee State’s Amber Hughes and Clairwin Dameus were named Ohio Valley Conference Co-Female Track and Field Athletes of the Week, respectively, by the league Wednesday.

 

Hughes picked up four top five finishes last week at the Alabama relays. She finished third in the 100-meter hurdles with a time of 13.88 which ranks first in the OVC and third in the nation. She was also part of the 4x100 meter relay team that finished second (45.58) and the 4x400-meter relay that took third (3:44.40). Both of those times rank first in the league so far this year. Hughes was also a member of the 4x200-meter relay team that took third with a time of 1:37.87.

 

Dameus took second in the heptathlon with 5,283 points at the Alabama Relays. She was first in the long jump, 100-meter hurdles and the 200 meter dash. She earned third-place finishes in the javelin, high jump and the 800-meter run.

 

TSU will next compete at the Weems Baskin Invitational in Columbia, S.C. on March 28-29.

 

COURTESY TENNESSEE STATE UNIVERSITY SPORTS INFORMATION

PVAMU's Zelmo Beaty to be Inducted into the NABC Hall of Fame

KANSAS CITY, Missouri  --  Former Prairie View A&M Center Zelmo Beaty is one of seven to be enshrined into the National Collegiate Basketball Hall of Fame induction class of 2014. He was the most valuable player of his 1962 Prairie View A&M team that won the NAIA national championship. He averaged 25 points and 20 rebounds during his career for the Panthers.
 

Beaty was named to the inaugural NBA All-Rookie Team in 1963. He averaged more than 20 points per game in three different seasons, and over ten rebounds per game in six of his seven seasons with the Hawks. Beaty made two NBA All-Star Game appearances in 1966 and 1968 before leaving the NBA to play in the rival American Basketball Association (ABA).

In his first season in the ABA, Beaty led the league in field goal percentage, was third in the league in rebounds per game, helped lead the Utah Stars to the 1971 ABA title, and was awarded the ABA Playoffs Most Valuable Player Award. He played a total of four seasons with the Stars, being named to the All-ABA Second Team twice and making the ABA All-Star Game three times, before returning to the NBA as a member of the Los Angeles Lakers.

The 6’9 center retired in 1975 with combined ABA/NBA totals of 15,207 points and 9,665 rebounds.[2] He briefly served as a coach for the ABA's Virginia Squires.

Following his pro career, Beaty worked in financial planning. He also worked as a substitute physical education teacher in Seattle elementary schools. Beaty died from cancer on August 27, 2013 at his home in Bellevue, Washington. He was 73 years old.

All-Americans and NCAA champions Grant Hill of Duke and Darrell Griffith of Louisville, along with two-time national player of the year and All-American Shaquille O’Neal of LSU, headline the class. Dale Brown of LSU and Gary Williams of Maryland and contributors Howard Garfinkel, the founder of Five-Star Basketball Camp, and Glenn Wilkes Sr., long-time coach at Stetson University and prolific author of basketball coaching books rounds out the list to be enshrined.

The Class of 2014 will be inducted into the National Collegiate Basketball Hall of Fame Sunday, November 23, 2014, at the Arvest Bank Theatre at the Midland in Kansas City as part of a three-day celebration of college basketball. Tickets will go on sale beginning in September. For more information, follow @CBHOF on Twitter or visit www.collegebasketballhalloffame.com.

COURTESY SWAC.ORG
 

Former Alabama, NBA player Leon Douglas leads surprising Tuskegee run

TUSKEGEE, Alabama -- Leon Douglas is once again coming up big in the NCAA tournament, just on a smaller stage and wearing a suit instead of jersey and shorts.

Nearly four decades after posting two of Alabama's best postseason performances, Douglas the coach has guided eighth-seeded Tuskegee into the Division II quarterfinals Wednesday against Metro State in Evansville, Ind.

The Tigers (21-11) pulled off three consecutive upsets to win the South Region while the other seven No. 8 seeds fell in the first round. Like at Alabama, Douglas is doing it at a school better known for football.

He even drew a chuckle at his job interview from a skeptical administrator when he listed competing for an NCAA title as one of his goals eight years ago.

CONTINUE READING

Tuskegee proud to be underdogs

TUSKEGEE, Alabama  -- There are four No. 1 seeds, two No. 2s, a fourth seed — and Tuskegee — remaining in the NCAA Division II tournament.

The 8th-seeded Golden Tigers are the clear underdogs, but to them, it’s all good.

“It doesn’t bother me,” Tuskegee coach Leon Douglas said. “Doesn’t bother me at all.”

Tuskegee (21-11) beat three higher seeds to reach the Elite Eight for the first time in school history. The Golden Tigers stunned No. 1 seed Florida Southern on its home floor, upended 4th-seeded North Alabama and crushed 3rd-seeded Delta State by 21 points to win the South Regional.

“We never felt like ...

CONTINUE READING

Tuskegee basketball: Despite rough road, Douglas has national title in sight

TUSKEGEE, Alabama  -- Leon Douglas saw this coming.

Before last season, the Tuskegee men’s basketball coach had Jostens create a poster with a national championship ring design and a slogan – “The reason for our season” – at the bottom of it.

Taping it to his office door, the former Alabama All-American believed that team had the ability to win it all.

The Golden Tigers didn’t even reach the NCAA Division II tournament, but that team only had two seniors. So with most of his squad returning, Douglas kept the faith and is now three wins away from putting that championship jewelry on his finger.

“As a coach and as a leader of men, I’ve got to instill ...

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ASU Rams add former Mitchell County star WR, could lose another

ALBANY, Georgia  -- The long list of former Mitchell County stars to join the Albany State football team got even longer this spring with the addition of Yancey Burns, the Eagles’ leading receiver as a senior in 2011.

But just as Burns, who was a member of The Herald’s 2011 All-Area team and spent the last two seasons at Division II Newberry (S.C.) College, is stepping on the ASU football field, fellow former Mitchell County star receiver Jaquan Williams is on his way off.

 

Williams, who had the second most receiving touchdowns (3) at ASU as a freshman last season, is academically ineligible this spring and did not play in last week’s scrimmage. The rising sophomore will be left off the 2014 roster this fall if his grades don’t improve by the end of the spring.

 

“As a student-athlete that’s part of the ...

 

CONTINUE READING

WSSU Rams give Boulware reasons to smile

WINSTON-SALEM, North Carolina  --  Winston-Salem State is a week into spring football practice, and Coach Kienus Boulware likes what he has seen.

“The attitudes have been really good, and the guys really want to make an impression on the new coaches, so overall I’m pleased,” Boulware said. “We’ve had a total of four practices, and we realize it’s a work in a progress.”

Boulware, WSSU’s defensive coordinator the last four seasons and now a first-time head coach, said that one luxury he has is the return of many of his defensive players.

“I would say it’s gone a little smoother on defense, but that’s just because the terminology hasn’t changed much,” he said.

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Wiley College Wildcats Falls to Freed-Hardeman (Tenn) in Overtime in Fab Four, 88-86

FRANKFORT, Kentucky -- The Lady Lions of No. 1-seeded Freed-Hardeman are headed to their first-ever NAIA Division I Women’s Basketball National Championship after besting No. 3-seeded Wiley (Texas), 88-86, in overtime in the second Fab Four game Monday.

After appearing in 18-straight national championships and four Fab Fours under head coach Dale Neal, the Lady Lions are finally headed to the national title game.

In a back and forth first half, Wiley shot 50.0 percent from the field (17-of-34), while Freed-Hardeman exploited a 25-16 rebounding advantage to score 15 second chance points. Junior guard Grace Alonso de Armino, the Lady Lions second-leading scorer, was sidelined for much of the first half with two fouls and was held scoreless. American Midwest Conference Player of the Year, junior forward Hayley Newby, made up for Alonso de Armino’s absence, scoring a game-high 18 points in the period. Senior guard Kyniddia Purdy led the way for the Wildcats, scoring 12 points in the first half. The Lady Wildcats of Wiley took a 41-38 lead to the locker room at halftime.

Wiley started second half with a 9-4 run to extend its lead to a game-high eight with 17:12 remaining. From there, Freed-Hardeman kicked off a 14-4 run to get back in the game, taking its first lead of the second half, 56-54, with 11:07 to play. The Lady Lions grabbed a game-high nine point margin on an Alonso de Armino free throw with 8:57 remaining. Wiley would cap a 15-4 run on a Purdy field goal with three seconds left on the clock to take a 71-69 lead.

After two timeouts, the Lady Lions executed a perfect baseball pass to Alonso de Armino at three-quarters court and the junior guard fired a 3-pointer. The ball bounced off the rim, but Newby was waiting alone on the block to put the rebound home and send the Lady Lions to overtime.

Newby had a similar putback opportunity to send the Lady Lions in triple-overtime of her first-ever national championship game during her freshman year, but missed. For her, this shot certainly made up for it.

“After it happened, Brittany and Cynthia both were like that makes up for it. Being able to put that back, I don't know how that happened. That was a God thing. That was a blessing. For me, it makes up for it, because that's kind of haunted me since my freshman year. Being able to do that for my team and my seniors to carry us on to the championship game, makes me feel good,” said Newby.

The teams continued to battle in overtime, with the Lady Lions taking the largest lead of the extra period at seven points, 85-78, with 33 seconds remaining. Wiley would get back in it after a 3-pointer from junior guard Kayla Brown and a Purdy steal and field goal, bringing the score to 85-83. Wiley cut Freed-Hardeman’s lead to one after two free throws from Lady Lions senior guard Brittany Montgomery and a Purdy old-fashioned three-point play, 87-86. After an intentional foul, Montgomery hit 1-of-2 foul shots to give Freed-Hardeman an 88-86 lead that would hold as Kayla Brown missed a half-court shot at the buzzer that would have sent Wiley to the national championship final.

“We've had a few that have come down to the wire, but I think we made some mistakes that I hope we don't make, and I hope we got those out of our system. We weren't spacing very well, and we fouled there at the end after we'd just talked about coming out of the huddle. We did some things mentally that we'd rather not do, but they did get after it. I can't question how hard they work. They really did a great job, I was proud of them ,” said Freed-Hardeman head coach Neal.

Freed-Hardeman, which had shot 44.2 percent from 3-point range in the national championship, was just 3-of-16 (18.8 percent) from beyond the arc in the Fab Four. Newby had a game-high 32 points for the Lady Lions, one shy of her career-high, and Alonso de Armino came alive in the second half and overtime, scoring 15 points after being shut out in the first period. American Midwest Conference Freshman of the Year, Taleeah Cross, and Montgomery also chipped in with 15 and 14 points, respectively.

Wiley shot well from 3-point range, making 6-of-13 (46.2 percent), and from the free throw line, 10-of-11 (90.9 percent), in the loss. The Lady Wildcats, who had averaged 21.3 points per game off turnovers in the national championship, had just eight points off 11 turnovers Monday night. Purdy led the Lady Wildcats with 27 points, while Danisha Shaw and Brown each added 18.

With the win, Freed-Hardeman (36-1) advances to its first-ever national championship where it will face Oklahoma City at 6:30 p.m. EDT Tuesday. The game will be broadcast live on ESPN3.

Wiley (30-5), which had not advanced past the second round in its two prior national championship appearances, falls in its first-ever Fab Four appearance.iv

Live Stats
Box Score

By: Sam Knehans, Communications & Sports Information Intern
National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics

Howard University Athletics Donor Wants No Recognition For Gift

WASHINGTON, D.C.  --  Howard University athletics director Louis "Skip" Perkins was at work one day, minding his own business, when a Bison Express member stopped by. Perkins is hoping that many more visitors bring such good tidings to his office.

Shortly after the welcome interruption, $25,000 was added to the budget. Perkins, Bison Express chairman Bruce Williams and vice chairman Thomas Payne took a picture with "the check" on Feb. 1, as North Carolina Central visited Burr Gymnasium for men's and women's basketball games.

"This came from a tremendous donor who wants to remain anonymous and totally help the athletic department," Perkins said. "It's just someone who genuinely cares about the athletic program and wants to see us succeed. He knew we had some facility issues and things like that. We're very grateful."

Perkins said it marked the largest single donation from an individual during his tenure, which began in January 2011. Twenty-five grand is a lot of money, even with the acknowledgement that dollar amounts are relative.

At the Charter Day gala on March 8, the university announced a $4.9 million gift from the trust of Dr. Richard "Frank" Jones, who received his bachelor's from Howard in 1919 and his M.D. in 1922.  Another seven-figure donation came from Radio One CEO Alfred C. Liggins, who gave $4 million to the School of Communications in honor of his mother, Radio One chairwoman/founder and Howard alum Cathy Hughes.

Those gifts were the lion's share of more than $10 million raised as Howard celebrated its 147th anniversary. But Perkins doesn't want folks to focus on the number of zeroes on a check.

"It doesn't matter if someone is writing a check for $250, $100 or $2,500 dollars," he said. "Every bit counts. As athletic departments, we all operate at a deficit. Only 11 schools in the country don't. We have so many different needs – from facilities and scholarships to books and equipment. It all helps and it all counts. We appreciate anyone who reaches out to help us."

The challenges facing HBCUs, in general, and Howard, in particular, have received a lot of attention over the last several months. Alumni giving – or lack thereof – comes up often in such discussions. "I Love Howard," a grassroots effort, began recently with the modest goal of raising $20,000 for the university's endowment.

Perkins said the instinct to give has to be instilled before students become alumni.

"We have to train our young people once they come to HBCUs as freshmen," he said. "They have to know we're going to need their support once they walk out these doors in four or five years. We have to educate them and help them understand how important it is.

"The best part is they can give anywhere because we need help in all areas. Whether it's an academic major, athletics, the library – there's no donation we can't accept. It can be in-kind, cash, estate, will, whatever. We just can't wait until they graduate and they're gone 10 years and ask them to write a check. We have to find ways to keep them connected and embrace them at all times."

The mysterious Bison Express donor insisted on remaining anonymous and Perkins assured him that would be the case. The gift wasn't earmarked. Perkins said it probably will go toward the athletics department's academic center and weight room, "which we'd like to have done before the end of this fiscal year."

Whatever the goal, Perkins' department was $25,000 closer after his special visitor that day.  

Written By Howard Mann for Bison Express  ORIGINAL ARTICLE
COURTESY HOWARD UNIVERSITY ATHLETICS MEDIA RELATIONS

GAME NOTES: Metropolitan State University of Denver Roadrunners awaits Tuskegee University Tigers at Elite Eight

#1 Metro State Roadrunners, 31-1 Overall

DENVER, Colorado  -- No. 1 Metropolitan State University of Denver ("Metro State") will face Tuskegee University Tigers (Ala.) in the Elite Eight at the NCAA Division II tournament on Wednesday in Evansville, Indiana at 3:30 p.m. ET.

Tuskegee Website: GoldenTigerSports.com 
Metro State Website: GoMetroState.com
 
Complete Notes (PDF) (print version)
Compelte Notes (PDF) (web version)

Notes:

• Metro State won a national championship the last time it played in Evansville, Ind. (2002).

• Metro State has earned the No. 1 seed in a regional tournament five times and has won the region all five times and has a 20-3 (.870) record at the NCAA tournament as a No. 1 seed, while winning a national championship in 2000.

• Metro State has made more NCAA tournament appearances over the past 17 years than any other Division II school (16).

• Metro State's eight Elite Eight appearances since 1998 aremore than any other school (Kentucky Wesleyan is second with five).

• Metro State's .732 winning percentage in the NCAA tournament is the second-best in Division II history.

• Metro State is 14-0 all-time in NCAA tournament games on its home floor.

• Metro State finished last season as the national runner-up;the last time the Roadrunners finished second (1999), they won the national championship the following season (2000).

• If Metro State was to win the rest of its games this season and win a national championship, it would require a 31-game winning streak, breaking the current school record of 30.

• Metro State earned an automatic bid by winning the RMAC Shootout, its 11th RMAC tournament title and second in a row (Fort Hays State has second-most with four).

• Metro State has won 28 straight games (longest active streak in Division II).

• Entering the regional championship that Metro State won by 22 points, Metro State has won its previous seven games by

10 points or less with an average margin of victory of +6.1 points.

• Brandon Jefferson (Flower Mound, Texas/Lewisville H.S.) was named RMAC player of the year,

becoming the second consecutive Roadrunner to earn the award (Jonathan Morse (Boulder, Colo./Fairview H.S.) in 2013) and he is the first player in school history to be named region player of the year.

• Jefferson is the sixth Roadrunner to be named RMAC player of the year.

• Jefferson broke Metro State's single-season scoring record on March 16 against Colorado Mines, passing Gene Edwards' previous record of 666 points in 1989-90.

• Jefferson has scored over 30 points in each of the past two games, becoming the first Roadrunner to do so since Edwards in 1990.

• Jefferson was named RMAC male athlete of the month for January.

• Jefferson set the school record for consecutive free throws with 34 in a row from Jan. 11 to Jan. 24, and also made 24 straight Jan. 25 to Feb. 15, and 23 consecutive free throws from Dec. 7 to Dec. 21.

• Jefferson missed consecutive free throws for the first time all season on March 7 vs. Fort Lewis, but then made 28 in a row and has made 31-of-32 free throws in the NCAA tournament.

• Jefferson had 32 points and broke the school record for free throws made in a game (19) on Jan. 11 vs. No. 11 Colorado Mines.

• Jefferson earned RMAC defensive player of the week on Dec. 9 after tying a career high with six steals at Regis.

• Jefferson is averaging 23.7 points and shooting 43.5 percent on 3-point field goals over the past 10 games.

• Mitch McCarron (Brisbane, Australia/Genesis Christian College) scored a career-high 29 points on 11-of-14 shooting in a win over Western State on Jan. 25.

• He was named RMAC defensive player of the week on Nov. 18 and Feb. 3 after having five steals on Jan. 31 vs. Chadron State and two steals on Feb. 1 vs. Black Hills State.

• McCarron is averaging 18.0 points and shooting 53.8 percent from the floor over the past 11 games.

• Nicholas Kay (Tamworth, Australia/Newington College) was named RMAC defensive player of the

week on Dec. 23 after seven steals and two blocks at BHSU and CSC.

• Kay also won the award on Dec. 2.

• Kay scored a season-low three points on March 15 in the first round of the NCAA tournament after averaging 21.5 points and 8.0 rebounds, while shooting 60.5 percent from the floor over the previous six games.

• Kay was named RMAC Shootout most valuable player.

• Jamal McClerkin (Van Nuys, Calif./Chaminade College Prep) scored a career-high 15 points and hit a career-high three 3-pointers at Fort Lewis on Jan. 18.

• McClerkin matched his career high with 15 again on Jan. 24 against Colorado Mesa.

• Metro State suffered its first regular-season, non-conference loss since 2010 (Central Washington), 72-69 at No. 7 Western Washington on Nov. 30.

• The game at Western Washington was Metro State's fourth game in six days and eighth in 16 days (including exhibitions).
 

By Andy Schlichting, Sports Information Director

COURTESY METROPOLITAN STATE UNIVERSITY OF DENVER ATHLETICS

Tuskegee University enjoying men's basketball team historic run

TUSKEGEE, Alabama  -- When the Tuskegee players got off the bus Wednesday night, they were greeted by a sea of crimson and gold.

The band boomed the school fight song loudly heralding the Golden Tigers’ arrival, and the celebration of coach Leon Douglas’ squad tuned up from there.

The players held up their South Regional Championship trophy to the roar of the hundreds of fans, faculty and alumni lining the F-16 bomber outside Daniel “Chappie” James Arena.

It’s a big deal to get to the NCAA Division II Elite Eight, but for Tuskegee, a program more known for football, it’s historic.




CONTINUE READING

2014 SIAC Centennial Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony

If you missed the event, here is an opportunity to view the video of the induction gala.

The SIAC Hall of Fame Centennial Class

In conjunction with the one hundredth anniversary of our conference, and on
behalf of the SIAC Council of Presidents, we were pleased and honored to
induct this Hall of Fame Class which features some of our most renown
former student-athletes who have distinguished themselves both on and off
their respective fields and courts of play.

Shannon Sharpe (Savannah State) and Deacon Jones (South Carolina State), a
pair of Pro Football Hall of Fame inductees, along with Major League
Baseball Hall of Famer Andre "The Hawk" Dawson (Florida A&M), and former
Temple University head basketball coach John Cheney, headlined the class of
inductees that was introduced as the SIAC's Centennial Hall of Fame
Class.

The centennial gala was held in the Magic City on March 5, 2014, Birmingham, Alabama.

The inductees were selected by the SIAC Hall of Fame Selection Committee, a
body of athletic administrators representing former and current member
institutions. They are:

Betty Austin, Alabama (A&M): Austin won 11 consecutive SIAC Volleyball

Championships, while posting a 456-177 record as the top SIAC volleyball

coach during her era. Overall, she has compiled a career record of over 600

wins, which made her the 12th coach in all of NCAA history to achieve such

mark. During her career Austin was named Coach of the Year 17 times, while

competing in the SIAC and SWAC.

Hampton "Hamp" Smith (Albany State): In 23 seasons under the helm, Smith

brought the Golden Rams football program into the national spotlight. A

five-time SIAC Coach of the Year, Smith led Albany State to nine SIAC

Football Championships. Smith won SIAC Coach of the Year awards in 1984,

1986, 1994 and 1996, and was named Coach of the Year by the Pigskin club of

Washington, D.C., in addition to the 100% Wrong Club of Washington, D.C.

John Cheney (Bethune-Cookman): John Chaney's legendary college
basketball career started in the SIAC as a standout for Bethune-Cookman
College. Chaney played for the Wildcats from 1951-55, leading the team
to the 1953 SIAC championship and berths in the NAIA national
tournament in 1953 and 1955. His career-high 57 point game against
Knoxville is recorded, but most of his individual records have been lost.
It's believed he scored over 3,000 points and is recognized on the
school's all-time scoring list. After coaching on the high school level,
he received his first college position was at Cheyney State, where he
compiled a 232-56 record, combined with leading the program

to the 1978 Division II National Championship. After a decade at Cheyney,

Chaney moved on to Division I Temple. He took Temple to the NCAA
tournament 17 times, reaching the Elite Eight five times, before retiring in
2006 after 24 years at the former Big East Conference school.

Lonnie Bartley (Fort Valley State): As the head women's basketball coach,

Bartley took the Lady Wildcats basketball program to new heights. In his 28

seasons as head coach, Barley led FVSU to 11 SIAC Championships, which

included a conference record 28 wins in one season. With over 600 wins on

his resume, Bartley is the all-time winning women's basketball head coach in

black college history.

Greg Lloyd (Fort Valley State): A standout at Fort Valley State from

1983-86, Lloyd was a three-time All-SIAC selection and was also named SIAC

Player of the Year in 1986. Lloyd was drafted by the Pittsburgh Steelers in

the sixth round of the 1987 draft, and played 10 seasons with the storied

franchise. During his career, Lloyd was named AFC Player of the Year in

1994, while earning numerous Pro-Bowl selections from 1992-1996.

Tyrone Poole (Fort Valley State): As a member of the Wildcats football team,

Poole was an All-SIAC First Team selection during his junior season and

senior seasons in 1993 and 1994. In addition, he was named SIAC Defensive

Player of the Year in 1994, and was named All-American by the Associated

Press and the American Football Coaches Association. A first round draft

pick of the Carolina Panthers, Poole started 12 out of the 14 seasons he

played in the NFL. The Division II football Hall of Fame member also is a

two-time Super Bowl champion as a member of the New England Patriots.

Andre Dawson (Florida A&M): Known as the "Hawk," for his outstanding
defensein the outfield, Dawson, was a three-time All-SIAC baseball player at

Florida A&M University. He finished his 21-year big league career with a

.279 average, 438 home runs, 1,591 runs batted in and 314 stolen bases.

Dawson was the National League Rookie of the Year with the Montreal Expos in

1977 and the NL Most Valuable Player in 1987 with the Chicago Cubs. The

eight-time All-Star finished his career with 438 home runs and 314 stolen

bases, becoming the second player (after Willie Mays) to join the 400 HR/300

SB club.

Clemon Johnson (Florida A&M): Johnson was a All-SIAC and All-American

selection as a senior and finished his career as the all-time leading rebounder,
as well as one of the top scorers in the school's basketball history. Clemons
played 10 seasons in the NBA and won a NBA championship as a member of
the Philadelphia 76ers in 1983. Today, he serves as the head basketball coach
at his alma mater.

Willie Galimore (Florida A&M): One of the greatest running backs of his

time, Galimore was a four-time All-SIAC selection and three-time Pittsburgh

Courier All-American. He also led Florida A&M to four SIAC Football

Championships and one Black College National Championship. Galimore
played six seasons with the Chicago Bears until he died tragically in an auto

accident in 1964.Galimore is also a member of the College Football Hall of

Fame.

William Nicks (Morris Brown): Nicks coached football at Morris Brown
College for a total of 11 years and compiled a record of 66-22-13. He led his
1941team to a perfect season, where they were also named Black College
National Champions. Nicks is a member of the College Football Hall of Fame.

Donn Clendenon (Morehouse): A 12-time letterman in football, basketball, and

baseball at Morehouse, Clendenon is known for his stellar performance in the

1969 World Series as he was named MVP, while leading the New York Mets to
a victory over the Baltimore Orioles. Clendenon had a 12 year career in the

Major League with the Montreal Expos, New York Mets, St. Louis Cardinals,

and Pittsburg Pirates.

Harold Ellis (Morehouse): An outstanding NCAA Division II player who led the

Maroon Tigers in scoring in each of his four seasons (1988-92), Ellis became

only the fifth player from a historically black college or university (HBCU)

to have his uniform number retired (#30). Morehouse had a 90-30 record

during his four years as a player there. He also led Morehouse College to

the Division II Final Four in 1991, becoming the first team from the SIAC to

advance the Final Four. Ellis played four seasons in the NBA with the LA

Clippers and Denver Nuggets. He is currently the director of Pro Scouting

for the Orlando Magic.

Shannon Sharpe (Savannah State): A former SIAC Offensive Player of the
Year at Savannah State University, Sharpe became the premier tight end in the

National Football League as a member of the Denver Broncos. A three-time

Super Bowl champion, Sharpe was an eight-time Pro-Bowl selection and named

to the All-Pro team four times in his 14 year career. At the time of his

retirement, Sharpe was the all-time leader in catches, yards, and touchdowns

by a tight end. He was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2011.

David "Deacon" Jones (South Carolina State): Jones, was an All-SIAC

performer as a defensive end for South Carolina State in 1958. After

transferring to Mississippi Vocational School (Mississippi Valley State),

Jones was drafted in the 14th Round of the NFL draft by the Los Angeles

Rams. From there Jones emerged into the most fierce pass rusher in the NFL.

Jones won unanimous all-league honors six straight years from 1965 through

1970. He also played in seven straight Pro Bowls, 1965-1971, and was

selected to an eighth in 1973. In both 1967 and 1968, he was chosen the top

defensive player in the NFL by one major news service. He was inducted into

the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1980.

Samuel "Herc" Goodwin (South Carolina State): Goodwin was one of the top

athletes in the 1960's, as a linebacker and defensive lineman for South

Carolina State University. Goodwin was a three-time All-SIAC selection, as

well as being named to the Pittsburgh Courier All-American team in 1964.SC

State compiled a 22-14 record during his playing days, including an 8-2

(1963) and 7-2 (1964). In addition, he was inducted into the SC State

University Athletic Hall of Fame in 1998, and also to the SC State

Centennial (1907-2007) Football Team.

COURTESY THE SIAC.COM

Virginia State Bowlers Outlast Fayetteville State For CIAA Title

DURHAM, North Carolina  – Virginia State lived up to its slogan to claim the 2014 CIAA Bowling Title.

The Trojans rallied past Fayetteville State twice in the finals of the CIAA Bowling Championships at AMF Durham Lanes on Sunday, March 23, 2014. They won both matches 4-3 for their third league crown and first under Head Coach Ronald Simms, Jr.

The top-seeded Lady Broncos were one win away from winning the championship after leading 3-1 in the first match. But the Trojans came back to beat the Lady Broncos, and then they prevailed in seven games of the second match to take home the trophy.

“Our slogan is ‘one ball, one frame, one goal’ and we try to follow that,” Simms Jr. said. “I try to teach them not to worry about the score. Throw the best shot you can.”

Senior Amber Seay of VSU was selected Most Valuable Bowler in the tournament. She rolled two of the team’s five strikes in the seventh and decisive game in the second match which clinched the championship. The Trojans won the seventh game 200-180.

“I feel like everything comes with a challenge,” Seay said. “If you really want [something], you have to go for it. Nothing worth having is ever achieved without a struggle.”

The Trojans, seeded second, battled their way to the crown in the elimination bracket after suffering their first bracket loss, a 4-1 defeat to the Lady Broncos earlier in the day. They won their last three matches 4-3 including a tough victory over Bowie State University after falling behind 3-2.

The win set up a rematch against Fayetteville State for the championship. It was the third straight finals appearance for the Trojans.

The Lady Broncos were unbeaten in bracket play and only needed a win over the Trojans for the championship. They appeared to have it after leading 3-1 in the first match, but the Trojans didn’t roll over.

“We were not going home,” Seay said. “This is my senior year and we have been in second place two years in a row. This was not happening.”

The Trojans won three consecutive games to hand the Lady Broncos their first loss in bracket play. The Lady Broncos took a 3-2 lead in the second match but the

Trojans regrouped to win two in a row for the championship.

The Trojans seized control in the last game with three consecutive strikes. The trio of Felicia Cantyne, Kiara Raiford and Seay each bowled a strike to set the tone. After the Trojans built an early lead, Seay and CIAA Bowler of the Year Rebecca Clements each recorded a strike to finish off the Lady Broncos.

“We gave it our best shot, but Virginia State got hot in the end,” said Fayetteville State Head Coach Bobby Henderson, whose Lady Broncos won the Southern Division title.

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Morgan State Bears Wrap First Week of Spring Practice

BALTIMORE, Maryland  -- Morgan State coach Lee Hull practiced his team for a little over two hours Saturday at Hughes Stadium. It was a pleasant morning session Stadium for the players, who practiced in full pads to complete the Bears' first week of the 2014 spring drills.

Afterward, Hull provided thoughts on a few players and topics:

Revised Practice Schedule:
"We couldn't practice on Tuesday (March 18) due to the inclement weather, so we practiced Thursday, Friday and Saturday. I think the guys are progressing the way we want in the offensive, defensive and special teams systems. You can see them getting better and better everyday, and more comfortable."

Healthy competition at running back:
"I think the running back competition is going to be pretty fierce with Lamont Brown III, Herb Walker Jr. and Tracy Martin. That's going to be a very good competition."

O-Line:
"I think the O-line shows a lot of promise and kind of dominated this week. Our defensive line was thin, but they're working hard."

Who is stepping up at quarterback this spring:
"[Robert] Council and [Moses] Skillon are taking most of the snaps. The quarterback position is a really good battle, with Seth [Higgins] being injured right now, and not being able to do anything until later in the spring. So these guys are getting a lot of reps and a lot of experience."

Key traits of a first-team QB:
"You have to be smart. In this offense, we put a lot of pressure on the quarterback to get us in the right play. It's someone who has to be pretty smart and is going to be a student of the game."

Team Leadership:
"Leadership is coming from everywhere. Everybody is buying in to what we're doing. They like what we're doing. The biggest thing that I've been stressing to them is that – 'A coach driven is a good team, but a player driven team is a great team'  -- and they've bought into that philosophy."

"They've been self-accountable for their actions and they've also held their teammates accountable for their actions, so I really like the way the program is going right now. We're going in the right direction and we have some good momentum because the players are taking the lead."

Practice Dates: The Bears will resume practice on the following dates:  April 1, 3, 5, 8, 10, 12, 15, 17, 19, 22, 24 and 26. Practices start at 5:30 a.m. during the weekdays and 10:30 a.m. on Saturdays (April 5, 12, 19)

Spring Game: Saturday, April 26, 2014 at Hughes Stadium,

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Prairie View overwhelmed by UConn 87-44

Box Score |  Photo Gallery 1  |  Photo Gallery 2  | Photo Gallery 3

STORRS, Connecticut  --  Prairie View A&M outscored UConn by seven points over the final 16 minutes of their first-round NCAA tournament game Sunday.

Unfortunately for the Lady Panthers, they were down by 50 points after the first 24 minutes and lost 87-44 to the defending national champions.

"I think it was something we were lacking and that was the confidence in the first 20 minutes and that's what the girls came out and displayed in the second half," Prairie View coach Dawn Brown said. "I told them, 'You guys are going to have to play your hearts out in the last 20 minutes. And that's what they did."

LaReahn Washington scored 13 points to lead Prairie View and freshman Alexus Parker added nine. The Southwestern Athletic Conference tournament champions finished their season 14-18.

Read more here: http://www.thestate.com/2014/03/23/3344594/prairie-view-overwhelmed-by-uconn.html#storylink=cpy

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Read more here: http://www.sacbee.com/2014/03/23/6261852/top-ranked-uconn-women-rout-prairie.html#storylink=cpy

Alabama A&M wins the 2014 SWAC Bowling Championship

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ARLINGTON, Texas --  After making their third appearance in the SWAC Bowling Championship round, Alabama A&M was crowned as this year's 2014 SWAC Bowling Champions on Sunday, March 23 at the Bowling International Training and Research Center.

This is AAMU's first championship since the 2010 season and third overall. Their first came in 2007.

With this being a double-elimination tournament, top seeded ALabama A&M only needed to win once.

Despite it being their first visit to the championship match, Alabama State did not make it easy for its arch-rival to take home the win as the Lady Hornets won the first match (4-2).

The Lady Bulldogs responded with a 4-2 victory of their own, claiming the SWAC Tournament Championship crown with a total pinfall of 1226.

AAMU's Nicole Kleutgen was tabbed as this year's Most Valuable Player. Kleutgen struck every shot but two in the final deciding match.

The 2014 title marks the first for Alabama A&M Coach Alexandra McIntyre who took over this year for Jeff McCorvey.

The championship final will be broadcasted on ESPNU tape delayed on Tuesday, April 1, at 8:30 p.m. CT.
 
2014 SWAC Bowling Final Results

2014 Final Bracket

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Gold Nuggets win at Cumberland, but Gold Rush lose

LEBANON, Tennessee  --  Xavier University of Louisiana defeated Cumberland 5-0 in women's tennis Sunday, but the XU men lost 5-2 to the Bulldogs.

All four teams are ranked by the NAIA. Xavier's women (11-5) are No. 2, and the men (6-9) are seventh. Cumberland's women (3-4) are 15th, and the men (3-4) are eighth.

The Gold Nuggets received two default victories because Cumberland had five women available. Brandi Nelson clinched with a 6-1, 6-0 decision against Tais Lacerda Bezerra at No. 5 singles. Extending her doubles win streak to 11 was Simone-Alyse Ewell, who teamed with Nour Abbes for an 8-3 decision against Angelica Sepulveda and Franki Jecker.

Kourtney Howell and Brion Flowers beat Alena Gizdic and Antea Dedic 8-3 for their fourth consecutive victory and the seventh in their last eight matches.

The Gold Nuggets are 6-2 this season against ranked NAIA teams. Overall, the Nuggets have won eight of their last nine duals.

In the men's dual, Cumberland avenged a 5-4 loss to the Gold Rush from March 8 at the AUM Invitational. The Bulldogs won both NAIA top-20 matchups -- Antonio Manuel Marcelo and Diogo Soares beat Kyle Montrel and Nikita Soifer 8-2 in doubles, and Marcelo defeated Montrel 6-3, 6-4 in singles.

Winning for Xavier were Kevin Chaouat and Tushar Mandlekar, who beat Pablo Borrero and Andres Burgos 8-6 at No. 2 doubles, and Vincenzo Ciccone in a 6-4, 6-4 No. 6 singles decision against Garry Tokas.

Chaouat and Mandlekar have won seven of their last nine. Ciccone has won four of his last five singles matches.

The Gold Rush are 4-5 this season against ranked NAIA teams.

Next duals for XU's men and women will be April 5 at 2 p.m. against Auburn Montgomery at the XU Tennis Center. AUM's men are ranked second in the NAIA, and the women are third. It will be the first Gold Rush home dual since Feb. 7.

Results:  Men    Women

By Ed Cassiere, Sports Information Director
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XAVIER UNIVERSITY OF LOUISIANA
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Tennessee State Tigers Competes in Alabama Relays

TUSCALOOSA, Alabama -- The Tennessee State track and field teams continued their Outdoor Seasons at the University of Alabama Relays this weekend against some of the nation’s stiffest competition.

In addition to the Crimson Tide, athletes from Georgia, Tennessee, Mississippi State, Georgia Tech and Vanderbilt took part in the event.

Two weeks after being named Athlete of the OVC Indoor Championship, Clairwin Dameus continued her strong campaign, placing second in the heptathlon with 5283 points. The sophomore won the 200-meter dash and long jump events, leading to the high finish overall.

Fellow Tigerbelle, Ashontae Jackson came in fifth in the 400-meter dash with a time of 55.56.

Quanisha Sales then had a top-three finish in the 100-meter dash following a run of 12.07 seconds and Amber Hughes had one too in the 100-meter hurdles (13.88).

Dameus, Jackson, Sales and Hughes later teamed to place second in the 4x100 with a final of 45.58.

For the Flying Tigers, Jerome Henderson notched at fifth-place finish in the 100-meter dash (10.78 seconds) and Michael Johnson came in second in the 400-meter dash after running the event in 48.16 seconds.

Royce Dates (7.22 meters) had a seventh-place finish in the long jump, while Daryl Rice and Caleb Carrothers tied for third in the high jump (2.10 meters).

TSU will next compete in the Oliver Nickoloff Invitational in Cincinnati, Ohio on March 28.

 

FINAL RESULTS

 

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UMES Wins MEAC Bowling Championship

UNIVERSITY OF MARYLAND EASTERN SHORE HAWKS
2014 MÉAC BOWLING CHAMPIONS

CHESAPEAKE, Virginia --  It was a long and tiring day at the AMF Lanes in Chesapeake, Va. but in the end, the nation's third-ranked team from the University of Maryland Eastern Shore (UMES) won their second-straight Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference (MEAC) Championship over the Florida A&M University (FAMU) Rattlers, four games to three.

The seven-game grueling match was the second of the day for the Hawks and the third for the Rattlers. FAMU bested North Carolina A&T in the semi-finals, 4-0, to earn a spot against the top-seeded Hawks. The Rattlers were feisty all day. They defeated UMES 4-3 in the first match, forcing a second best-of-seven Baker game match in the double elimination format. 

"It feels good to win my first MEAC Championship with these eight girls," said head coach Kayla Bandy. "They have worked so hard preparing for this tournament, even though it showed more so on Friday and Saturday. They still were able to grind through the adversity today."  

The two teams bowled for over six hours, tallying 14 gamesm before the Hawks soared away in the seventh and final game to win the title.  

The match was taped for a delayed broadcast on ESPNU on March 31 at 10:30 p.m. While the teams, fans, crew and staff were exhausted at the end of the day, the toughest job will come from the editing department of ESPNU who will have to condense the six-hour plus match down to less than two hours for broadcast.  

Sure to be broadcast will be the seventh and final game of the second match where UMES pulled away for the win. Justyne Falbo (Greensburg, Pa.) bowled lead-off for the Hawks and the freshman hung tough, opening the match with a strike. Valerie Riggin (Vista, Calif.) bowled second and tossed a spare to put the Hawks out in front as FAMU opened the first two frames of the game.

Tatiana Munoz (Ibague Tolima, Colombia) was the Hawks third bowler and also opened but senior Megan Buja (Rockford, Ill.) got things back on track with a strike. While FAMU spared in the third for their first mark, they split in the fourth and left it open, which Buja took advantage of  Mariana Alvarado (Leon, Mexico) anchored for the Hawks and spared the fifth while Katherine Jones, the FAMU anchor, who was on all day, tossed a strike.

On the back five frames UMES would stay clean with spares from Falbo, Riggin and Munoz. FAMU opened the sixth, seventh and eighth frames, presenting the senior Buja with a golden opportunity. She could put the match to bed with a mark. She just missed the strike but a nine-spare would do and FAMU could not catch the Hawks. UMES would go on to take the game 182-130 and the match 4-3.

The win gives UMES their seventh conference title in women's bowling.

The game would be FAMU's lowest tally of the day against the Hawks and was not indicative of their play. The sixth-seeded Rattlers, who bowled superb Baker matches all tournament long, gave UMES everything they could handle and more. They pushed UMES to their limit before the tournament tested Hawks pulled away for the win.  

Maryland Eastern Shore knew it would be a tough day from the opening game of match one when they lost 198-129. That was their lowest Baker game tally of the season, worse than the previous low, 145, by 16 pins.  

Their best game of the day was a 245 in game four of the first match. They would only top 200 one more time, a 218 in the fourth game of the second match, a very uncharacteristic day for the defending USBC Collegiate National Champions.  

"We just weren't making great shots as a team today," said Bandy. "So I tried to arrange the lineup based on who was in the pocket the most. We used the 10th frame on several occasions to start preparing for the next game. The lanes were tough for us today but we worked through it slowly, physically and mentally."  

UMES used numerous line-up changes throughout the day and changed balls several times. At one point Buja was bowling anchor, Riggin was leading off and Alvarado was anywhere between second and fourth.  "We stayed positive and kept fighting until the very last shot," said Alvarado. 

 "We overcame a lot of adversity today and we are happy with the end result."  Alvarado was named the MEAC Championship Most Outstanding Player and an All-Tournament Team selection. Buja, a senior, who won her third MEAC title in her last chance, was also named to the All-Tournament Team. Head Coach Kayla Bandy was named the MEAC Championship's Most Outstanding Coach.  

"It's amazing to have won three MEAC Championships in my career," said Buja. "Today was a roller coaster but we stuck together and never gave up. This just shows how determined we were to win." J

Joining Alvarado and Buja on the All-Tournament Team was Jones of Florida A&M, Thea Aspiras of Norfolk State and Emily Strombeck of North Carolina A&T.  

Buja and the Hawks will now await the NCAA Selection Show on Wednesday, March 26 at 4:00 p.m. to see if they have secured a berth in the NCAA Tournament. A nod will be UMES' 11th straight selection in all 11 years of the event.  

Either way they will defend their USBC Collegiate title later in April in Reno, Nev.  

"We learned a lot from today's marathon bowling," said Bandy. "While we had a couple of girls used to the TV lights and the pace, I think it prepared us as a team, mentally and physically for the upcoming national championships."

2014 MEAC All-Tournament Team

Mariana Alvarado, University of Maryland Eastern Shore
Megan Buja, University of Maryland Eastern Shore
Emily Strombeck, North Carolina A&T State University

Katherine Jones, Florida A&M University
Thea Aspiras, Norfolk State University

Outstanding Performer: Mariana Alvarado, University of Maryland Eastern Shore

Outstanding Coach: Kayla Bandy, University of Maryland Eastern Shore

COURTESY UNIVERSITY OF MARYLAND EASTERN SHORE SPORTS INFORMATION

Highlights of the Slam Dunk and 3-Point Shot Contests at the 2014 NAIA Basketball National Tournament

NAIA DI Women Basketball Fab Four Press Conferences: Wiley College (Texas) ...

Ravens scout Tennessee State linemen at Pro Day workout

BALTIMORE, Maryland  -- Ravens assistant offensive line coach Todd Washington attended the Tennessee State campus Pro Day workout late last week, and he put guard Kadeem Edwards through positional drills.

Edwards, a 6-foot-4, 307-pounder, had a 29-inch vertical leap and bench pressed 225 pounds 25 times. He played in the Senior Bowl and also worked out at the NFL scouting combine during which he ran the 40-yard dash in 5.25 seconds. He's rated as a later-round draft target.

At the same workout attended by Washington, Tennessee State center-guard Demetrius Rhaney ran the 40-yard dash in 4.92 and 4.96 seconds.

The 6-foot-1, 301-pounder had a ...

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Eagle Pride, Amplified: Will North Carolina Central University's 1st NCAA Tournament Bid Boost Academics?

DURHAM, North Carolina  -- If North Carolina Central University were not in the same city as Duke University, you’d likely have heard more about them – not just their sports but their academic programs as well.

NCCU transitioned to NCAA’s Division I in the years preceding their final approval for the 2011-2012 season. The Eagles scored an NCAA men’s basketball tournament berth for winning the Mid-Eastern Atlantic Conference championship this year. Prior to the tournament, they finished the season 28-6 on a 20-game winning streak, with a notable 10-point victory over N.C. State just before Thanksgiving.

I had the pleasure of serving as a professor of pharmaceutical sciences at NCCU for almost four years and it was one of the most enriching personal and professional experiences of my career. Beyond working in one of two biotechnology and biomedicine-focused research institutes, NCCU afforded me the opportunity to engage with students and faculty in their tremendous jazz studies program, and everywhere across campus from criminal justice and library sciences to public administration, educational and health disparities, and communications.

A historically-Black college/university with an enrollment of 8,155 students – 6,369 undergrads and 1,786 – NCCU ranks 12th on the U.S. News & World Report list of HBCUs; fourth among state-funded HBCUs. NCCU is one of 17 institutions that comprise the University of North Carolina system (which includes UNC-Chapel Hill and NC State) – one of five HBCUs – and was the first in the system to require ...

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Hampton Historic Season Ends in Loss to Michigan State

CHAPEL HILL, North Carolina  -- The Hampton University women's basketball team had its 2013-14 end on Sunday afternoon at Carmichael Arena, as the Lady Pirates fell 91-61 to No. 5 seed Michigan State in the first round of the NCAA Tournament.

The loss snapped Hampton's 18-game winning streak.

The No. 12 seed Lady Pirates (28-5) were led by senior guard Nicole Hamilton (Hampton, Va.), who scored 19 points in her final collegiate game while also grabbing a team-high eight rebounds. Senior forward Alyssa Bennett (Hampton, Va.) added 16 points and seven rebounds.

"Tough, tough game," head coach David Six said. "Michigan State played well. We certainly didn't play well in the first half. We weren't ready to go and I certainly have to take responsibility for that, but I can't take anything away from Michigan State."

A jumper from Hamilton at the 16:31 mark of the first half gave the Lady Pirates a 6-5 lead, before Michigan State answered with a 15-1 run to take a 20-7 lead after a 3-pointer from Tori Jankoska at the 12:17 mark.

Junior guard Kenia Cole (Silver Spring, Md.) hit a trey at the 11:59 mark to end the run, but the Spartans scored the next 10 points, taking a 30-10 lead with 8:55 left in the first half after a fastbreak layup from Aerial Powers.

Cole hit two free throws at the 6:29 mark, cutting Michigan State's lead to 32-16, but the Spartans closed the half with a 22-6 run, taking a 54-22 lead into the locker room after Annalise Pickrel hit three free throws with nine seconds left in the half.

Michigan State opened the second half on an 8-1 run, taking a 62-23 lead with 17:55 left after a jumper from Pickrel. Another Pickrel jumper with 7:01 left gave the Spartans their largest lead of the game at 79-36.

Hampton went on a 9-1 run, cutting the lead to 80-45 with 4:53 left after a 3-point play from Bennett.

Hamilton added a trey with 3:05 left to cut the Spartans' lead to 85-53, and when Bennett hit a jumper with 1:03 remaining, it cut Michigan State's lead to the final margin of 91-61.

The Lady Pirates shot 27.2 percent (22-for-81) from the floor and hit just two of their 18 3-pointers (11.1 percent). Hampton did turn Michigan State over 20 times, scoring 16 points off of those miscues.

Michigan State (23-9) shot 52.5 percent (32-for-61) from the floor – including a 57.6 percent clip in the first half – and made six of 18 3-pointers. The Spartans also held a 54-42 advantage on the glass.

Powers led five Spartans in double figures with 26 points, to go along with 18 rebounds.

For more information on Hampton University basketball, please call the Office of Sports Information at (757) 727-5811, or visit the official Pirates website at www.hamptonpirates.com.
 
BOX SCORE

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Spartans Advance in Tournament with 91-61 Win Over Hampton

Box Score |  Notes |  USATSI Gallery  |  Photo Gallery   | Highlights

CHAPEL HILL, North Carolina -- Michigan State coach Suzy Merchant was a little concerned about how her team would perform after a two-week layoff.

Freshman Aerial Powers and senior Annalise Pickrel put her worries at ease right away.

Powers had 26 points and 18 rebounds, Pickrel had 21 points on 7 of 7 shooting and the fifth-seeded Spartans jumped out to a 32-point halftime lead and cruised to an easy 91-61 victory over No. 12 Hampton on Sunday to advance to the second round of the NCAA tournament.

Michigan State (23-9) came into the tournament looking to avenge a 28-point loss to Nebraska in the Big Ten Conference semifinals on March 8 and played inspired basketball almost from the opening tip.

"It felt like an eternity since we played," Merchant said.

"But we did a great job of keeping our composure and moving the ball."

And playing defense.

The Spartans held Hampton to 18 percent shooting in the first half to build a 54-22 lead the break.
They never led by less than 30 points in the second half.

Merchant got a huge day from her three key freshmen.

Powers, who came in as the only freshman in the nation to total at least 400 points, 200 rebounds and 75 assists this season, was dominant in all phases in her first NCAA tournament game. She was 10 of 18 from the field, often slicing down the lane and creating an open shot, and chipped in with two blocked shots and two steals to overcome two early turnovers.

Powers also held Hampton's Malia Tate-DeFreitas to 1 of 15 shooting from the field.

Fellow freshmen Branndais Agee had 10 points and 10 rebounds and Tori Jankoska had 11 points for the Spartans, who shot 58 percent from the field in the first half.

"We need some excitement in our game and it's a positive," Merchant said of the influx of freshmen in women's basketball this season.

"It's a positive and might bring some fans back for four more years - and even attract some new ones."

Of course, Merchant's star senior was pretty good, too.

Pickrel's 21 points tied a career high. She hit all three 3-pointers and was 4 of 4 from the foul line to cap a perfect shooting day.

The taller Spartans outscored the Pirates 46-30 in the paint.

Hampton (28-5), the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference champions, came in riding an 18-game winning streak and looking for its first NCAA tournament win.

But the first half did them in.

It didn't take long for Michigan State to take control.

Trailing 6-5, Powers ignited a 15-1 run by scoring on an offensive rebound and then on a fast break layup to give her team the lead for good. Pickrel knocked down two 3-pointers and Jankoska added another trey during the stretch.

When Michigan State wasn't hitting shots from outside, they were dominating on the boards. They out-rebounded the Pirates 54-42.

The Spartans continued to pull away building a 32-point lead halftime behind Powers, who already had a double-double at the break with 15 points and 11 rebounds.

"We weren't ready to go, and I take responsibility for that," Hampton coach David Six said.

Said Pirates guard Kenia Cole: "You can't have slow starts against a team like Michigan State and expect to win."

Hampton too often settled for one-on-one drives to the hole which often resulted in blocked shots or misses. The Spartans had six blocks alone in the first half.

"We let our emotions get the best of us," Six said. "We did a lot of 1-on-1 play and did not move the ball from side to side."

Part of that might have been Michigan State's preparation.

"We had been preparing for them for a while and knew their offensive sets backward and forward," Pickrel said.

Nicole Hamilton led the Pirates with 19 points. Alyssa Bennett had 16.

Michigan State led by at least 30 points throughout the second half but coach Merchant waited until the final minutes before emptying the bench.

Becca Mills added 12 points for Michigan State, which has advanced to the second round in nine of its last 10 seasons.

Hampton fell to 0-8 all-time in NCAA tournament play.

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