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November | December | January | February

November

November 10, 2008

Falcons Open Basketball Season at Davis & Elkins Tournament

Saint Augustine’s College begins its men’s basketball season this weekend at the Davis & Elkins Tournament at The McDonnell Center in Elkins, W. Va. The Falcons meet Mercyhurst College on Saturday (Nov. 15) and faces either host Davis & Elkins College or UNC Pembroke on Sunday (Nov. 16) at either 2 p.m. or 4 p.m. The Falcons, led by first-year coach Lonnie Blow, Jr., return six players including preseason All-CIAA picks Will Gill (Clinton, Md.) and Hayward Fain (Akron, OH).

November 15, 2008

Falcons Fall In Basketball Season Opener

ELKINS, WVa. - Junior guard Chris Jordan (Houston, TX) drilled 5 of 8 three-pointers for 17 points to lead Saint Augustine's College, but the Falcons dropped their season opener to Mercyhurst (Pa.) College 80-69 Saturday (Nov. 15) in the Davis & Elkins Tip-Off Tournament at the McDonnell Center.

The Falcons face host Davis & Elkins College on Sunday (Nov. 16) in the consolation game at 2 p.m.

Junior guard Brandon Hickson (Columbia, SC) and senior guard Will Gill (Clinton, MD) both added nine points for the Falcons, who shot 48.1 percent and outrebounded the Lakers 35-32. Sophomore forward Hayward Fain (Akron, OH) chipped in eight points and a team-high five rebounds for the Falcons.

Mercyhurst got double-figure scoring from four players including 20 points from Nnamdi Nnadili. Jordan Armstrong, Jeremiah Wise and Brian McTear added 15 points apiece for the Lakers, who made 49.2 percent of their shots and connected on 11 of 29 three-pointers.

Down 37-30 at halftime, the Falcons went on a 12-2 run for a 42-39 lead five minutes into the second half. But the Lakers made 8 of 17 three-pointers in the second half to regain the lead and eventually stretch the margin to as high as 18 points.

The contest was the coaching debut of first-year Falcon coach Lonnie Blow, Jr

November 16, 2008

Blow Jr. Gains First Victory As Falcons Top Davis & Elkins 65-57

ELKINS, WVa. - Senior guard Will Gill (Clinton, MD) scored a game-high 20 points and grabbed seven rebounds as Saint Augustine's College topped Davis & Elkins College Sunday (Nov. 16) in the Davis & Elkins Tip-Off consolation game for Lonnie Blow Jr.'s first win as Falcon head coach.

"The first win is always special," says Blow Jr., who spent the past two seasons as Norfolk State University associate head coach. "It is nice to get this win under our belt, but we still have a lot of work to do and a long ways to go."

Junior guard Brandon Hickson (Columbia, SC) added 13 points and junior forward Ethan McNary (Norfolk, VA) recorded 12 points and 13 rebounds for the Falcons, who evened their overall record at 1-1.

Both teams shot 35 percent from the floor but the Falcons dominated the backboards for the victory. Led by McNary, the Falcons won the rebounding battle 58-37 including 29-13 on the offensive glass. Junior guard Chris Jordan (Houston, TX) added eight rebounds and sophomore forward Shaun Washum (Norfolk, VA) pulled down six rebounds for the Falcons. Jordan Lawson and Tim Turner both scored 13 points and Bryant Wallace added 12 points for the Senators, who dropped to 0-2 overall.

The Falcons open the CIAA season Nov. 22 at Virginia State University. The contest starts at 7:30 p.m.

November 20, 2008

Falcons Face Catawba Monday at Bobcats Arena

Saint Augustine’s College visits Catawba University on Monday (Nov. 24) in a men’s college basketball game at Charlotte Bobcats Arena in Charlotte, N.C., at 2:30 p.m.

The teams will play prior to the NBA contest between the Charlotte Bobcats and the Philadelphia 76ers at 7 p.m. Tickets are $20 and covers both games.

The Falcons are 1-1 overall under first-year head coach Lonnie Blow Jr., while the Indians are 2-0 heading into Saturday. The teams split the season series in 2007-08 with the Indians winning 72-69 Dec. 15, 2007, in Salisbury, N.C., and the Falcons winning 105-97 in overtime in Raleigh, N.C., on Jan. 5, 2008.

This season, senior guard Will Gill (Clinton, MD) leads the Falcons with a 14.5 scoring average. Junior guards Chris Jordan (Houston, TX) and Brandon Hickson (Columbia, SC) both average 11 points a game for the Falcons.

December

December 2, 2008

Falcons Bury Archrival Shaw 78-57

RALEIGH, NC – Sophomore forward Hayward Fain (Akron, OH) and junior guard Brandon Hickson (Columbia, SC) led a balanced attack with 12 points each as Saint Augustine’s College rolled over crosstown rival Shaw 78-57 for their six straight win in the series on Tuesday (Dec. 2) at Spaulding Gymnasium.

The last time the Bears (1-5 overall, 1-3 CIAA) defeated the Falcons (2-4, 1-2 CIAA) was on Jan. 22, 2005. The Falcons have dominated since, winning four games by double-digit margins. First-year Falcon head coach Lonnie Blow Jr. gained his first victory over the Bears in a big way as his Falcons won with accurate shooting (55 percent) and powerful rebounding (37-23 margin). The Falcons also made 19 of 30 free throws compared to 6 of 12 free throws for the Bears.

Senior guard Marcus Butler (Mansfield, OH) added 11 points for the Falcons, who had eight players score 7 or more points. Raheem Smith of Shaw led all scorers with 21 points on 8 of 16 shooting from the floor while Will Graham and Mike Smith added 14 and 11 points, respectively, for the Bears, who shot 46 percent.

Leading 36-24 at halftime, the Falcons opened a 19-point lead on a layup by sophomore forward Shaun Washum (Norfolk, Va.) five minutes into the second half and coasted the rest of the game. The Falcons host Virginia Union University on Thursday (Dec. 4) at Emery Gymnasium. Game time is 7:30 p.m.

December 4, 2008

Falcons Snap Home Losing Streak To Virginia Union

RALEIGH, NC – After beating Shaw University for the sixth straight time Tuesday, Saint Augustine’s College trounced Virginia Union University 77-55 Thursday (Dec. 4) at Emery Gymnasium to end a six-game home losing streak to the Panthers.

The win was the first for the Falcons at home against the Panthers since an 81-78 victory during the 1998-1999 season.

Junior guard Chris Jordan (Houston, Texas) scored a career-high 35 points on 12 of 15 shooting including 9 of 11 three-pointers to pace the Falcons (3-4 overall, 2-2 CIAA), who won their second game in three nights by 20 or more points. On Tuesday (Dec. 2), the Falcons ripped archrival Shaw 78-57 in Spaulding Gymnasium.

Leading 34-32 at halftime Thursday, the Falcons relied on 21 second-half points from Jordan on 8 of 9 shooting including 5 of 6 three-pointers to pull away for the surprisingly easy win over the Panthers (2-3, 0-2 CIAA), who are perennial CIAA and national contenders. Led by Jordan, the Falcons made 12 of 20 three-point shots for the game.

Sophomore forward Shaun Washum (Norfolk, Va.) added 10 points and seven rebounds for the Falcons, who shot 59 percent for the game. Brandon Byerson scored 14 points to lead the Panthers and Lemoyne Williams added 13 points.

Both teams shot over 50 percent in the first half, but the Panthers cooled off (31 percent) while the Falcons continued to sizzle (64 percent) in the second half.

The Falcon defense was the main reason for the Panthers’ poor second-half shooting. The Falcons forced difficult shots while Jordan hurt the Panthers from beyond the three-point line on the other end of the floor.

“We played with intensity and played outstanding defense,” Falcon head coach Lonnie Blow Jr. said. “When we play together we play pretty good but we still have a long ways to go.” The Falcons play again Dec. 16 against Saint Paul’s College at Emery Gymnasium. Game time is 7:30 p.m.

December 19, 2008

Falcons Stop Lenoir-Rhyne For Fourth Straight Win

SAVANNAH, Ga. - Saint Augustine's College won its fourth straight contest by limiting Lenoir-Rhyne University to 30 percent shooting in a 59-49 men's basketball victory Friday (Dec. 19). The game was part of the 2008 Chatham Orthropaedics Holiday Classic hosted by Armstrong Atlantic State University at Alumni Arena.

The Bears (4-4 overall) made just 15 of 50 shots and committed 17 turnovers for the game. In the second half, the Falcons (5-4) held the Bears to 24 percent shooting on 6 of 25 shots. Keyed by their defense, the Falcons opened a double-digit lead in the closing minutes of the second half after leading by three points (30-27) at halftime.

Sophomore forward Shaun Washum (Norfolk, Va.) led the way with 16 points and junior guard Chris Jordan (Houston, Texas) added 11 points for the Falcons, who have won their last four games by 10 or more points. The Falcons, who shot 44 percent on 25 of 57 shooting and committed 17 turnovers, featured a balanced attack as six players scored five or more points. They also outrebounded the Bears 39-33 with junior forward Ethan McNary (Norfolk, Va.) and senior guard Will Gill (Clinton, Md.) grabbing six rebounds apiece. Senior guard Marcus Butler (Mansfield, Ohio) and Jordan both added five rebounds for the Falcons.

Elliott McDowell scored 17 points and D.J. Blackmon added 10 points for the Bears, who were 16-for-21 from the free-throw line compared to 6-for-8 for the Falcons.

The Falcons will try to extend their win streak Saturday (Dec. 20) against Concordia Selma at the Classic. Game time is 3 p.m.

January

January 03, 2009

Falcons Upend Bears 69-60 For Sixth Straight Win

RALEIGH, NC – Senior guard Will Gill (Clinton, Md.) scored 16 points and sophomore forward Shaun Washum (Norfolk, Va.) added 11 points as Saint Augustine’s College overcame an early deficit to topple Shaw University 69-60 for its sixth straight victory Saturday (Jan. 3) at Emery Gymnasium.

The victory also extended the Falcons’ win streak to seven games over their crosstown CIAA rivals including a sweep of the season series. The last time the Bears (3-8 overall, 1-3 CIAA) won a game in the season series was 71-65 on Jan. 22, 2005.

Eddie Dawson scored a game-high 18 points and Rodney Callwood added 10 points for the Bears, who opened a 13-4 lead in the first seven minutes, but were outscored 65-47 the rest of the contest.

Shaw led 31-28 at halftime, but the Falcons (7-4, 4-2 CIAA) opened the second half with a 13-0 run. The Falcons never trailed from that point.

Sophomore forward Hayward Fain (Akron, Ohio) and junior forward Chris Jordan (Houston, Texas) both added nine points and sophomore guard James Scott (Hampton, Va.) added eight points for the Falcons, who shot 42 percent from the floor, won the rebounding battle 40-24 and made 16 of 24 free throws. Meanwhile, the Bears shot 45 percent from the floor and only connected on 5 of 14 free throws.

The Falcons visit Saint Paul’s College on Tuesday (Jan. 6) in Lawrenceville, Va., at 7:30 p.m.

January 24, 2009

Falcons Rally To Defeat Lincoln, Pa. 70-63

LINCOLN UNIVERSITY, Pa. - Junior guard Steven Brignol (Brooklyn, NY) scored 19 points to help Saint Augustine's College pull out a 70-63 come-from-behind men's college basketball victory over Lincoln, Pa. on Saturday (Jan. 24) at Rivero Hall.

Senior guard Marcus Butler (Mansfield, Ohio) added 13 points, sophomore forward Shaun Washum (Norfolk, Va.) added 11 and sophomore forward Hayward Fain (Akron, Ohio) chipped in 10 points for the Falcons (13-6 overall), who trailed 57-51 with 7:40 remaining but ended the game with a 19-6 run. The Falcons earned the victory by making 27 of 41 free throw attempts and scoring 22 points off 20 Lincoln turnovers to overcome 39 percent shooting.

Ladaye Johnson scored 13 points, Jabyron Wilson added 11 points and Bryant Leach and Damien Hyman both had 10 points for the Lions (5-12), who shot 50 percent from the floor but made 6 of 7 free throw attempts. The Lions, who led most of the game including a 10-point lead in the first half, will be a member of the CIAA conference next season.

The Falcons host Virginia State University on Tuesday (Jan. 24) at Emery Gymnasium. Game time is 7:30 p.m.

January 27, 2009

Falcons Race Past Virginia State 90-72

RALEIGH, NC – Sophomore forward Shaun Washum (Norfolk, Va.) scored a career-high 21 points on 9 of 10 shooting and Saint Augustine’s College jumped out to an 11-0 lead en route to a 90-72 CIAA men’s basketball victory over Virginia State University on Tuesday (Jan. 27) at Emery Gymnasium.

Junior guard Brandon Hickson (Columbia, SC) added 16 points, sophomore forward Hayward Fain (Akron, OH) added a double-double with 15 points and a career-high 15 rebounds and junior guard Chris Jordan (Houston, TX) chipped in 11 points for the Falcons (14-6 overall, 7-4 CIAA), who shot 58 percent from the floor and outrebounded the Trojans 43-34.

Washum scored 10 first-half points including four points in the opening 11-0 run. The Falcons shot 59 percent in the first half and limited the Trojans (8-12, 4-7 CIAA) to 27 percent shooting in racing to a 47-23 halftime lead.

In the second half, the Falcons withstood a rally by the Trojans, who pulled within 72-64 with six minutes left. From that point, the Falcons, led by eight points from Hickson, outscored the Trojans 18-8 to end the game.

Harvey Mills paced the Trojans with 20 points, all in the second half, and Terrell Crockett added 16 points. J.C. Chaney chipped in 11 points for the Trojans, who shot 37 percent for the game. After a cold first half, the Trojans warmed up considerably, shooting 46 percent in the second half.

The Falcons visit Bowie State University in a big CIAA matchup on Thursday (Jan. 29) at 7:30 p.m

January 29, 2009

JORDAN'S THREE-POINTER LIFTS FALCONS PAST BOWIE STATE 61-59

BOWIE, Md. - Junior guard Chris Jordan (Houston, Texas) swished a deep three-pointer with 13 seconds left to push Saint Augustine's College past Bowie State University 61-59 in men's CIAA basketball Thursday (Jan. 29) at A.C. Jordan Arena.

Jordan's game-winning shot capped a 20-6 run by the Falcons (15-6 overall, 8-4 CIAA), who trailed 53-41 with 6:54 minutes remaining. Jordan scored nine points on three-pointers and junior guard Steven Brignol (Brooklyn, NY) added eight points including a powerful one-handed dunk over a Bowie State player during the spurt which decided the outcome.

Jordan led the Falcons with 24 points on 9-for-13 shooting including 6-of-10 three-pointers. He helped the Falcons shoot 11-for-27 from behind the three-point arc for 41 percent. Overall, the Falcons shot 39 percent from the floor for the game.

Senior guard Will Gill (Clinton, Md.) added 13 points while sophomore forward Hayward Fain (Akron, Ohio) and Brignol scored nine and eight points, respectively, for the Falcons, who have won 14 of their last 16 games including three in a row.

Duke Crews had 15 points and 14 rebounds, Armond Hill scored 12 points and Charles Richardson added 11 points for Bowie State (10-9, 7-5 CIAA), who outrebounded the Falcons 41-35 but shot 35 percent from the floor.

With the win, the Falcons possess the second-best CIAA record. They play again Saturday (Jan. 31) at Virginia Union University in Richmond, Va., at 7:30 p.m. The Panthers have the best CIAA record in the conference.

January 31, 2009

Falcons Lose To Virginia Union 64-58

RICHMOND, Va. - Sophomore forward Hayward Fain (Akron, Ohio) recorded a double-double with 11 points and 12 rebounds for Saint Augustine's College, but Virginia Union University extended its winning streak to 13 games with a 64-58 victory over the Falcons on Saturday (Jan. 31) in a CIAA men's basketball game at Barco-Stevens Hall.

Ironically, the last time the Panthers (15-3 overall, 11-2 CIAA) lost this season was to the Falcons 77-55 in Raleigh, N.C. on Dec. 4, 2008. With the win, the Panthers maintained the league's best CIAA record while the Falcons (15-7, 8-5 CIAA), who entered the game with the second-best CIAA mark, had a three-game win streak snapped. Still, the Falcons have won 14 of their last 17 games.

Senior guard Will Gill (Clinton, Md.) added 10 points and junior guards Brandon Hickson (Columbia, S.C) and Steven Brignol (Brooklyn, NY) both scored nine points for the Falcons.

Gregg Thondique paced the Panthers with 19 points and nine rebounds and Lemoyne Williams added 14 points and eight rebounds for the Panthers, who won the rebounding battle 50-41 and made 15 of 35 free throws while the Falcons shot 5 of 9 free throws.

Still, the Falcons, who led 28-27 at halftime, had a chance to tie or take the lead with the Panthers leading 60-58, but Fain was called for a double-dribble violation with 14 seconds remaining in the game. From that point, the Panthers finished with a 4-0 run to seal the win.

For the game, the Panthers shot 43 percent and the Falcons shot 39 percent.

The Falcons, playing their fifth game in 10 days, take a few days off before hosting Bowie State University on Thursday (Feb. 5) at 7:30 p.m. The Panthers host Johnson C. Smith on Thursday (Feb. 5) at 7:30 p.m.

February

February 2, 2009

Blow Jr. Will Enter Virginia Wesleyan Athletic Hall of Fame

Head men’s basketball coach Lonnie Blow Jr. of Saint Augustine’s College will be inducted along with seven other charter members into the newly established Virginia Wesleyan College Athletic Hall of Fame during a special ceremony in Norfolk, Va., on Feb. 7, 2009.

Blow, a basketball standout from 1979-1982, is elated to be a member of the 2009 inaugural Hall of Fame class at Virginia Wesleyan College.

“It is always special to go in the Hall of Fame, but to go in as a charter member makes it more special,” Blow said. “It symbolizes the best of the best.”

A first-year college head coach, Blow was one of the most prolific basketball scorers in the 40-year athletic history of Virginia Wesleyan College, located between Norfolk and Virginia Beach, Va. He holds two school records including the single-season scoring mark (625 points) and most field goals in one season, and shares the school mark for most points in one game (40 points).

The record-setting sharpshooter also ranks second at Virginia Wesleyan in career field goals, second in season scoring average (23.1 during 1980-81 season) and third in career scoring average. Blow finished his collegiate basketball career as the school’s all-time leading scorer and is currently fifth on the career scoring list with 1,574 points.

Blow entered the coaching profession in Norfolk, Va., after his collegiate playing days. He started as an assistant basketball coach at Maury High School and then became head coach at Granby High School where he led the boys’ varsity team to a state title and was named AAA State coach of the year in 2000.

After a successful high school coaching career which included four Eastern District (Va.) coach of the year awards, Blow entered the collegiate ranks as assistant basketball coach at Hampton University and assistant basketball coach/associate head coach at Norfolk State University.

During his first year at Saint Augustine’s College, Blow Jr. has won CIAA coach of the week honors. The Falcons are CIAA contenders under the guidance of Blow.
Blow joins a class which includes women’s basketball and tennis player Stacy L. Carr, softball player Tina Clark Milligan, men’s basketball coach Donald M. Forsyth, men’s soccer player Michael S. McFarland, men’s basketball, men’s soccer and golf player Robert R. Valvano, men’s basketball player Stover E. “Pete” Withers and women’s basketball player Amy Simpson Woodson.

“It is even more special for me because of some of the members I am going in with,” Blow said. “Bob Valvano (brother of late N.C. State coach Jim Valvano), is a former classmate, Pete was my supervisor at the detention center where we worked for many years, and Don was my college coach. He had a lot of influence on me that I incorporate in my coaching.

“Going in with Bob, Pete and Don makes the honor that much more special.
” In addition to his playing and coaching achievements, Blow has received the Andrew Carnegie and City of Portsmouth Hero awards. He was an Olympic Torch Bearer in 1996.

The inaugural class was selected by the Virginia Wesleyan College Athletic Hall of Fame Committee with input from coaching staff, alumni athletes and faculty and staff members.

February 5, 2009

Fast Start Carries Falcons Past Bulldogs

RALEIGH, NC – Sophomore forward Hayward Fain (Akron, OH) scored 17 points to lead four double-figure scorers for Saint Augustine’s College, which used an early first-half run to subdue Bowie State University 75-66 Thursday (Feb. 5) in a CIAA men’s basketball game at Emery Gymnasium.

Junior guard Chris Jordan (Houston, TX) added 16 points on 4-for-7 3-point shooting, junior guard Steven Brignol (Brooklyn, NY) added a double-double with 11 points and 10 rebounds and junior guard Brandon Hickson (Columbia, SC) pumped in 11 points for the Falcons (16-7 overall, 9-5 CIAA), who jumped out to a 19-2 lead and never trailed. Jordan sparked the run with three 3-pointers.

Duke Crews paced the Bulldogs (11-10, 8-6 CIAA) with game-highs of 18 points and 21 rebounds, including a layup five minutes into the second half which cut the deficit to 41-36 after losing 36-22 at halftime. But the Falcons pushed the lead to 60-42 on Hickson’s free throw with four minutes left. A late Bulldog run made the final score respectable.

Andrew Engel added 14 points and Charles Richardson scored 10 points for the Bulldogs, who outrebounded the Falcons 50-36 including 20-6 on the offensive boards. But the Falcons held the Bulldogs to 32 percent shooting including 23 percent in the first half when they set the tone. The Falcons also shot 27 of 38 free throws while the Bulldogs made 15 of 21 free throws.

The Falcons visit Fayetteville State University Sunday (Feb. 8) in an important CIAA game. WAUG-Digital 102 on Time Warner Cable will televise the game, which starts at 5 p.m. The Bulldogs stay in Raleigh, NC, to face Shaw University Saturday (Feb. 7) at 7:30 p.m.

February 6, 2009

Fain Voted HSRN National Basketball Player of the Week

Freshman forward Hayward Fain (Akron, OH) of Saint Augustine’s College was voted Division II national men’s basketball player of the week Friday (Feb. 6) by Heritage Sports Radio Network in a weekly Internet fan poll.

This the second award for Fain this week. On Monday (Feb. 2), he was named CIAA men’s basketball player of the week.

Fain averaged 11.7 points and 11 rebounds in three games last week. He recorded a double-double in two games and grabbed a career-high 15 rebounds against Virginia State.

Fain was the CIAA men’s basketball rookie of the year in the 2007-08 season.

HSRN developed the fan poll to get all HBCU (Historically Black Colleges and Universities) alumni, students and fans involved with the national process and to also give everyone a chance to consistently keep up with the individual performances around the country.

February 6, 2009

Falcons’ Basketball Game To Be Televised Sunday

WAUG-TV Digital 102 on Time Warner Cable will televise Saint Augustine’s College at Fayetteville State University men’s basketball game Sunday (Feb. 8) at Capel Arena in Fayetteville, N.C., starting at 5 p.m.

The Falcons (16-7 overall, 9-5 CIAA) have the third-best CIAA record after thumping Bowie State 75-66 Thursday (Feb. 5) in Emery Gymnasium. The Broncos (12-9, 6-7 CIAA) won the first meeting between the Western Division rivals 75-62 on Nov. 29, 2008 in Raleigh, N.C.

The women’s game between both schools has been moved from 1 p.m. to 1:30 p.m. to allow less waiting time for the men’s game.

Tickets for the games are $12 general admission and can be purchased in advance at the Fayetteville State ticket office located at Seabrook Auditorium on campus.

February 7, 2009

Falcons Hold Off Broncos 74-66

FAYETTEVILLE, NC - Saint Augustine's College opened a 15-point halftime lead and then held on to beat Fayetteville State University 74-66 Sunday (Feb. 8) in a regionally televised CIAA men's basketball game at Capel Arena.

Senior guard Will Gill (Clinton, MD) scored 21 points, sophomore forward Hayward Fain (Akron, OH) added 15 points and nine rebounds and junior guards Chris Jordan (Houston, TX) and Steven Brignol (Brooklyn, NY) both chipped in 10 points for the Falcons (17-7 overall, 10-5 CIAA, 4-2 Western Division), who led 61-49 with 7:18 left on Jordan's layup.

The Broncos (12-10, 6-8 CIAA, 1-3 Western Division), led by Andy Gebru's 25 points and 7 rebounds, then went on a mini-run, pulling within four points twice, the last time at 68-64 with 48 seconds left on a layup by Darshawn Johnson, who scored 20 points and had 7 rebounds. But the Falcons made 6 of 9 free throws including 4 of 7 free throws from Gill down the stretch. Gill scored 15 points in the second half.

The Falcons lived up to their reputation as the No. 2 three-point shooting team in the CIAA, hitting 8 of 12 3-point attempts for 67 percent. Gill led the way with 4 of 6 3-point attempts while Brignol was 2-for-4 and Jordan 2-for-2 behind the arc. Also among the league leaders in defending the three-pointer, the Falcons limited the Broncos to 5 of 21 shooting from that distance.

For the game, the Falcons shot 44 percent and the Broncos were 40 percent from the floor. The Broncos outrebounded the Falcons 43-36 but the Falcons collected eight steals, led by four steals from sophomore forward Shaun Washum (Norfolk, VA), off 17 Bronco turnovers.

Led by three-point sharpshooters Brignol, Jordan and Gill, the Falcons led 39-24 at halftime. The backcourt trio combined to make 6 of 7 3-pointers for 86 percent. Brignol paced the Falcons with 10 first-half points on 4-for-7 shooting including 2-for-2 from 3-point range, and Jordan and Gill both added six points. Fain handled the inside scoring with eight points on 3-for-4 shooting.

Defensively, the Falcons limited the Broncos to 36 percent shooting in the first half. Gebru led the Broncos with 10 points and Ariel Robinson added seven points and four rebounds for the Broncos, who connected on only 3 of 11 3-pointers in the half. The Broncos also committed 11 first-half turnovers which helped the Falcons build their double-digit lead. The Falcons outscored the Broncos 17-6 off turnovers.

The win evened the season series for the Falcons, who lost 75-62 to the Broncos in Raleigh, NC, earlier this season. The Falcons have the second-best conference record in the CIAA.

The Falcons host Western Division leader Johnson C. Smith University in a big CIAA game Tuesday (Feb. 10) at Emery Gymnasium. Game time is 7:30 p.m.

WAUG-TV Digital Channel 102 on Time Warner Cable televised the game.

February 10, 2009

Golden Bulls Edge Falcons 70-66

RALEIGH, NC – Junior guard Chris Jordan (Houston, TX) scored 15 points and sophomore forward Hayward Fain (Akron, OH) added a double-double with 13 points and 13 rebounds for Saint Augustine’s College, but Johnson C. Smith University took advantage of the Falcons’ miscues in a 70-66 CIAA Western Division victory Tuesday (Feb. 10) in men’s college basketball at Emery Gymnasium.

The Golden Bulls (16-7 overall, 9-6 CIAA, 5-0 Western Division) forced 19 turnovers and as a result they outscored the Falcons 26-5 in points off turnovers. The Golden Bulls, the defending CIAA champions and current Western Division leaders, won without leading scorer James Dillard (Apex, NC), who averages 18.3 points a game. Dillard missed the game with a knee injury.

Three players picked up the scoring for the Golden Bulls, ranked sixth in the Atlantic Region. Ryan Scott scored 18 points, Ronald Thornhill added 17 points and Tavaris Little chipped in 12 points for the Golden Bulls, who overcame a 12-point first-half deficit to trail 36-34 at halftime.

Junior guard Steven Brignol (Brooklyn, NY) scored 12 points on 3-for-5 3-pointers off the bench for the Falcons (17-8, 10-6 CIAA, 4-3 Western Division), who fell behind in the second half but dominated the offensive glass 18-3 to stay in striking distance. The Falcons trailed by nine points with two minutes left, but pulled within 68-66 with four seconds remaining on Fain’s layup off a rebound. That was as close as the Falcons would get, however, as the Golden Bulls swept the season series.

The last four regular-season games between the CIAA rivals have been decided by four points or less. In the last meeting, the Golden Bulls pulled out a 68-67 win on a layup with three seconds left on Jan. 20.

On Tuesday, the Golden Bulls won by forcing turnovers, shooting 46 percent in the second half and making 21 of 30 free throw attempts for the game. The Falcons outrebounded the Golden Bulls 46-32 for the game but shot 27 percent in the second half and made 13 of 19 free throw attempts for the game. Overall, the Golden Bulls shot 43 percent and the Falcons shot 34 percent.

The loss snapped a two-game win streak for the Falcons, who host Elizabeth City State University Thursday (Feb. 12) in the final home regular-season game of the season. Game time is 7:30 p.m. at Emery Gymnasium. This will be the Senior Night for guard Will Gill (Clinton, MD).

February 12, 2009

Vikings Spoil Falcons’ Senior Night

RALEIGH, NC – Sophomore forward Hayward Fain (Akron, OH) of Saint Augustine’s College recorded a double-double with 14 points and 11 rebounds to lead five double-figure scorers, but Elizabeth City State University scored the last seven points to slip past the Falcons 78-72 Thursday (Feb. 12) in a key men’s basketball game between CIAA contenders.

Junior guard Steven Brignol (Brooklyn, NY) nailed a 3-pointer, his only basket, to put the Falcons ahead for the last time 72-71 with 1:38 remaining, but the Vikings made seven of eight free throws for the win.

The loss put a damper on Senior Night for the Falcons (17-9 overall, 10-7 CIAA), who dropped their second straight game. Both losses were inside Emery Gymnasium on campus.

One bright spot was Fain, who gained his second straight double-double and third in five games. He was one rebound short of a double-double in the other two contests.

Guard Will Gill (Clinton, Md.), the Falcons’ lone senior, scored 12 points in the final home game of his career. Junior guard Brandon Hickson (Columbia, S.C.) scored 11 points, and junior guard Chris Jordan (Houston, Texas) and sophomore forward Shaun Washum (Norfolk, Va.) both chipped in 10 points for the Falcons, who shot 52 percent in a losing effort.

With the win, the Vikings (18-6 overall, 10-5 CIAA) stayed in second place behind CIAA leader Virginia Union. Trent Bivens led all scorers with 20 points, and Anthony Hilliard added 19 points and eight rebounds for the Vikings, who connected on 49 percent of their shots. DeJuan Morrison had 11 points and Jamal Rouse collected 10 points for the Vikings.

Hilliard scored 14 points and Rouse added 10 points in the second half to erase a 36-35 halftime deficit. The Falcons led by eight points early in the second half on Washum’s layup but Rouse’s three-pointer put the Vikings up 67-63 with 4:20 left. Brignol’s 3-pointer put the Falcons ahead for the last time.

Gill, along with three senior women basketball players and two cheerleaders, were honored before the men’s game on Senior Night.

The Falcons visit Livingstone College next Tuesday (Feb. 17) in Salisbury, N.C. Game time is 7:30 p.m.

February 17, 2009

FALCONS END REGULAR SEASON WITH VICTORY OVER BLUE BEARS

SALISBURY, NC - Saint Augustine's College stayed ahead just enough to beat Livingstone College 80-74 Tuesday (Feb. 17) at New Trent Gymnasium in its last regular-season game of the season.

Except for a brief Blue Bear run late in the game, the Falcons controlled the game to snap a two-game losing streak. The Falcons, who finished the regular season 18-9 overall and 11-7 in the CIAA, will likely receive one of six first-round byes and play next Thursday in the CIAA Tournament at Time Warner Cable Arena in Charlotte, N.C.

The Falcons won with good shooting (52 percent) and the play of junior point guard Brandon Hickson (Columbia, SC), who hustled his way to a career-high 15 points including 11 of 16 free throw attempts and four steals. The Falcons also had balance scoring with junior guard Chris Jordan (Houston, TX) leading the way with 18 points on 3 of 6 three-point shooting. Senior guard Will Gill (Clinton, Md.) added 12 points and seven rebounds, and sophomore forward Hayward Fain (Akron, OH), sophomore forward Shaun Washum (Norfolk, Va.) and junior guard Steven Brignol (Brooklyn, NY) each scored eight points for the Falcons, who forced 19 turnovers for a 20-7 edge in turnover points and outscored the Blue Bears 19-10 on second-chance points.

Sean Booker scored a game-high 27 points, Keith Darden added 12 points and Santonio Springs contributed 10 points for the Blue Bears (13-13, 5-12 CIAA), who put a scare in the Falcons late in the contest. Trailing 60-53 with 6:44 in the second half, the Blue Bears swished three 3-pointers in a row, including two straight by Booker, to take a 62-60 lead with 5:30 left. Hickson then scored four points to spark a 9-0 run for a 69-62 Falcon lead with 3:02 remaining in the game, and the Blue Bears, who shot 43 percent for the game, never got closer than five points.

The contest featured 13 ties and five lead changes.

The Falcons, as they have done all year, got balanced scoring in the first half for a 38-35 halftime lead. Three Falcons scored eight points including perimeter shooters Jordan, Gill and Brignol. Washum added six points for the Falcons, who shot 53 percent in the first half.

Booker scored 12 points for the Blue Bears, who shot 41 percent in the first half but stayed in the game on 3-point shooting and free throw shooting. The Blue Bears made 4 of 12 3-point attempts and 9 of 12 free throws while the Falcons connected on 2 of 7 treys and 4 of 6 free throw attempts in the first half.

February 18, 2009

Falcons Place Gill, Fain On All-CIAA Men’s Basketball Team

Will Gill (Clinton, Md.) and Hayward Fain (Akron, Ohio) of Saint Augustine’s College made the 2008-09 All-CIAA men’s basketball team Wednesday (Feb. 18).

Gill, a 6-foot senior guard, is a two-time All-CIAA selection. A perimeter scoring threat, Gill finished the regular season as the Falcons’ second-leading scorer (11.6 points per game).

Gill also ranks 17th in scoring, 14th in 3-point field goal percentage (34 percent), and 15th in 3-pointers made (1.3 per game) in the CIAA. A 2008-09 preseason All-CIAA pick, Gill led the Falcons in scoring (13.0 points per game) during the 2007-08 season as a junior.

Fain, a 6-5 sophomore forward, ranks seventh in rebounding (6.4 rebounds per game), 10th in blocked shots (0.6 per game) and 13th in field goal percentage (49 percent) in the CIAA. The 2007-08 CIAA men’s rookie of the year, Fain also ranks 8th in defensive rebounding (4.3 rebounds per game) and 12th in offensive rebounding (2.1 rebounds per game) in the CIAA.

Fain, a tenacious rebounder and defender, won a CIAA men’s player of the week award and a Division II national men’s player of the week honor this season. He is the Falcons’ third-leading scorer (9.1 points per game).

Both Gill and Fain along with the other All-CIAA members and Players of the Year will be honored at the CIAA Women’s and Men’s Tip-Off Luncheon on Feb. 24.

February 26, 2009

CIAA COVERAGE: Torrid Start Leads Falcons To CIAA Quarterfinal Rout Over Bowie State

CHARLOTTE, NC - Saint Augustine's College began the 2009 CIAA Tournament in impressive fashion under first-year head coach Lonnie Blow Jr.

Led by the three-point shooting of Chris Jordan and stifling defense, the No. 4 seed Falcons thumped No. 5 Bowie State 77-53 Thursday in the men's basketball quarterfinals at Time Warner Arena. The Falcons will face either top-seed Virginia Union or nine-seed Fayetteville State in a semifinal game on Friday at 9 p.m.

"Overall, this was a good effort," Blow said. "We played smart, hard and together."

The victory sent the Falcons to the semifinal round for the second time in three years. The Falcons (19-9 overall) are also one win away from reaching 20 wins for the first time since the 1996-97 CIAA championship season (25 victories).

Most importantly, the Falcons are one victory away from reaching the tournament finals for the first time since the Falcons took their only crown in 1997.

Jordan led the Falcons with 15 points, all in the first half, on 5-for-9 shooting including 5-for-8 from three-point range. For the game, Jordan helped the Falcons make 7 of 13 three-pointers for 54 percent.

Hayward Fain added 14 points and Kalvin Patterson chipped in 13 points off the bench on 5-for-9 shooting for the Falcons, who hit 50 percent of their shots from the floor.

Coming off more than a week's rest, the Falcons were sharp from the opening tip, jumping out to a 17-7 lead on three 3-pointers by Jordan, the Falcons' scoring leader. The contest was basically over from that point, although the Bulldogs cut a 42-23 halftime lead to 11 points with 12:26 left. But Patterson scored 11 points and Steven Brignol added six points during a 23-3 run which pushed the Falcon lead back to 73-42 with 4:33 remaining.

The 24-point win was the second-largest margin of victory for the Falcons and the worst loss for the Bulldogs this season.

"We did a good job of being aggressive at the start," Blow said. "We were able to maintain a level of consistency in the first half."

Duke Crews scored 15 points and Cassin Diggs added 12 points for the Bulldogs (15-13 overall), who shot 33 percent.

Jordan pumped in 15 points on 5-for-8 shooting including 5-for-7 from the three-point line in the first half. Fain added seven points and six rebounds for the Falcons, who shot 47 percent from the floor including 6-for-11 from three-point distance in the first half.

On the other end, the Falcons simply wouldn't let the Bulldogs score. Crews and Armond Hill both scored six points for the Bulldogs, who shot 32 percent in the first half.

afterward.

February 27, 2009

CIAA COVERAGE: PANTHERS SURVIVE 57-54 THRILLER AGAINST FALCONS

CHARLOTTE, NC - Virginia Union outlasted Saint Augustine's 57-54 in the CIAA Tournament men's basketball semifinals on Friday (Feb. 27) at Time Warner Cable Arena but not until a 3-point shot past midcourt from Hayward Fain of the Falcons hit the rim as time expired.

The Falcons (19-10) fought back from a 53-49 deficit when Will Gill swished a 3-pointer and hit two free throws for a 54-53 lead with 57 seconds left. The Panthers missed on their next possession, but stole the inbound pass which led to a Lemoyne Williams dunk for a one-point lead with 36.6 seconds remaining. The Panthers added two free throws in the final 14 seconds for the win.

The Panthers (20-6) will face Johnson C. Smith in the finals at 8 p.m.

Gill drained 14 points, Fain added 11 points and 11 rebounds and Kalvin Patterson scored 10 points for the Falcons, who shot 31 percent from the floor. Brandon Byerson led all scorers with 21 points and Gregg Thondique added 10 points and 13 rebounds for the Panthers, who shot 30 percent from the floor.

But the Panthers won the game at the free-throw line, making 18 of 31 free throws compared to 8 of 15 for the Falcons.

The Falcons rallied from an eight-point halftime deficit to lead by four with 11:29 left in a game which had 7 ties and 6 lead changes.