SAC Stories - Men's Basketball

MEN'S BASKETBALL

Writer: Anthony Jeffries, Sports Information Director
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MEN'S BASKETBALL

October | November | December | January | February

October

October 13, 2009

Falcons Add Frank To Men’s Basketball Staff

Assistant Coach Tellis J. Frank, Jr. RALEIGH, N.C. – Saint Augustine’s College will enter the 2009-10 men’s basketball season Thursday (Oct. 15) with a former NBA player on the bench as an assistant coach.

The Falcons added Tellis J. Frank, Jr. to the coaching staff to work with the post players. Frank has hands-on experience in that area. He played in the NBA for six seasons after being selected 14th overall by the Golden State Warriors in 1987.

A former Western Kentucky University standout, Frank played for the Minnesota Timberwolves and the Miami Heat, in addition to the Golden State Warriors during his NBA career. He also played professionally overseas and for the Harlem Globetrotters.

After his playing days ended, Frank joined the coaching staff at Hampton (Va.) University from 2005 to 2007. Both Frank and current Falcon head coach Lonnie Blow, Jr. were assistant coaches on the 2006 MEAC Tournament championship team at Hampton.

After his two-year stint at Hampton, Frank headed to Harvard-Westlake High School in Sherman Oaks, Calif., where he was head coach of the freshman team and assistant coach of the varsity team from 2007 to 2009. He left there to re-unite with Blow at Saint Augustine’s College.

“We are excited to have Coach Frank on board,” Blow said. “We welcome his experience. He played in the NBA and major college basketball. He’s been around the game a long time. Having him around will help our team overall, especially the big guys. He brings a wealth of knowledge to the table.”

November

November 17, 2009

Falcons Lose Season Opener In OT

RALEIGH, N.C. – Chris Jordan (Sr./Houston, Texas) scored 20 points and Hayward Fain (Jr./Akron, Ohio) added 19 points in the basketball season opener for Saint Augustine’s College, which lost 77-72 in overtime to Armstrong Atlantic State University on Tuesday (Nov. 17) at Emery Gymnasium.

Fain sent the game into overtime tied at 68 with a one-hand emphatic dunk with 1.5 seconds left in regulation. The Pirates outscored the Falcons 9-4 in the extra period to even their record at 1-1.

Fain also recorded seven rebounds, four assists and four steals. His rebounds and steals were game-highs for the Falcons. Kalvin Patterson (Sr./Rocky Mount, N.C.) added 13 points, six rebounds and three steals.

The Falcons shot 42 percent from the floor but shot 57 percent behind the three-point line. Jordan led the way by making 6 of 10 three-pointers.

Keron McKenzie of the Pirates led all scorers with 27 points and nine rebounds. He made 9 of 17 shots including 6 of 11 from behind the arc. Patrick Shokpeka and Nigel Lee both added 12 points. Shokpeka also had nine rebounds for the Pirates, who shot 46 percent for the game.

The Falcons host CIAA opponent Virginia State on Saturday at Emery Gymnasium. Game time is 7:30 p.m.

November 21, 2009

Falcons Rout VSU For First Win

RALEIGH, N.C. – Hayward Fain (Jr./Akron, Ohio) and Steven Brignol (Sr./Brooklyn, N.Y.) scored 18 points apiece to spark Saint Augustine’s College to an 84-63 basketball win over Virginia State University on Saturday (Nov. 21) at Emery Gymnasium.

The victory was the first for the Falcons, who improved to 1-1 overall and 1-0 in the CIAA. The Trojans stayed winless at 0-3 overall and 0-2 in the CIAA.

Chris Jordan (Sr./Houston, Texas) added 14 points and George DeGroat (Sr./Portsmouth, Va.) scored 10 points for the Falcons, who shot a sizzling 62 percent from the floor. Led by 14 rebounds from Fain, the Falcons outrebounded the Trojans 41-26. Brandon Plummer scored 16 points for the Trojans, who shot 38 percent.

The Falcons will play at home for the third consecutive game on Monday (Nov. 24) when they host Virginia Union University at Emery Gymnasium. Game time is 7:30 p.m. Back to Top

November 23, 2009

Falcons Rout VUU At Home For Second Straight Season

RALEIGH, N.C. – Steven Brignol (Sr./Brooklyn, N.Y.) scored 22 points and Hayward Fain (Jr./Akron, Ohio) added 17 points and 10 rebounds to lead Saint Augustine’s College past Virginia Union University 81-68 in a CIAA basketball game on Monday (Nov. 23) at Emery Gymnasium.

The Falcons upped their record to 2-1 overall and 2-0 in the CIAA. The Panthers dropped to 1-3 overall and 0-2 in the CIAA.

The Falcons defeated the Panthers at Emery Gymnasium for the second consecutive time. Last season, the Falcons won on the same floor 77-55. That victory snapped a six-game losing streak at home to the Panthers.

On Monday, Shaun Washum (Jr./Norfolk, Va.) added 11 points off the bench for the Falcons, who 45 percent and scored 24 points off 18 Panther turnovers. The Falcons outscored the Panthers 40-24 in the paint.

Brandon Byerson led the Panthers with 17 points. Ryan King added 13 points and Braxton Byerson added 11 points for the Panthers, who shot 38 percent.

The Falcons will host Bluefield College in a non-conference game Friday (Nov. 27) at Time Warner Cable Arena in Charlotte, N.C. Game time is 1 p.m. Back to Top

November 30, 2009

Falcons Rout Bluefield In Charlotte

CHARLOTTE, N.C. – George Degroat (Sr./Portsmouth, Va.) scored a season-high 18 points on 8-for-8 shooting to lead five double-figure scorers for Saint Augustine’s College, which ripped Bluefield College 93-59 on Friday (Nov. 27) at Time Warner Cable Arena.

The victory was the third straight for the Falcons, who are now 3-1 overall. Bluefield fell to 2-7 overall.

Hayward Fain (Jr./Akron, Ohio) added 15 points and 12 rebounds, Chris Jordan (Sr./Houston, Texas) scored 14 points, Steven Brignol (Sr./Brooklyn, N.Y.) added 11 points and Nick Chamblee (Fr./Hampton, Va.) contributed 10 points, 7 assists and 7 rebounds for the Falcons, who shot 54 percent, won the rebounding battle 59-30 outscored the Rams 44-16 in the paint.

Fain recorded a double-double in points and rebounds for the third straight game. Degroat added nine rebounds for the Falcons, while Brian Daniels led the Rams (2-7) with 17 points.

The 34-point victory was the largest this season for the Falcons, who also scored a season-high in points The Falcons have scored 80 or more points three consecutive games.

The Falcons will be back at Emery Gymnasium on Monday (Nov. 29) to host Saint Paul’s College in a CIAA contest. Game time is 7:30 p.m.

November 30, 2009

Hubbard, Chamblee Win CIAA Rookie of the Week Honors

Scharlawn Hubbard (Fr./Akron, Ohio) and Nick Chamblee (Fr./Hampton, Va.) of Saint Augustine’s College were named CIAA basketball rookies of the week on Monday (Nov. 30).

Hubbard, a 5-10 reserve forward, scored nine points and pulled down six rebounds in a 65-54 Lady Falcon win over Virginia Union University on Nov. 23. Chamblee, a 6-0 reserve point guard, recorded 10 points, seven rebounds and seven assists in a 93-59 Falcon men's basketball win over Bluefield College in Charlotte, N.C., on Nov. 27.

This is the first CIAA weekly award for both Hubbard and Chamblee.

November

November 30, 2009

Falcons Thump Saint Paul’s For Fourth Straight Win

RALEIGH, N.C. – Chris Jordan (Sr./Houston, Texas) led four double-figure scorers with a season-high 24 points on 5 for 7 three-point shooting as Saint Augustine’s College rolled over Saint Paul’s College 92-74 for its fourth consecutive win on Monday (Nov. 30) at Emery Gymnasium.

Hayward Fain (Jr./Akron, Ohio) added 19 points and nine rebounds, Steven Brignol (Sr./Brooklyn, N.Y.) dropped 17 points and George Degroat (Sr./Portsmouth, Va.) added 10 points and seven rebounds for the Falcons, who shot a blistering 58 percent. Kalvin Patterson (Sr./Rocky Mount, N.C.) chipped in nine points, and Nick Chamblee (Fr./Hampton, Va.) had eight points, five rebounds and five assists at the point guard position.

The Falcons, coming off a 34-point win over Bluefield College on Friday in Charlotte, N.C., scored over 90 points for the second straight game. The Falcons averaged 82 points entering Monday’s game.

The win upped the Falcons’ record to 4-1 overall and 3-0 in the CIAA. The Tigers, led by 24 points and seven rebounds from Roger Lassiter, fell to 1-4 overall and 0-3 in the CIAA. Kendrick Williams and George Leseur added 15 and 11 points, respectively, for the Tigers, who shot 39 percent.

The Falcons hit the road Saturday (Dec. 5) for a big CIAA game at Elizabeth City State University. Game time is 7:30 p.m.

December

December 5, 2009

Falcons Down ECSU For Fifth Straight Victory

ELIZABETH CITY, N.C. – Chris Jordan (Sr./Houston, Texas) scored 23 points including 4 of 7 three-point shots and Hayward Fain (Jr./Akron, Ohio) added 16 points and 11 rebounds as Saint Augustine’s College beat Elizabeth City State University 65-46 in a CIAA basketball contest on Saturday (Dec. 5) at R.L. Vaughn Center.

The win was the fifth consecutive for the Falcons (5-1 overall, 4-0 CIAA), who remain unbeaten in the CIAA after losing their season opener. The Falcons shot 10 of 18 for 56 percent behind the three-point arc to maintain a double-digit lead much of the game. Steven Brignol (Sr./Brooklyn, N.Y.) added 13 points for the Falcons on 3 of 5 three-point shooting.

The Falcons shot 44 percent overall, and the Vikings shot 30 percent overall.

Marquie Cooke scored a game-high 24 points to lead the Vikings (3-4 overall, 1-3 CIAA), who lost their third game in a row. The Vikings were 4 of 19 behind the three-point line for 21 percent.

Jordan erupted for 16 points on 4 of 4 three-point shooting in the first half to spark the Falcons to a 33-19 halftime lead. Led by Jordan, the Falcons shot 7 of 9 three pointers for 78 percent in the first half.

Overall, the Falcons shot 46 percent and held the Vikings to 22 percent shooting in the first half. Cooke led the Vikings with 11 first-half points off the bench in 12 minutes of play.

The Falcons will be off for 10 days before going on a three-game road trip starting with Eckerd College in St. Petersburg, Fla., on Dec. 15. Game time is 7:30 p.m.

The Vikings take a 12-day break before visiting Barton College on Dec. 17 in Wilson, N.C. Game time is 7:00 p.m.

Saint Augustine’s College does not discriminate based on race, color, nationality or ethnic origin.

December 15, 2009

Falcons Holds Off Eckerd College For Sixth Straight Win

ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. – Guard Chris Jordan (Sr./Houston, Texas) scored 19 points as Saint Augustine’s College gained a 76-69 non-conference basketball win over host Eckerd College at McArthur Center on Tuesday (Dec. 15).

The victory was the sixth in a row for the Falcons, who improved to 6-1 overall. Eckerd fell to 5-2 overall. Guard Steven Brignol (Sr./Brooklyn, N.Y.) added 13 points and forward Shaun Washum (Jr./Norfolk, Va.) chipped in 10 points for the Falcons, who shot 50 percent for the game. Wayne Sears led the Tritons with 23 points and John Harper added 13 for the Tritons, who shot 41 percent.

The Falcons led 69-53 with 4:25 left, but the Tritons scored 11 straight points to narrow the margin to 69-64 with a minute with 56 seconds to go. The Falcons hit seven free throws to seal the win.

The Falcons made 25-of-31 free throws for the game, and the Tritons made 9-of-13 free throws.

Brignol scored 11 points including 3-of-5 three point shooting and Jordan added 10 points to help the Falcons build a 40-30 halftime lead. The Falcons made 10-of-12 free throws compared to 1-of-3 free throws for the Tritons in the first half.

The Falcons continue their road trip on Friday when they meet Lenoir-Rhyne College in the Armstrong Atlantic State Classic in Savannah, Ga. Game time is 3:00 p.m.

January

January 4, 2010

Falcons Dismantle Lincoln (Pa.) 97-65

RALEIGH, N.C. – Sharpshooting guard Chris Jordan (Jr./Houston, Texas) scored a game-high 27 points, and every player scored for Saint Augustine’s College in a 97-65 rout of Lincoln (Pa.) University in a non-conference basketball game on Monday (Jan. 4) at Emery Gymnasium.

The Falcons dressed 13 players, and they all scored against the Lions. Nine players scored six or more points for the Falcons (9-2 overall), whose 32-point win was the second-largest this season. The 97 points were a team-high this season for the Falcons.

Jordan, one of the top three-point CIAA shooters, was deadly from the outside. He made 8 of 11 field goals including 5 of 7 from three-point range.

Forward Hayward Fain (Jr./Akron, Ohio) added 11 points and forward Kalvin Patterson (Sr./Rocky Mount, N.C.) had nine points and three blocks. Guard Brandon Hickson (Sr./Columbia, S.C.) dished out a game-high 10 assists with zero turnovers for the Falcons, who had 21 assists on 33 field goals.

Steven Brignol (Sr./Brooklyn, N.Y.) collected 10 rebounds for the Falcons, who outrebounded the Lions 60-45. The Falcons dominated inside, outscoring the Lions (1-8 overall) 44-20 in the paint.

Darren Clark paced the Lions with 19 points followed by Denzel Mooney with 15 points and Ladaye Johnson with 14 points. But the Falcons held the Lions to 26 percent shooting including 21 percent in the first half when the Falcons opened a 50-24 halftime lead.

The Falcons head to Richmond, Va., on Saturday (Jan. 9) to play Virginia Union University in a CIAA contest. Game time is 7:30 p.m.

January 9, 2010

Falcons' Rally Falls Short In 57-45 Loss To Virginia Union

RICHMOND, Va. – Saint Augustine’s College pulled even late against Virginia Union University after trailing by 10 points at halftime, but the Panthers outscored the Falcons 16-4 in the final five minutes for a 57-45 CIAA basketball win on Saturday (Jan. 9) at Barco-Stevens Arena.

The Falcons, down 30-20 at the half, tied the score at 41-41 on Keith McAllister’s (So./Queens, N.Y.) layup off Brandon Hickson’s (Sr./Columbia, S.C.) assist with 5:35 remaining. But 29 percent shooting from the floor ultimately did in the Falcons, whose record is now 9-3 overall and 4-2 in the CIAA.

Shaun Washum (Jr./Norfolk, Va.) led the Falcons with nine points. Justin Ramsey, a 6-foot-11 forward, sparked the Panthers (8-5 overall, 6-3 CIAA) with 11 points and Brandon Byerson added 10. Byerson scored his 1,000th point of his career with 17 seconds left in the game.

The Falcons will visit Virginia State University on Monday (Jan. 11) in Petersburg, Va., for a CIAA contest. Game time is 7:30 p.m.

January 11, 2010

Falcons Trip Virginia State 90-71

ETTRICK, Va. – Steven Brignol (Sr./Brooklyn, N.Y.) led five double-figure scorers with 18 points as Saint Augustine’s College exploded in the second half for a 90-71 CIAA basketball victory over Virginia State University on Monday (Jan. 11) at Daniel Gymnasium.

Shaun Washum (Jr./Norfolk, Va.) added 17 points, Hayward Fain (Jr./Akron, Ohio) scored 15 and Chris Jordan (Sr./Houston, Texas) and Keith McAllister (So./Queens, NY) both added 12 points for the Falcons, who lifted their record to 10-3 overall and 5-2 in the CIAA.

All five players contributed in the second half when the Falcons turned a 41-32 halftime lead into a double-digit margin for most of the last 20 minutes. The Falcons shot 56 percent and scored 49 points in the second half.

Overall, the Falcons shot 48 percent and the Trojans shot 44 percent, but the Falcons dominated on the boards, outrebounding the Trojans 44-20 including 21-5 in offensive rebounds. Fain led the Falcons with nine rebounds.

Trey Mines paced four Trojans in double figures with 20 points. Ricardo Lipscomb added 13, Brandon Plummer scored 12 and Clifton Springfield-Cobb had 10.

The Falcons will host Saint Paul’s College on Saturday (Jan. 16) at Emery Gymnasium in a CIAA contest. Game time is 7:30 p.m.

February

February 8, 2010

Falcons Outlast JCSU 83-71 In Overtime

CHARLOTTE, N.C. – Chris Jordan (Sr./Houston, Texas) scored 24 points and Saint Augustine’s College outscored Johnson C. Smith 16-4 in overtime to outlast the Golden Bulls 83-71 in a CIAA basketball game Monday (Feb. 8) at Brayboy Gymnasium for its 10th straight win.

With the victory, the Falcons are now one game away from reaching 20 wins for the first time since 1997, when they captured their only CIAA Championship. The Falcons, ranked sixth in the Atlantic Region, lead the CIAA standings (13-2 overall) and have the league’s best overall mark (19-3). They are also first in the Western Division (5-0). The Golden Bulls fell to 14-8 overall, 8-7 in the CIAA and 2-3 in the Western Division.

Brandon Hickson (Sr./Columbia, S.C.) added 14 points and seven assists for the Falcons including key buckets in overtime. Kalvin Patterson (Sr./Rocky Mount, N.C.) scored 12 crucial points off the bench including a three-point play to start the Falcons’ run in overtime. He also sent the game into overtime at 67-67 on a layup with 5.3 seconds left in regulation.

Fain also scored 12 points and contributed six rebounds and three steals for the Falcons, who shot 75 percent on 3 of 4 shooting and made 10 of 14 free throws in overtime. The Golden Bulls, led by 24 points from James Dillard, shot 14 percent on 1 of 7 shooting and made 2 of 5 free throws in overtime.

Jerry Hollis added 16 points and Ronald Thornhill scored 12 points for the Golden Bulls, who shot 56 percent in the first half but cooled off in the second half, shooting 29 percent which allowed the Falcons to erase an 11-point deficit midway in the second half.

Trailing 65-60 with a little over a minute remaining, the Falcons cut the deficit to two points on Jordan’s three-pointer. Thornhill hit a free throw for the Golden Bulls, but Fain responded with a driving layup to pull the Falcons within 66-65 with 35 seconds left.

Ryan Carter missed the first free throw but hit the second to put the Golden Bulls up 67-65 with 15 seconds left. The Falcons wasted no time going the length of the court. Nick Chamblee (Fr./Hampton, Va.) found Patterson wide open for a layup to send the game into an extra period.

The Golden Bulls shot 40 percent while the Falcons shot 48 percent for the game.

In the early moments, Jordan drilled back-to-back three-pointers for a 10-4 Falcon lead, but the Golden Bulls quickly gained the lead 11-10 on a Thornhill three-pointer. It was the first of three consecutive treys that gave the Golden Bulls a 19-10 lead.

The fifth three by the Golden Bulls maintained their nine-point lead at 25-16. When Dillard hit a bank shot with 3:31 left, the Golden Bulls had their biggest lead at 38-26.

But the Falcons finished the half on an 8-1 run to close within 39-34 at halftime. The Falcons scored four straight points in the second half to pull within 39-38 but the Golden Bulls opened an 11-point lead midway through the second half.

Jordan led the Falcons with 14 points and Fain had eight points in the first half for the Falcons. Dillard scored 13 points and Thornhill had 11 in the first half for the Golden Bulls, who built their first half lead on the strength of 5 of 7 three-point shooting for 71.4 percent.

The Falcons will play their third straight road game Thursday (Feb. 11) at Livingstone College in Salisbury, N.C. Game time is 7:30 p.m.

February 8, 2010

Jordan, Blow Win CIAA Weekly Awards

Basketball player Chris Jordan (Sr./Houston, Texas) and Head Coach Lonnie Blow, Jr. of Saint Augustine’s College were honored by the CIAA on Monday (Feb. 8).

Jordan, a 6-foot-2 guard, was named CIAA men’s basketball player of the week. He led the Falcons to a 3-0 record last week with wins over archrival Shaw (67-48), Chowan (74-50) and Fayetteville State (73-60).

Jordan averaged 14 points in three games including 19 against Chowan in a battle between the top CIAA teams. He also dropped 16 points against Fayetteville State on Saturday. This is the first league weekly honor this season and the second overall for Jordan, who leads the Falcons in scoring (15.8 ppg).

Blow was selected CIAA men’s basketball coach of the week for the third consecutive time. He led the Falcons to a 3-0 record last week including big wins over Western Division foes Shaw, Chowan and Fayetteville State. Blow has won four CIAA weekly coaching awards this season.

The Falcons currently lead the CIAA standings (12-2) and have the league’s best overall record (18-3). They are first in the Western Division (4-0) and have won nine straight games. The Falcons are two games away from their first 20-win season since 1997, the year they captured their only CIAA Tournament title.

February 8, 2010

Jordan Nominated For National Fan Poll Award

The Heritage Sports Radio Network (HSRN) announced Monday (Feb. 8) that Chris Jordan (Sr./Houston, Texas) of Saint Augustine’s College is a nominee for the weekly National Fan Poll Player of the Week Award in men’s basketball.

Fans across the nation can cast their vote for Jordan on HSRN.com today through Wednesday (Feb. 10) at 6 p.m. (Central Standard Time).

Jordan, a 6-foot-2 guard, led the Falcons to a 3-0 record last week with wins over archrival Shaw (67-48), Chowan (74-50) and Fayetteville State (73-60). He averaged 14 points in three games including 19 against Chowan in a battle between the top CIAA teams. He also dropped 16 points against Fayetteville State on Saturday.

February 6, 2010

Falcons Wear Down FSU 73-60 For Ninth Straight Win

FAYETTEVILLE, N.C. – Hayward Fain (Jr./Akron, Ohio) led a balanced attack with 17 points as Saint Augustine’s College pulled away in the second half from Fayetteville State University for a 73-60 CIAA basketball win Saturday (Feb. 6) at Capel Arena.

The victory was the ninth in a row for the Falcons, who improved to 18-3 overall, 12-2 in the CIAA and 4-0 in the Western Division. The Falcons, ranked sixth in the Division II Atlantic Division and the Western Division leaders, have the CIAA’s best league record and overall record. They are two wins away from their first 20-win season since 1997. The Broncos fell to 6-13 overall, 3-10 in the CIAA and 1-3 in the Western Division.

Chris Jordan (Sr./Houston, Texas) added 16 points, Steven Brignol (Sr./Brooklyn, N.Y.) scored 12 points and Shaun Washum (Jr./Norfolk, Va.) came off the bench to score 11 point for the Falcons, who shot 52 percent. Michael Carpenter scored 19 points and Ariel Robinson added 11 points for the Broncos, who shot 42 percent.

The Falcons led 37-30 at halftime, but the Broncos scored six consecutive points to pull within one point. The Falcons then went on a spurt. Jordan’s three-pointer and Fain’s bank shot made the score 48-40.

Jordan gave the Falcons a 56-46 lead with a three-pointer from the corner with a little under nine minutes left. Layups by Kalvin Patterson (Sr./Rocky Mount, N.C.) and Washum made the score 70-55 which put FSU away.

The Broncos were fired up early, racing to a 10-5 lead. The Falcons eventually pulled ahead 15-14 on Jordan’s three-pointer. Fain, who had seven first-half points, hit a three for a 20-16 Falcon lead.

The Falcons padded the margin to 24-17 on the second of two consecutive layups by Jordan. A 7-2 run which included consecutive layups by Washum and a three-pointer by Brignol gave the Falcons a 31-19 lead with five minutes left in the half.

After an FSU timeout, Carpenter hit a bank-shot three pointer, but Jordan answered with an inside shot for a seven-point halftime lead for the Falcons. Jordan scored 10 points in the first half on 5 of 9 shooting for the Falcons, who canned 53 percent of their shots in the first stanza. Brignol, his backcourt mate, added eight points on 3 of 5 shooting.

Carpenter scored 10 points on 4 for 7 shooting and Robinson added six points on 2 of 3 three-point shooting. The Broncos stayed in striking distance by hitting 7 of 10 from the free throw line in the first half compared to 0 of 3 for the Falcons.

The Falcons take a day off before visiting Johnson C. Smith University on Monday (Feb. 8) in Charlotte, N.C. Game time is 7:30 p.m.

February 4, 2010

Falcons Hammer Chowan 74-50 In CIAA Western Division Showdown

Guard Chris Jordan (Sr./Houston, Texas) led four double-figure scorers with 19 points and Saint Augustine’s College stayed atop the CIAA standings with a 74-50 basketball win over Chowan University in a battle for first place Thursday (Feb. 4) at Emery Gymnasium.

The Falcons (17-3 overall, 11-2 CIAA, 3-0 Western Division) entered the game atop the CIAA standings with Chowan (13-6 overall, 9-4 CIAA, 2-1) tied for second place percentage-wise. Both teams also were co-leaders in the Western Division.

But the much anticipated matchup between the CIAA powers turned into a rout. The Falcons, ranked sixth in the Atlantic Region, rolled to their eighth straight win by dominating the lane. The Falcons outscored the Hawks 48-12 in the paint and won the rebounding battle 44-24 which led to a 19-4 edge in second-chance points. They also showcased their depth, outscoring the Hawks 21-9 in bench points.

Steven Brignol (Sr./Brooklyn, N.Y.) added 12 points, Hayward Fain (Sr./Akron, Ohio) had 11 points, 12 rebounds and five assists and Shaun Washum (Jr./Norfolk, Va.) collected 10 points and four steals for the Falcons.

The 24-point loss was the worst this season for the Hawks, who got 19 points from Mark Brown and 13 points from Jaleel Nelson, but shot 31 percent for the game. This was the second consecutive outstanding defensive effort this week for the Falcons, who held Shaw to a season-low in points (48) Monday.

The Falcons shot 49 percent for the game including 55 percent in the second half, when they outscored the Hawks 40-23 to break open a close game. The Falcons led 34-27 at halftime.

The Falcons take a one-day break before visiting Fayetteville State on Saturday (Feb. 6) in another Western Division tilt. Game time is 7:30 p.m.

February 10, 2010

Falcons Move Up To No. 4 in Atlantic Region Basketball Rankings

Saint Augustine’s College continues its steady rise up the Atlantic Regional men’s basketball rankings, climbing two spots to No. 4 this week. The Falcons, led by second-year head coach Lonnie Blow, Jr., earned their latest ranking with three double-digit victories in five days. They beat Chowan University 74-50 on Feb. 4, Fayetteville State University 73-60 on Feb. 6, and Johnson C. Smith University 83-71 in overtime on Feb. 8.

The top eight teams in the final Atlantic Region rankings will earn a berth in the NCAA Division II Tournament, which starts March 13 at regional sites. The rankings are released each Wednesdays through March 3.

The Falcons are one of two CIAA teams ranked in the Atlantic Region. Virginia Union is ranked 10th.

The Falcons also received some national recognition this week. They received one vote in the NABC Division II Coaches Poll.

Winners of 10 consecutive contests, the Falcons possess the best league record (13-2) and overall record (19-3) in the CIAA with five regular-season games left. The Falcons are in good position to claim the No. 1 seed in the upcoming CIAA Tournament, which starts Feb. 23 in Charlotte, N.C.

The Falcons are in the midst of one of their most successful seasons ever. A victory at Livingstone College Thursday (Feb. 11) would give the Falcons their first 20-win season since 1997, the year they captured their only CIAA Championship. The Falcons also have a shot at the CIAA Western Division title. They are currently atop the division with a 5-0 mark.

February 13, 2010

Falcons Hold Off Late Shaw Rally 69-61

RALEIGH, N.C. – Forward Hayward Fain (Jr./Akron, Ohio) had 19 points and 12 rebounds and Saint Augustine’s College survived a late run by Shaw University to take a 69-61 CIAA basketball victory on Saturday (Feb. 13) at Emery Gymnasium for its 12th straight win.

The Falcons (21-3 overall, 15-2 CIAA, 7-0 Western Division) can clinch the Western Division crown with a victory at Chowan University on Monday (Feb. 15). It would be the first outright crown for the Falcons since 1998 when acclaimed track coach George Williams coached the basketball team.

The Falcons, who lead the nation in field-goal percentage defense, led the entire way after spurting out to a 22-6 lead in the first half. The score was 60-46 with eight minutes left in the second half, but the Bears pulled close at 64-59 with 3:19 to go. The Falcons held on down the stretch, though.

Chris Jordan (Sr./Houston, Texas) added 14 points for the Falcons, who have the best league record in the CIAA. Brandon Hickson (Sr./Columbia, S.C.), Shaun Washum (Jr./Norfolk, Va.) and Steven Brignol (Sr./Brooklyn, N.Y.) each scored eight points.

Michael Smith led the Bears (12-12, 9-8 CIAA, 2-5 Western Division) with 15 points. Raheem Smith added 12 points and Rodney Callwood chipped in 11 points.

After shooting 50 percent in the first half, the Falcons cooled off in the second half, shooting 28 percent. But they made up for it at the free-throw line, making 33 of 56 for the game. The Falcons also won the rebounding battle (42-32), scored most points off turnovers (22-9) and scored more second-chance points (12-5). The Bears, who shot 32 percent for the game, made 23 of 36 free throws.

The Falcons hit the road Monday (Feb. 15) against Chowan University for their last away game of the season. Game time is 7:30 p.m.

February 15, 2010

Hawks End Falcons’ 12-Game Win Streak 72-62

MURFEESBORO, N.C. – Jaleel Nelson scored 25 points to lead host Chowan University past Saint Augustine’s College 72-62 on Senior Night in a CIAA Western Division basketball game Monday (Feb. 15) at the Helms Center. The loss snapped the Falcons’ 12-game win streak.

Chris Jordan (Sr./Houston, Texas) scored 12 points and Nick Chamblee (Fr./Hampton, Va.) came off the bench with 10 points for the Falcons, who suffered their first division loss this season.

Led by seven rebounds each from Hayward Fain (Jr./Akron, Ohio) and Steven Brignol (Sr./Brooklyn, N.Y.), the Falcons outrebounded the Hawks 47-29 including 19-2 in offensive rebounds. But the Falcons shot 34 percent for the game and made 6 of 19 three-pointers for 32 percent.

The Falcons, ranked fourth in the Atlantic Region rankings, can still clinch the Western Division title Thursday at home against Fayetteville State University. Game time is 7:30 p.m. The Falcons (21-4 overall, 15-3 CIAA, 7-1 Western Division) still lead the CIAA standings (15-3) and have the league’s best overall record.

Mark Brown added 13 points for the Hawks (16-8 overall, 12-6 CIAA, 5-3 Western Division), who hit 11 of 20 three-point shots for 55 percent. The Hawks shot 47 percent overall from the floor.

The Hawks made 8 of 13 three-pointers to lead 33-25 at halftime. The Falcons pulled within 43-38 in the second half, but Nelson scored 18 second-half points to push the Hawks’ lead to double digits.

This is the last road game of the season for the Falcons, who end the regular season with back-to-back home games on Thursday and Friday.

February 18, 2010

Jordan Leads Falcons To Western Division Crown

RALEIGH, N.C. – Sharpshooter Chris Jordan (Sr./Houston, Texas) scored a season-high 29 points and Saint Augustine’s College defeated Fayetteville State 76-56 Thursday at Emery Gymnasium to win the Western Division men’s basketball title and claim the top seed in next week’s CIAA Tournament.

The Falcons (22-4 overall, 16-3 CIAA, 8-1 Western Division) won their first division title since 2004. It is their first outright division championship since 1998 when esteemed track and field coach George Williams was the men’s basketball coach.

Lonnie Blow, Jr. guided the Falcons to their latest division title in only his second year as head coach.

“It is a tribute to the players who were willing to be coachable and the assistant coaches (MarQus Johnson and Tellis Jr. Frank, Jr.),” Blow said. “It is a tribute to hard work.”

Jordan made 9 of 16 shots including 7 of 11 from three-point range. He was the only double-figure scorer for the Falcons, who scored 18 points off 14 turnovers, won the rebounding battle 43-32, scored 25 second chance points and 28 bench points.

Steven Brignol (Sr./Brooklyn, N.Y.) added eight points, and Brandon Hickson (Sr./Columbia, S.C.) and Darryl Glass (So./Washington, D.C.) both chipped in seven points as 11 players scored for the Falcons.

Ariel Robinson scored 11 points, and Benjamin Davis and Jarmel Baxter both added 10 points for the Broncos (7-18, 4-15 CIAA, 2-8 Western Division), who only trailed 36-31 at halftime. But the Falcons took over the second half, outscoring the Broncos 40-25.

The Falcons wrap up the regular season Friday against Livingstone at Emery Gymnasium. It will be Senior Night for Jordan, Brignol, Hickson, Hayward Fain (Jr./Akron, Ohio), Kalvin Patterson (Sr./Rocky Mount, N.C.) and George DeGroat (Sr./Portsmouth, Va.). Game time is 7:30 p.m.