TSU Tigers Fall in OVC Opener in Overtime at UT Martin, 63-60

MARTIN, Tennessee --- The Tennessee State men’s basketball team suffered a 63-60 overtime defeat to UT Martin at the Elam Center on Thursday night. The game, which aired on national television on CBS Sports Network, was the Ohio Valley Conference opener for both teams.

Ken’Darrius Hamilton scored a team-high 12 points for TSU (5-7, 0-1 OVC), which featured four players in double figures. Kamar McKnight and Darreon Reddick finished with 11 points apiece with Christian Mekowulu adding 10 points and nine boards.

TSU led by 12 points in the first half before UT Martin (6-8, 1-0 OVC) battled back to cut the Tigers’ halftime edge down to 28-26.

In a game that had nine ties and 12 lead changes, TSU held a 56-54 edge with 1:06 remaining. The Skyhawks tied the scoring at 56-56 on a Jailen Gill layup and had two stops down the stretch to force overtime.

In the five-minute overtime period, UT Martin outscored TSU by a 7-4 margin to pick up the win.

INSIDE THE NUMBERS

• TSU LEADERS
  • Points – Ken’Darrius Hamilton - 12
  • Rebounds – Christian Mekowulu and Stokley Chaffee Jr. - 9
  • Assists – Darreon Reddick - 7
• The Tigers’ defense limited UT Martin to 28.6 percent (8-of-28) shooting in the first half, including 8.3 percent (1-of-12) from three-point range.
• TSU held the Skyhawks to 34.9 percent (22-of-63) from the field on the night.
• The seven assists were the most for Darreon Reddick since posting eight on Dec. 19, 2015 against Alcorn State.
• Thursday marked the first time TSU finished with four players scoring in double figures since the overtime win at Kennesaw State on Nov. 25, 2017.
• TSU’s bench outscored UT Martin’s bench by a 25-10 margin.

Tennessee State Men's Basketball at UT Martin Radio Calls from the game on 102.1 The Ville

• Delano Spencer Steal & And 1 for a 13-11 TSU Lead - 1st Half
• Kamar McKnight three pointer for a 49-47 TSU Lead - 2nd Half
• Head Coach Dana Ford Post-Game Interview

HOW IT HAPPENED

• Strong defense by the Skyhawks in the early going put TSU in a 10-2 hole five minutes into the game.
• The Tigers turned defense into offense, scoring five points off four UT Martin turnovers as part of a 15-1 run over the next 3:47 of the contest.
• TSU extended its lead to as many as 12 points 11 minutes into game at 23-11 on a Ken’Darrius Hamilton three.
• UT Martin cut into the TSU advantage the rest of the half as the Tigers took a 28-26 lead into the locker room. Darreon Reddick posted seven points and three assists to lead the way for the Tigers in the opening 20 minutes.
• The score went back-and-forth early in the second half with neither team leading by more than four points in the first eight minutes out of the break.
• UT Martin took a three-point lead on a three by Matthew Butler with four minutes left for a 54-51 edge.
• The Tigers scored the next five points and had a 56-54 lead on a Christian Mekowulu layup before UTM’s Jailen Gill’s layup with 1:05 remaining knotted the score at 56-56. 
• In the extra session, the Skyhawks scored the first four points and never looked back en route to outscoring the Tigers, 7-4, in the five minute overtime.

GAME NOTES

• Thursday’s game aired live on national TV on CBS Sports Network.
• TSU is 33-26 in the all-time series versus UT Martin.
• Hampus Ahlin made his first career start on the night.
• TSU is 1-2 in overtime this season.

BOX SCORE  |  PHOTO ALBUM  |  RADIO CALLS

 
QUOTES

HEAD COACH DANA FORD

"We did some things that were good enough for us to win, but when you’re on the road, you can’t turn the ball over, and you can’t get whipped on the glass like we did tonight. A lot of that credit goes to UT Martin. Those are two things we have got to get better at. We can’t turn the ball over 17 times, give up 16 second-chance opportunities, but we’ll just have to take this one and build off of it.”
-Overview of the game

“I thought we moved the ball a lot better tonight. We had 10 three’s. We tried to get the ball inside to (Christian) Mekowulu as much as possible. I mean, they were always double-and-triple teaming him every time he got the ball, but we got 17 team assists, which is probably a team-high for us. I thought we were very aggressive, and I thought we did some things to win, but when you’re on the road you have to defend, rebound and take care of the ball. We held them to 33 percent from the floor, but we definitely didn’t rebound. We have to take care of the ball."
-On positives of the game

UP NEXT

• The Tigers play at Southeast Missouri State on Sunday, Dec. 31, at 1 p.m. at the Show Me Center.
• The game will air live on the OVC Digital Network.

TENNESSEE STATE UNIVERSITY ATHLETICS MEDIA COMMUNICATIONS

Hill, Virginia Tech Hokies defeat North Carolina A&T

ESPN3 VIDEO REPLAY

BLACKSBURG, Virginia -- Redshirt junior Ahmed Hill and freshman P.J. Horne scored in double figures against North Carolina A&T, guiding the Virginia Tech men’s basketball team to a 76-59 victory on Thursday afternoon at Carilion Clinic Court at Cassell Coliseum.

The Hokies (11-2) shot well from the floor, hitting 29 shots on 59 attempts (49.2 percent), while capitalizing on its defensive presence by scoring 19 points off of turnovers versus the Aggies (7-8).

Trailing by a point at 10-9 in the early moments of the first half, Tech went on a 10-0 run behind redshirt sophomore Kerry Blackshear Jr.’s two successful post moves going into the media timeout at 10:59.

The Hokies would not look back, going up by as much as 18 points after a steal and quick layup by redshirt senior Devin Wilson as time expired, concluding the opening frame with a 38-20 lead.

Tech’s lead grew to as many as 23 points, its largest advantage of the day, following back-to-back three-pointers from Hill mid-way through the second half. The Aggies trimmed the deficit, but could not get it any closer than double digits.

NC A&T was led by forward Femi Olujobi, who recorded a game-high 21 points, four rebounds and two blocks.

NOTES

• Hill put in four shots from downtown, marking his fith game this season of nailing 4-plus three-pointers. The Georgia native scored a team-high 14 points and collected three rebounds.

• For the ninth time this season, the Hokies outscored their opponent in the paint, as they did versus the Aggies 40-32.

• The bench for Tech put in 33 points, marking the fifth time this year the reserves scored 30 or more points.

• Horne scored 10 points, tying the second-most of his young career, and recorded four rebounds and a block.

• Freshman Nickeil Alexander-Walker tied a career-high eight rebounds, while chipping in five points.

STAT OF THE GAME

• The Hokies controlled the pace of play, owning the advantage for more than 36 minutes in the clash with the Aggies. They also got a couple baskets out in transition, scoring five points compared to NC A&T’s two.

QUOTING BUZZ WILLIAMS

“I think the next step is, here is our tools and do we have the maturity in practice, in scouting, in film, to we are going to take advantage of this tool in this game and can we execute that.”

• Box Score
•  Photo Gallery

WHAT IS NEXT

• ACC play begins on Dec. 31, as the Hokies travel to Syracuse to face the Orange in the Carrier Dome. Tip is at 6 p.m. and the game will be shown live on ESPNU and the ESPN app.

VIRGINIA TECH HOKIE SPORTS

A Marching Band at Allen University -- A Band of Gold

Mr. EDDIE ELLIS
ALLEN UNIVERSITY BAND OF GOLD

COLUMBIA, South Carolina -- Allen University has unveiled another vital element in the institution’s steady resurgence. A show-stopping marching band directed by an eminent band master is the latest initiative. The Allen “Band of Gold” will take the field fall semester 2018 with Eddie Ellis directing.

The band will be historic, both in degree and size. It will be the first marching band program at Allen in over a half century. The 2018 edition is also expected to march 100 members. Reacting to his appointment, Ellis said, “I am delighted to become a part of the Allen University family and work with President Ernest McNealey in creating an exceptional marching band program that will help to grow Allen and instill spirit throughout Allen and beyond.”

As band director at Morris Brown College (Atlanta) for more than a decade, Ellis conducted the symphonic band and the Marching Wolverines, leading the band to a featured role in the (2002) film Drumline, which “brought show-style marching bands to the big screen for the first time.” They also performed in numerous music videos, and in 2001, Ellis’ symphonic unit was the first African-American band to be featured at the Georgia Music Educators Association.

Ellis most recently served an 11-year-stint as director of bands at South Carolina State University, where he conducted the Symphonic Band, Wind Ensemble and the Marching 101 Band. Honors included three appearances in the Honda Battle of the Bands competition. Ellis holds a Bachelor of Arts in music from Morris Brown College and a Master of Music in Education from Georgia State University, Atlanta, Ga. He has also studied at Florida State University, the Cincinnati Conservatory and The University of Texas at Austin.

Mr. Ellis will join a host of talented musicians/professors engaged in public performances and leading student groups. The “Band of Gold” will add to the existing roster of student performers comprised of a chamber ensemble, a concert choir, a jazz band, and a gospel choir.

Allen University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges to award baccalaureate degrees. Contact the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges at 1866 Southern Lane, Decatur, Georgia 30033-4097 or call 404-679-4500 for questions about the accreditation of Allen University.

THE SOUNDS OF EDDIE ELLIS...




ALLEN UNIVERSITY MEDIA COMMUNICATIONS

North Carolina A&T Women's Basketball Returns to Action At Ohio

North Carolina A&T Women’s Basketball (4-6) at Ohio (5-5)
Date: Thursday, Dec. 28, 2017
Time: 8 p.m.
Facility: Convocation Center (Athens, Ohio)
Series: N.C. A&T leads the all-time series, 1-0

PROBABLE STARTERS: F Le’on Hill (6-2, So., 2.7 ppg, 6.2 rpg); G Cinia McCray (5-7, So., 8.9 ppg, 3.3 rpg); G Shantell Bostick (5-7, So., 6.1 ppg, 3.3 rpg); G C’Coriea Foy (6-0, R-So., 13.7 ppg, 3.4 rpg); F Quenswayla Story (6-3, So., 5.7 ppg, 3.4 rpg).

AGGIES OVERVIEW: The Aggies have just two non-conference games remaining before they open MEAC play against Norfolk State on Saturday, Jan. 6. North Carolina A&T plays at Ohio before hosting St. Andrews in the Corbett Sports Center on Tuesday, Jan. 2. The Aggies improved to 4-2 at home with a 68-59 victory over Western Carolina in their last game on Dec. 19. C’Coriea Foy scored 18 points to go along with five rebounds and six assists in the win while Le’on Hill grabbed a career-high 16 rebounds. Two Aggies are averaging double figures in scoring led by Foy’s 13.7 followed by Kala Green’s 12.4. Alexus Lessears leads the team in rebounding at 9.6 while Foy is tops in both assists (3.4) and stelas (2.8). The Aggies defeated Ohio last season in Cobett, 63-57.

OHIO OVERVIEW: Ohio has dropped four of its last five games including two defeats at the West Palm Invitational by Furman (70-68) and Virginia (77-59) before the holiday break. Under the direction of fifth-year head coach Bob Boldon, Ohio went 22-10 last season with a 12-6 finish in the MAC. The Bobcats are first in the MAC in steals (14.6), 3-point field goal attempts (320), turnover margin (13.00), turnovers forced (25.40) and turnovers per game (12.4). Cierra Hooks ranks second in the MAC in steals (3.2) and 25th in the nation while Dominique Doseck is sixth in steals (2.8), third in 3-point field goals attempts (77) and ninth in 3-point field goals per game (2.20). Taylor Agler leads the Bobcats in assists (4.5) ranking ninth in their conference and fourth in assists turnover ratio (2.14).

LAST TIME OUT
C’Coriea Foy finished with a team-high 18 points, six assists and five rebounds, Kala Green had 17 points and four assists and Jada Scaife posted 11 points and nine rebounds in the Aggies 68-59 win over West Carolina on Education Day. The Aggies led from tip to finish and saw their lead increase to as many as 20 during the game.

NEWS & NOTES

• N.C. A&T is 4-0 when leading with five minutes remaining this season.
• Nationally, the Aggies are ranked fifth in offensive rebounds (18.0), ninth in turnovers forced (23.38), 24th in turnover margin (6.00) and 35th in rebounds (43.4). They are first in the MEAC in all four categories and are ranked second in assist turnover ratio (0.80), assist per game (14.2), rebound margin (2.0) and scoring offense (66.1).
• Alexus Lessears leads the conference in both rebounds per game (9.6) and offensive rebounds (5.0).
• C’Coriea Foy is second in steals per game (2.80), third in field goal attempts (160) and fourth in 3-point field goal attempts (72), sixth in assists (3.4). Green leads the Aggies in minutes played (29.8). Le’on Hill leads the Aggies in blocked shots (0.9). Shantell Bostick ranks third in the league in assist/turnover ratio (1.2) and eighth in both free throw percentage (.730) and assists (3.2). Kala Green is fifth in the conference in 3-point field goals made (1.9).

NORTH CAROLINA A&T STATE UNIVERSITY SPORTS INFORMATION

Hawaii Men’s Basketball Wraps Up Non-Conference Play vs. Howard Bison

HONOLULU, Hawaii – The University of Hawai'i men's basketball team hosts Howard on Friday, Dec. 29 in the team's final non-conference game before opening Big West play. Tipoff is 7:00 p.m. at the Stan Sheriff Center.   
 
UH is coming off a sixth-place finish in the Hawaiian Airlines Diamond Head Classic. The Rainbow Warriors went 1-2, as they fell to then-No. 6 Miami, beat Davidson and concluded the tournament with a Christmas Day loss to Princeton. UH has been a good bounce-back team this year, going 3-0 after a loss with an average margin of victory of 10.0 points.   
 
This will be the second meeting in the last three seasons between UH and Howard, out of the MEAC. The 'Bows defeated the Bison 94-59 in January 2016 and are undefeated in 15 all-time meetings with MEAC schools.
 
Following its game against Howard, UH will open Big West play with a pair of road games at Long Beach State (Jan. 4) and CSUN (Jan. 6).
 
Game 13
Who: Hawai'i (8-4, 0-0 Big West) vs. Howard (3-12, 0-0 MEAC)
When: Friday, Dec. 29, 2017
Time: 7:00 p.m. HT
Where: Stan Sheriff Center (10,300) - Honolulu, HI
Television: Live on Spectrum Sports – Channels 16 (SD) and 1016 (HD). Kanoa Leahey (play-by-play) and Artie Wilson (color) on the call.
Streaming Video: BigWest.TV (Must be a Spectrum cable subscriber to stream in Hawai'i).
Radio: Live on ESPN 1420 AM with Bobby Curran and Jeff Portnoy. Neighbor islands can listen live on KNUI on Maui, KPUA on the Big Island, KTOH on Kaua'i, and KNWJ in Pago Pago, American Samoa.
Audio Webcast: ESPN1420am.com/Sideline Hawai'i App.
Live Stats: HawaiiAthletics.com
Ticket Information: $5-$30. UH Manoa students free with validated ID. Available for purchase online.
Game Notes

Promotions: First Insurance Company of Hawaii is the game sponsor and will distribute 500 basketball shaped tote bags at Gate A.  Great prizes will be awarded throughout the night and sign up for your chance to win at the sports marketing table at Gate A. 
Coaches: Eran Ganot is in his third season at UH (50-26).  Kevin Nickelberry is in his ninth season at Howard (72-166)
Series Information: UH leads, 2-0.
 
About Howard: The Bison are just 3-12 but have won two of their last four games, including their last outing on Dec. 22, an 80-75 win vs. UNC Wilmington in the Sun Bowl Invitational in El Paso...Howard has played all but three of their games away from home and is winless on the road (0-11)...RJ Cole (21.6 ppg) and Charles Williams (18.4 ppg) account for nearly 60 percent of the team's scoring.
 
UNIVERSITY OF HAWAII ATHLETIC MEDIA COMMUNICATIONS

GAME PREVIEW: Seattle Redhawks vs Grambling State Tigers

SEATTLE, Washington –  Seattle University men’s basketball continues its nine-game homestand on Thursday, Dec. 28, hosting Grambling State at the Connolly Complex. Tip-off is set for 7 p.m. and the game will stream live on the WAC Digital Network. Fans can also tune in to KTTH 770 AM in Seattle or online at mynorthwest.com as Dave Grosby returns for his ninth season on air for the Redhawks.

FOLLOW THE REDHAWKS

• Thursday, Dec. 28 at 7:00 p.m. PT
• Connolly Complex, Seattle, WA
• Tickets
• Game Notes
• Live Stats
• Listen on KTTH 770 AM
• Watch on the WAC Digital Network

ABOUT THE GAME

• Seattle U (9-6) vs. Grambling State (4-8)
• All-time series - First meeting
• Last meeting - First meeting

NEWS AND NOTES

• The Redhawks are 8-1 at home this season with the lone blemish being an 81-59 setback to Cal on Dec. 19. They had opened the season with a seven-game streak that marked the longest home win streak since the 2014-15 season when they won six straight from Feb. 17, 2015 (vs. Utah Valley) to March 23, 2015 (vs. Colorado).
• Jordan Hill had 23 points, while Aaron Menzies and Matej Kavas added 20 apiece in the Redhawks’ 95-89 win over Nicholls State on Dec. 23. That marked the first time this season that three players had scored 20 or more points. It was also the fourth time that at least two players had achieved the feat. Hill had 21 points and Josh Hearlihy added 20 against Saint Martin’s on Dec. 13. On Nov. 12 vs. Puget Sound when Richaud Gittens poured in 26 points and Hearlihy added 23. The Redhawks also had a pair of 20-point efforts on Dec. 3 vs. Eastern Washington when Kavas had 26 points and Hearlihy added 20.
• Junior center Aaron Menzies finished with 20 points and 14 rebounds on Dec. 23 vs. Nicholls State, marking his team-leading fifth double-double of the season.
• Seattle U is averaging 81.0 ppg, which ranks first in the WAC. That mark includes two games where they have surpassed the century mark, as well as a 99-point effort and 95-point outing.
• Matej Kavas has led the Redhawks in scoring seven times through 15 games and has scored in double figures in all but one game played. The sophomore guard/forward has hit the 20-point mark six times, while his career-high sits at 27, a feat achieved vs Detroit Mercy on Nov. 18.
• In games played through Dec. 25, Seattle U is ranked in the top 50 nationally in seven team statistical categories. The Redhawks are seventh in the nation in 3-pters (149), eighth in free-throw percentage (78.7) and total assists (241), 10th in 3-pt FG attempts (394), 16th in rebounds (557), 35th in 3-pt FGs per game (9.9) and 37th in FTs made (218).
• Matej Kavas is seventh in the nation with 46 made 3-pters while Aaron Menziesranks eighth in FG% (68.8).
• The Redhawks lead the Western Athletic Conference in  scoring (81.0 ppg), free-throw percentage (78.7), 3-pt FG% (37.8) and 3-pt FGs made (149, 9.9 per game). They also rank second in FG% (47.7) and third assists per game (16.1).
• Matej Kavas ranks third in the WAC in scoring (18.5 ppg) and first in 3-pt FG% (47.9) and 3-pt FGs made (46, 3.3 per game). Aaron Menzies ranks second in blocks (30, 2.0 per game) and FG% (68.8), and fourth in rebounds per game (6.9). Jordan Hill is tied for second in 3-pt FGs (35, 2.5 per game) and fourth in assists (59, 4.2 per game), Richaud Gittens is second in steals (22, 1.6 per game) and four Redhawks rank in the top 10 in 3-pt FG percentage.

UPCOMING TICKET DEALSCatch all five of the Redhawks' KeyArena Western Athletic Conference games this season for a great low price! Save 50% on single-game ticket prices by purchasing a "WAC PACK." Mini plan prices start as low as $25. Click here to purchase.

SEATTLE UNIVERSITY ATHLETICS MEDIA COMMUNICATIONS

Despite Council’s Career Night, Coppin State Falls at Ga.Tech

ATLANTA, Georgia -- Coppin State's men's basketball team fell at Georgia Tech, 76-62 on Wednesday night at McCamish Pavilion. With the loss, the Eagles fall to 0-14 on the year while the Yellow Jackets even their record at 6-6.

Cedric Council, who grew up just minutes from Georgia Tech, scored a career-high 17 points on 6-of-10 shooting and 5-of-6 from deep. Lamar Morgan and Karonn Davis also finished in double figures with 12 and ten points, respectively. Adam Traore also chipped in with nine points.

The Eagles were narrowly outshot, 46.4% to 40.0% but Georgia Tech outrebounded Coppin, 41-24 and made 20-of-21 free throws compared to just 2-of-3 for CSU. Coppin did not take a free throw until Morgan sunk a pair with 3:29 left in regulation.

Coppin was in control for much of the game but Georgia Tech pulled away by using a 15-3 run to take its first lead since early in the first and it was punctuated by a dunk by Josh Okogie with 4:12 left in regulation.

The first half started slowly for both teams as the score remained scoreless for the first 2:18 until Traore buried a three but Georgia Tech answered with a triple of its own on the ensuing possession. The Yellow Jackets eventually built a five-point lead at 13-8 but the Eagles, would go on a 10-2 run capped off by a three by Davis to give Coppin an 18-15 lead with 8:15 left in the half.

Georgia Tech would stop the bleeding with a triple to tie the score, but Council hit his first three of the night to give the Eagles back the lead. The Eagles maintained the one-possession lead until Council buried another triple which was followed by a thunderous dunk by Traore, forcing a Georgia Tech timeout.

Coppin's advantage was cut to a single basket moments later but a three by Davis extended the lead back to five. Georgia Tech was able to answer with a jumper but both teams went scoreless for the final 1:25 and the Eagles went into the half with a 33-30 lead. The 33 points were the most scored by Coppin in the first half this season.

Up next for the Eagles is a trip to take on Penn State on Saturday, December 30 at 1 pm. The game will be broadcast on BTN Plus.

BOX SCORE

COPPIN STATE UNIVERSITY ATHLETIC COMMUNICATIONS

Morgan Bears Fall to Grand Canyon in Las Vegas, 100-74

LAS VEGAS, Nevada -- Joshua Braun scored 18 points and led five players in double-figure scoring as Grand Canyon blasted Morgan State, 100-74, to keep its undefeated run at Orleans Arena intact Wednesday night.

That winning streak will loom larger come mid-March, when the Western Athletic Conference tournament takes place there.

The Antelopes built a 46-33 advantage in the first half and kept their scoring pressure on the rest of the way, setting a season-high for scoring en route. Before this game Grand Canyon had not cracked the 90 point barrier, let alone reached triple digits.

Fifi Aidoo contributed 12 points, Keonta Vernon and Casey Benson each added 11 and Gerard Martin scored 10 points. The Antelopes shot 34 of 66 from the field (51.5 percent), including 13 of 29 from behind the 3-point arc.



Tiwian Kendley, who scored 31 points four days ago at George Mason, poured in a game-high 31 points (12-12 FT) and collected four steals for the Bears (4-8). Phillip Carr added 18 points and grabbed 12 rebounds for his sixth double-double of the season.

Grand Canyon's bench outscored the Bears second unit by a commanding 43-17 margin.

Morgan State ended the first half by connecting on 4 of their last 5 shots to trim the Lopes lead to 46-33 at the break.

The Bears will close out a string of eight consecutive road game when they take on the CSUN Matadors on Saturday (Dec. 30). It will mark the fifth meeting between the teams with the Matadors owning a 4-0 series advantage. Tip-off at The Matadome is scheduled for 10 p.m. ET.

BOX SCORE

MORGAN STATE UNIVERSITY ATHLETIC COMMUNICATIONS

DSU Hornets No Match For Penn In Final 2017 Contest

PHILADELPHIA, Pennsylvania -- Penn shot better than 61 percent from the field to highlight a 105-52 win over Delaware State in a men’s basketball contest at the Palestra this evening. The Quakers won their four straight and sixth in the last seven games to improve to 9-4 this season. The Hornets dropped their ninth in a row to fall to 2-13.

Penn was 35-for-57 from the field, including 14-of-27 on three-point shots (51.9%), to post a season-high point total. Fifteen of the 16 players who competed for the Quakers scored in the contest.

Jarrod Simmons came off the bench lead five double figure scorers for Penn with 12 points. Caleb Wood, also a reserve, tallied 11 points, while Devon Goodman, Antonio Woods and Max Rothschild added 10 each.



Jonathan Walker was the only Delaware State player in double figures with 10 points. The Hornets hit just 19 of their 55 shots from the field (34.5%) and only 4-of-16 from beyond the arc (25.0%).

Penn’s point total was also the most by a DSU opponent this season.

Delaware State scored the first points of the game on a jumper by Artem Tavakalyan (8 points). Penn’s Ryan Betley nailed a three-pointer on the ensuing possession and Quakers never looked back.

The Hornets were outscored 23-6 over the next eight minutes, and trailed 26-8 after a three-pointer by the Quakers at the 10:39 mark of the first half.

Penn hit 65.5% of their first half shots (19-29) en route to a 55-24 lead at the break.

The Quakers’ lead reached 40 points (74-34) after a three-point play by Jake Slipe with 12:56 left in the game. Penn’s biggest lead was 56 points on two occasions late in the second half.

The Hornets will be in action for the first time in 2018 next Wed. (Jan. 3) at home against North Carolina Central in the MEAC opener for both teams. Game time is set for 7:30 p.m. following the DSU/NCCU women’s contest in Memorial Hall.

BOX SCORE

DELAWARE STATE UNIVERSITY ATHLETICS MEDIA RELATIONS

VT Hokies close non-conference slate vs. North Carolina A&T

Tech, Aggies meet at noon on Thursday in Cassell Coliseum

BLACKSBURG, Virginia -- The Virginia Tech men's basketball team hosts North Carolina A&T on Thursday, Dec. 28 at noon at Carilion Clinic Court at Cassell Coliseum. The game will be shown live on ACC Network Extra and the ESPN app.

GAME INFORMATION

Date/Time: Dec. 28, 2017/ Noon
Opponent: North Carolina A&T University
Site: Blacksburg, Virginia (Carilion Clinic Court at Cassell Coliseum)
Radio: Virginia Tech IMG Sports Network
Talent: Andrew Allegretta
TV: ACC Network Extra
Talent: Bailey Angle & Mack McCarthy
Live Stats: HokieSports.com
Game Notes: Virginia Tech

TODAY’S GAME
The Hokies enter the game 10-2 on the season. The Aggies are 7-7 this season. Today is the Hokies’ final regular season non-conference game. Today’s game is the second of two “Buzz’s Bunch” games this season.

THE SERIES
Tech is 5-0 all-time against the Aggies and all five games have been played in Cassell Coliseum. Tech won the last meeting, 90-60, two years ago. Tech is 30-0 all-time against teams currently in the MEAC, after defeating Maryland-Eastern Shore, 93-40, on Dec. 10 in Cassell Coliseum.

UP NEXT
ACC play begins on Dec. 31, as the Hokies travel to Syracuse to face the Orange in the Carrier Dome. Tip is at 6 p.m. and the game will be shown live on ESPNU and the ESPN app.

VIRGINIA TECH ATHLETICS MEDIA COMMUNICATIONS

The ODU-NSU basketball series should play on, just not at Scope

NORFOLK, Virginia -- When it was announced last year that Old Dominion and Norfolk State would renew their basketball rivalry this season at Scope, it sounded like a terrific idea.

The downtown arena is located between both campuses and is the spot where ODU and NSU carried on a spirited rivalry decades ago.

If you weren't there last Friday, you missed an entertaining, if not artfully played, game. Both teams shot poorly, yet played hard, with ODU pulling away late to win, 61-50.

But the reality is that playing at Scope was a one-game experiment that surely won't be repeated – and, in hindsight, shouldn't be.

Even given the bad timing of the game (three days before Christmas), attendance was disappointing. Officials said 6,711 tickets were sold, including more than 2,000 ODU season-ticket holders. Only 4,267 fans actually showed up.

ODU could have generated a lot more revenue, and likely would have drawn a bigger crowd, at ODU's Constant Center. The Monarchs keep money from concessions at the Ted, and generate additional income from 16 luxury suites and thousands of club seats.



CONTINUE READING

UAPB introduces Cedric Thomas as new Golden Lions head football coach

PINE BLUFF, Arkansas -- Cedric Thomas, 20th head coach of the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff Golden Lions football team, has been involved in football for over 15 years. Returning home to the institution that gave him the opportunity to play collegiate football, Coach Thomas brings championship experience to UAPB. Thomas graduated from UAPB in 2001 with a Bachelor of Science and played football as a defensive back with the Golden Lions.

Coach Thomas has held a variety of positions which eventually led to becoming a head coach. He has been a recruiting coordinator, a graduate assistant, a running back coach, a special teams coordinator, a defensive back coach, and a defensive coordinator.

"My first plan of action is to get a coaching staff together," said Thomas. "I'm in the process right now of making both a short and long list of coaches and just reaching out to those guys and getting that established. I will also get in the recruiting battles right away."

Listed below are some of his top accomplishments while on staff at Alcorn State University:
2014 Southwestern Athletic Conference East Division Champions
2014 Southwestern Athletic Conference Champions
2014 Black College Football National Champions
2015 Southwestern Athletic Conference East Division Champions
2015 Southwestern Athletic Conference Champions
2015 Participated in Celebration Bowl
2016 Southwestern Athletic Conference East Division Champions (defense ranked top-10 in FCS in total sacks)
2017 Southwestern Athletic Conference East Division Champions (defense ranked top-10 in FCS in both red zone and scoring defense)

When asked what it means to come back to UAPB, Thomas answered confidently.

"It absolutely means everything. This place saved my life and I feel obligated to give back."

UAPB will host its annual Black and Gold Spring Football Game in 2018 at Golden Lion Stadium. Please visit UAPB's athletics website in 2018 for more information regarding the Black and Gold game.

UNIVERSITY OF ARKANSAS AT PINE BLUFF SPORTS INFORMATION

UPDATE: HBCU Football New Head Coaches, NCAA Probation and Conference Changes

2017/18 HEAD COACH CHANGES
COLLEGE                        NEW COACH          FORMER COACH
Alabama State                   Donald Hill-Eley        Brian Jenkins
Alabama A&M                                                      James Spady
Arkansas - Pine Bluff      Cedric Thomas       Monte Coleman
Florida A&M                      Willie Simmons*       Alex Wood
Delaware State                                                       Kenny Carter               
Hampton                             Robert Prunty            Connell Maynor
Mississippi Valley State     Vincent Dancy           Rick Comegy

Morgan State                    Ernest T. Jones$          Fred T. Farrier

North Carolina Central      Granville Eastman$   Jerry Mack

Prairie View A&M             Eric Dooley              Willie Simmons
Lincoln (Pa.)                                                         Reginald Byarse Jr. 
Edward Waters                 Greg Ruffin                 Alvin Wyatt
Virginia Union                  Dr. Alvin Parker         Mark James
Va. U. of Lynchburg         Larry Williams*            Jimmy Joe

 $ Interim for 2018
 *Interim                                                                

TERMINATION OF FOOTBALL PROGRAM
Cheyney University of Pennsylvania, Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference (PSAC)

2017/18 ATHLETICS DIRECTOR CHANGES
COLLEGE                          NEW AD                    OLD AD     
1. Florida A&M                   John Eason                   Milton Overton
2. Delaware State                 Mary Hill*                   Louis 'Skip' Perkins                   

HBCU ATHLETIC PROGRAMS ON NCAA PROBATION FOR LACK OF INSTITUTIONAL CONTROL and/or FAILURE TO MONITOR ITS ELIGIBILITY CERTIFICATION PROCESS:

1. Morgan State University, Probation Period End Dec. 18, 2021
2. Southern University and A&M College, Probation End Nov. 15, 2021
3. Howard University, Probation End May 19, 2018
4. Grambling State University, Probation End July 27, 2019
5. Morehouse College, Entire Program, Probation End July 14, 2018
6. Norfolk State University, Probation End June 15, 2018
7. Prairie View A&M University Men's Basketball, Probation End Nov. 20, 2019
8. Fayetteville State University Women's Basketball, Probation End Nov. 13, 2019
9. Mississippi Valley State University, Probation End March 23, 2019
10. Alabama State University Softball, Probation End Oct. 19, 2018
11. Alcorn State University, Probation End Oct. 18, 2018
12. Florida A&M University, Probation End Nov. 19, 2019
13. Central State University (Ohio), Probation End March 3, 2019 
14. Cheyney University of Pennsylvania, Probation End Aug. 20, 2019                                                  

CONFERENCE CHANGES - 2018/19
COLLEGES                NEW CONFERENCE         OLD CONF.

Hampton                       Big South                                 MEAC
Savannah State             SIAC                                        MEAC
Langston                        SAC                                         RRAC
Texas College                SAC                                         RRAC

George Tech Basketball Hosts Coppin State

ATLANTA, Georgia -- Georgia Tech closes out its pre-conference schedule this week by facing Coppin State for the first time ever at 7:30 p.m. Wednesday night at McCamish Pavilion.

Complete Game Notes  | Watch online

The Yellow Jackets (5-6) comes out of the holiday break having lost five of its last six games, including an 85-81 home loss to Wright State most recently last Friday night. Tech is in its second season under head coach Josh Pastner, the 2017 ACC Coach of the Year, after going 21-16 overall, finishing 8-10 (11th) in the ACC and reaching the championship game of the NIT last season.

Coppin State (0-13), in its first season under former Maryland star Juan Dixon, has played 11 of its games on the road from coast-to-coast, having traveled Oregon to open the season and also visiting Cincinnati, Rutgers, Georgetown, Connecticut and West Virginia along the way. The Eagles pay a visit to Penn State Saturday before opening Mid-Eastern Atlantic Conference play Jan. 3 at Norfolk State.

Wednesday’s game will be not be televised, but will be streamed live on the ACC Network Extra, available through the ESPN app. Radio coverage is provided by the Georgia Tech IMG Sports Network and can be heard in Atlanta on flagship station 680 the Fan (680 AM/93.7 FM). Tech’s broadcast can also be heard nationally on SiriusXM satellite radio (Sirius ch. 108, XM ch. 193).

SERIES VS. COPPIN STATE
• Georgia Tech and Coppin State are meeting for the first time on the basketball court.

• This is the Yellow Jackets’ third game against a member of the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference this season, having defeated Bethune-Cookman on Nov. 19 and Florida A&M on Dec. 17. Tech is 32-0 all-time against the MEAC.

• Tech coach Josh Pastner has never faced Coppin State as a head coach, but is 4-0 against MEAC teams.

COURTESY GEORGIA TECH MEDIA COMMUNICATIONS

Penn Returns To Action Wednesday To Host Delaware State

PHILADELPHIA, Pennsylvania — The University of Pennsylvania men’s basketball team will return to the court on Wednesday night as the Quakers host Delaware State at the Palestra.

Penn hasn’t played since December 9th when the Quakers went into Dayton and surprised the Flyers, 78-70. The victory improved Penn to 8-4 on the season with eight wins in their last ten games.

“I think we’re all happy with our progress,” Penn head coach Steve Donahue tells KYW Newsradio, “in particular, after the first two games where we kind of stubbed our toe a little bit out of the gates. Since then we’ve been very good, contributions from different guys, very consistent on the defensive end throughout the games, great rebounding numbers and taking care of the basketball.”

One of the impressive things about the Quakers is their depth. The same five players have started all 12 games for Penn, but Donahue has had many different players step up off the bench at different times throughout the season. In the win over Dayton it was senior Sam Jones making his presence felt as he buried five of six three-point attempts in just 13 minutes of work.

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UAPB set to announce new football coach

PINE BLUFF, Arkansas -- The University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff Golden Lions are ready to announce their next head football coach on Wednesday, Dec. 27.

This has been a drawn-out process, as UAPB athletic director Lonza Hardy Jr. initially said that they would like to have a coach in place by the end of the semester. Hardy and a search committee formed by the university analyzed more than 60 applications for the job, and they were able to cut it down to three finalists.

The finalists were Eric Dooley of Prairie View, Scott Maxfield of Henderson State and Cedric Thomas of Alcorn State.

Each finalist had a designated time for a meet and greet session with the community, supporters and media members. After Maxfield appeared at UAPB, he was soon granted a five-year extension by Henderson State, and he elected to stay put as their head coach. Dooley, Grambling’s wide receivers coach and offensive coordinator, was a hot commodity, and UAPB was never his only option to be a head coach.

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Rep. Mark Walker Congratulates the NC A&T Football Team in the United States House of Representatives

WASHINGTON, D. C. -- United States Representative Mark Walker (R-N.C.) congratulates the North Carolina A&T State University Aggies Football Team as the 2017 HBCU National Champions, in the United States House of Representatives on December 20, 2017.  

The Aggies, two-time Celebration Bowl winners finished their historic season with a perfect 12-0 record, defeating Grambling State University (11-2)  21-14 at the Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia.

“I'm just extremely proud of our players and the job our coaching staff has done,” said N.C. A&T coach Rod Broadway. “It's an awesome feeling right now to be 12-0 and to win our second national championship in three years at A&T. I'm happy for our school. We've come a long way.”

N.C. A&T is the first-ever Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference (MEAC) school to finish the entire season undefeated. They are the first Division I FCS black college football team to finish a season unbeaten and untied and they broke the school and conference record for wins with 12.

During the season, the Aggies defeated Division I FBS University of North Carolina at Charlotte 35-31 in front of a record-crowd 18,651 at Jerry Richardson Stadium.  They defeated an FBS for the second straight season (FBS schools are awarded approximately 20 more scholarship equivalents than the FCS level, the level N.C. A&T plays on). 

Head Coach Rod Broadway has led the Aggies to their second national HBCU football title in three years.  In athletics director Earl M. Hilton's III seven years as North Carolina A&T's AD, the Aggies have won three national titles and nine MEAC championships. 

AGGIE PRIDE!!!



NORTH CAROLINA A&T STATE UNIVERSITY SPORTS INFORMATION

FAMU Marching 100 prepares for 2019 Rose Bowl

TALLAHASSEE, Florida -- They're one of the oldest, most successful marching bands in the world.

FAMU''s Marching 100 has performed at Super Bowls, the Grammys, presidential inaugurations and, in 2019, will be gracing the stage at the 2019 Rose Bowl Parade.

WTXL ABC 27's Jarell Baker has more as they prepare to head out west.

Seventy-one years and counting, FAMU's Marching 100 has been "representing" and entertaining audiences across the globe.

Now a new opportunity to add to the band's history books comes on New Years Day, ‪January 1, 2019,‬ when the pride of FAMU and Tallahassee, the Marching 100, takes the show on the road playing in the Rose Bowl Parade.

Shelby Chipman, the Marching 100 band director, expressed excitement about the opportunity.

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Alcorn Braves Add Two More To 2018 Early Signing Day Class

LORMAN, Mississippi -- The Alcorn State University football program continued to bulk up its roster with the additions of Creo Argue Jr. and Chris Blair, head coach Fred McNair announced.

Both signed National Letters of Intent.

"We're proud to say that Creo and Chris are apart of the Alcorn Braves family. They are both transfers who can come in and make an immediate impact for us next season," McNair said. "We'll be looking for both Creo and Chris to play big rolls in the upcoming years for this program."

Argue is a 6-2, 220-pound defensive end from Crete, Illinois. He was ranked the No. 51 defensive end in the state of Illinois by maxpreps.com.  He anchored a defense at Crete-Monee HS that finished with an 8-4 overall record and 5-0 in conference his senior year.

According to rivals.com, Argue also had interest out of high school from Eastern Michigan, North Dakota State, Northern Illinois, Southern Illinois and Western Illinois.

This past season, Argue played at Independence CC in Kansas where he tallied 13 tackles, three sacks, an interception and a forced fumble in 10 games. Argue will have three years of eligibility remaining at Alcorn.



"Creo is a great player and will certainly help us a lot on the defensive line. He's filling a position of need since we're losing some guys there. I'm really excited to have him with us because he's an outstanding player," McNair said.

Blair is a 6-3, 200-pound wide receiver from Louisville, Mississippi. He's spent the last two seasons at Hinds CC and will have two years of eligibility left with the Braves.

This past season, Blair caught nine passes for 172 yards and three touchdowns in six games. The big-play threat averaged 19.1 yards per catch.

"Chris had an offer from Mississippi State, but after the coaching change there he decided to go a different way," McNair said. "I'd been trying to get Chris to come to Alcorn for a while, and I just kept in contact with him and we're very happy to have him."

Argue and Blair join an early 2018 signing day class that includes Delshun Bradwell, Daylon Burks, Wanya Morris and Jyron Russell.

2018 Early Signee Roster (Position, Height, Weight, Previous School, Hometown)
Creo Argue Jr. (DE, 6-2, 220, Independence CC, Crete, Illinois)
Chris Blair (WR, 6-3, 200, Hinds CC, Louisville, Miss.)
Delshun Bradwell (OL, 6-4, 290, Godby HS, Quincy, Fla.)
Daylon Burks (CB, 5-11, 200, Pearl River JC, Lumberton, Miss.)
Wanya Morris (OL, 6-2, 290, Southwest Mississippi JC, Brookhaven, Miss.)
Jyron Russell (QB, 6-3, 195, Timberview HS, Grand Prairie, Texas)

ALCORN STATE UNIVERSITY SPORTS INFORMATION

Buddy Pough's reach is beyond S.C. State

COACH BUDDY POUGH

CLEMSON, South Carolina — South Carolina State head coach Buddy Pough has impacted hundreds, if not thousands, of lives during his 16-year head-coaching tenure.

However, year 17 will be the last for the legendary head coach as Pough will exit as the head coach of his alma mater following the 2018 season. But Pough’s reach and impact are not lost on one coach in particular — Clemson co-offensive coordinator Tony Elliott.

"Man, he gave me my start. He took a chance on me,” Elliott said. “Here I was a guy that was kind of at a crossroads in life -- figuring out what I wanted to do with my future. I was working at Michelin as an engineer, had a bright future ahead of me, but I wanted to fulfill a purpose and I felt like coaching was the best opportunity to fulfill that purpose. He took a chance on me. He gave me a job, no experience.”

Following a two-year absence from football, Elliott decided that he wanted to get back into the game that he loved.

In 2006, former Clemson head coach Tommy Bowden had an open spot on his coaching staff for a graduate assistant and Elliott jumped at the opportunity to return to his alma mater and begin his coaching career, but that spot was filled by another candidate.

Elliott did not give up on his dream — using his contacts, and former coaches, at Clemson to give him a chance at a small school in Orangeburg.

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