November 10, 2008

Lady Falcons Head To Florida For Season Debut This Weekend

Saint Augustine ’s College starts the 2008-09 women’s basketball season in Ft. Lauderdale, Fla., this weekend at the Nova Southeastern University Marriott Tip-Off Classic at NSU Center Arena. The Lady Falcons play host Nova Southeastern University on Saturday (Nov. 15) at 5 p.m. and Barry University on Sunday (Nov. 16) at 4 p.m. The Lady Falcons, 18-10 overall last season, return eight players including preseason All-CIAA players Allison Sikes (Richmond, Va.) and LeKiesha White (Richmond, Va.).

November 18, 2008

Second-Half Spurt Lifts Bethune-Cookman Past Lady Falcons

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. – Junior guard Rudeesha Reese (Teaneck, NJ) scored 11 points, all on free throws, for Saint Augustine’s College in a 63-48 loss to Division I opponent Bethune-Cookman University on Tuesday (Nov. 18) at the ICI Center in a non-conference women’s college basketball game.

The loss dropped the Lady Falcons to 1-2 overall, while the Lady Wildcats stayed unbeaten at 2-0 overall.

Sophomore forward Allison Sikes (Richmond, VA), last season’s CIAA rookie of the year and a preseason All-CIAA selection, added eight points, eight rebounds and four steals while freshman center Keyona Bryant (Springdale, MD) and sophomore guard LeKiesha White (Richmond, VA) both tallied six points and seven rebounds for the Lady Falcons. The Lady Wildcats were led by Demetria Frank with 17 points, Sarah Bolden with 10 points and 13 rebounds and Jasmine Bugg with 10 points.

The Lady Falcons only trailed 28-25 at halftime despite shooting 20 percent from the floor in the first half. The Lady Wildcats outscored the Lady Falcons 35-23 in the second half, however, to get the win.

The Lady Wildcats finished the night shooting 46 percent from the floor while the Lady Falcons shot 23 percent for the contest.

The Lady Falcons visit Virginia State University in their first CIAA game of the season on Saturday (Nov. 22). Game time is 5:30 p.m. Their first home game is Nov. 25 against Chowan University at 5:30 p.m.

November 16, 2008

FT. LAUDERDALE, Fla. – Sophomore forward Allison Sikes (Richmond, VA) of Saint Augustine’s College recorded 9 points and 9 rebounds in a 65-51 Lady Falcon loss to Barry University on Sunday (Nov. 16) in the NSU Marriott Women’s Basketball Tip-Off Classic. The loss evened the Lady Falcons’ record to 1-1.

Freshman guard Andrea Hauser (Newport News, VA) added 8 points and freshman center Keyona Bryant (Springdale, MD) chipped in 7 points including a three-point play which cut Barry University’s lead to 44-40 with 9:12 left in the game. But Barry finished with a 21-11 run to clinch the win.

Bryant of the Lady Falcons was named to the all-tournament team after averaging 10.5 points in two games.

The Lady Falcons start their CIAA season on Saturday (Nov. 22) at Virginia State. Game time is 5:30 p.m.

December 4, 2008

Lady Panthers Stop Comeback Bid By Lady Falcons

RRALEIGH, N.C. – Saint Augustine's College, fresh off an upset win over 17th-ranked Shaw University two nights earlier, fell behind early and never recovered in a 59-54 CIAA women's basketball loss to Virginia Union University on Thursday (Dec. 4) inside packed Emery Gymnasium.

Standout freshman Keyona Bryant (Springdale, Md.) scored 12 points and senior forward Brittany Parker (Waterbury, Conn.) added 11 points for the Lady Falcons, who fell to 2-5 overall and 1-3 in the CIAA. Bryant, who averaged 35.5 points in her last two games including 35 points against Shaw Tuesday, scored all her points in the second half after getting in early foul trouble to spark a late Lady Falcon comeback.

But the Lady Panthers, led by 24 points and eight rebounds from junior center Tonaye Smith, held on for the win. With the victory, the Lady Panthers improved to 4-4 overall and 2-2 in the CIAA. It was the second win in consecutive nights for the Lady Panthers, who got 11 points from Dashia Chandler and 10 points from Ashley Hill.

The Lady Falcons were flat in the first half, shooting 21 percent from the floor. Meanwhile, the Lady Panthers were hot, hitting 52 percent of their shots to open a 31-21 halftime lead. The Lady Panthers continued their hot shooting in the second half, making 50 percent of their shots but 30 turnovers allowed the Lady Falcons to creep back into the game in the closing minutes. The Lady Falcons trailed 56-52 on Bryant's three-point play with 55 seconds left but the Lady Falcons got no closer.

For the game, the Lady Panthers shot 51 percent while the Lady Falcons shot 30 percent and committed 22 turnovers.

The Lady Falcons play again Dec. 13 in a non-conference home game against Mount Olive College at Emery Gymnasium. Game time is 2 p.m.

December 2, 2008

Lady Falcons Stun 17th-Ranked Shaw 77-71

RALEIGH, NC - Led by 35 points and nine rebounds from freshman sensation Keyona Bryant (Springdale, Md.), Saint Augustine's College led mostly from start to finish in upsetting 17th-ranked Shaw University 77-71 on Tuesday (Dec. 2) in a thrilling CIAA women's basketball game inside packed and raucous Spaulding Gymnasium. In beating the Lady Bears, the Lady Falcons (2-4 overall, 1-2 CIAA) snapped a 12-game winning streak to their archrivals. The Lady Falcons' last victory in the series was during the 2000-01 season.

Directed by head coach Margaret Richards, the Lady Falcons held off a late rally by the previously unbeaten Lady Bears (4-1, 2-1 CIAA), who cut a 10-point deficit to one point in a four-minute span. Leading 67-66 with 3:23 left, the Lady Falcons kept their poise, outscoring the Lady Bears 10-5 down the stretch. Bryant played a big role, scoring 24 second-half points.

After stunning the Lady Bears, the Lady Falcons celebrated near their bench before a stunned crowd of mostly Shaw fans inside the tight, cozy gym.

"It feels so great," Lady Falcon senior guard Dierra Washington said afterward. "We made history."

The Lady Bears had no answer for Bryant, a 6-foot center who was named CIAA rookie of the week Monday (Dec. 1). Scoring inside the paint, Bryant was 10 of 12 from the floor and 15 of 21 from the free-throw line. This is the second consecutive 30-point game from Bryant, who had a 36-point, 10-rebound night against Fayetteville State University on Saturday (Nov. 29).

Sophomore guard LeKiesha White (Richmond, Va.) added 16 points and 11 rebounds and sophomore forward Allison Sikes, last season's CIAA rookie of the year, grabbed 10 rebounds for the Lady Falcons, who won despite 32 turnovers. But the Lady Falcons shot 49 percent, including 53 percent in the second half, and won the rebounding battle 48-41.

Most importantly, the Lady Falcons made 27 of 41 free throws while the Lady Bears made 12 of 30 free throws.

For the Lady Bears, Tanisha McGaughey and Jessica Davis led a balanced scoring attack with 16 points apiece. Celanese Bozeman added 15 points but the Lady Bear sharpshooter was 5 of 20 from the floor including 3 of 14 from the three-point line. Shana Andrus scored 13 points for the Lady Bears, who shot 37 percent for the game.

Trailing 37-30 at halftime, the Lady Bears regrouped and led briefly in the second half. But the Lady Falcons never buckled, regaining the lead 49-47 with 13:25 left and never trailed again to end seven years of futility against the Lady Bears.

"It feels awesome," Lady Falcon head coach Richards said. "The girls finally believed. We put two halves together."

Both of the Lady Falcon wins have come against nationally-ranked opponents. In their season opener on Nov. 15, the Lady Falcons defeated Nova Southeastern University, which was ranked 23rd in the preseason by Division II Bulletin poll.

The Lady Bears entered the contest against their crosstown rivals tied 17th nationally in the ESPN/USA Today Division II poll which was released Tuesday (Dec. 2).

The Lady Falcons return home Thursday (Dec. 4) to host Virginia Union University at Emery Gymnasium. Game time is 5:30 p.m

January 27, 2009

Turnovers Costly In Lady Falcons’ 62-50 Loss To Virginia State

RALEIGH, NC - Freshman center Keyona Bryant (Springdale, Md.) scored a game-high 16 points and corralled eight rebounds for Saint Augustine's College, but Virginia State University recorded 19 steals to beat the Lady Falcons 62-50 in a CIAA women's basketball game Tuesday (Jan. 27) at Emery Gymnasium.

Leading 27-26 at halftime, the Lady Trojans (16-3, 8-3 CIAA) collected nine steals when they outscored the Lady Falcons 35-24 in the decisive second half. Leslie Phillips had five of her game-high six steals in the second half to spark the Lady Trojans' defensively. Katania Walker added five steals and Janelle McDowell added four steals for the game for the Lady Trojans.

Bryant scored 10 second-half points to keep the Lady Falcons (10-8, 5-6 CIAA) in striking distance but they couldn't overcome 30 turnovers. Senior forward Brittany Parker (Waterbury, Conn.) and sophomore forward Allison Sikes (Richmond, Va.) both added 11 points for the Lady Falcons, who shot 44 percent from the floor and made 8 of 13 free throw attempts. Walker scored 14 points and Morgan McGill added a double-double with 12 points and 10 rebounds for the Lady Trojans, who shot 38 percent from the floor but made 20 of 31 free throws to secure the win.

The Lady Falcons travel to face Bowie State University on Thursday (Jan. 29) at 5:30 p.m.

January 26, 2009

CIAA Honors Bryant For Fifth Straight Week

For the fifth consecutive time, the Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association (CIAA) named freshman phenom Keyona Bryant (Springdale, Md.) of Saint Augustine’s College the women’s basketball rookie of the week on Monday (Jan. 26).

The award is the seventh overall this season for Bryant, a 6-0 center who ranks second in scoring (17.9 points per game) and field goal percentage (53.2 percent), and sixth in rebounding (7.1 rebounds per game) in the CIAA. She has won the weekly rookie award more than any other CIAA player this season.

Bryant averaged 26.5 points, 6.0 rebounds and shot 88 percent (23-of-26) from the floor in two games last week. In addition to scoring 27 points in a loss to Johnson C. Smith University on Thursday (Jan. 22), Bryant scored 26 points on 11-of-12 shooting in a 76-49 win over Lincoln University of Pennsylvania on Saturday (Jan. 24).

January 19, 2009

Bryant, Richards Earn CIAA Weekly Basketball Honors

Freshman Keyona Bryant (Springdale, Md.) and head coach Margaret Richards of Saint Augustine’s College won CIAA weekly basketball awards Monday (Jan. 19). Bryant, a 6-0 standout center, captured her fourth straight CIAA women’s rookie of the week honor. This is the sixth time this season that Bryant was voted the league’s top female freshman.

Bryant averaged 12 points and 7 rebounds in two games last week including 11 points to help the Lady Falcons sweep crosstown rival Shaw University for the first time since the 1999-2000 season. She averages 16.8 points a game, which is fourth-best in the CIAA. Her 7.2 rebounds per contest are tied for sixth in the conference.

Richards was named CIAA women’s coach of the week after directing the Lady Falcons to a 2-0 record last week including Saturday’s 72-64 win over Shaw, winner of five of the last six CIAA titles. The weekly award is the fourth this season for Richards, a first-year coach.

The Lady Falcons (9-6 overall, 5-4 CIAA, 3-1 Western Division) visit Johnson C. Smith (9-6, 6-2 CIAA, 0-2 Western Division) in a key CIAA Western Division game Tuesday (Jan. 20) at 5:30 p.m.

January 17, 2009

Lady Falcons Sweep Shaw For First Time Since 1999-2000 Season

RALEIGH, NC – Sophomore forward Allison Sikes (Richmond, VA) had a double-double with 17 points and 10 rebounds as Saint Augustine’s College held Shaw University to 31.9 percent shooting in a 72-64 victory Saturday (Jan. 17) at Emery Gymnasium. The Lady Falcons (9-6 overall, 5-4 CIAA, 3-1 Western Division) swept the season series for the first time since the 1999-2000 season.

Unlike the first meeting when freshman center Keyona Bryant (Springdale, MD) scored 35 points in a 77-71 win in December 2008, the Lady Falcons got balanced scoring this time. Senior forward Brittany Parker (Waterbury, CT) added 15 points and senior guard Dierra Washington (Baltimore, MD) scored 13 points for the Lady Falcons, who beat the Lady Bears (8-7, 4-3 CIAA, 2-2 Western Division) for the second consecutive time after losing 12 straight to their archrival. Bryant chipped in 11 points.

The Lady Falcons shot 49 percent including 52.2 percent in the second half to gain the win. The Lady Bears forced 23 turnovers for the game but shot 29.7 percent in the second half.

Sikes scored 10 first-half points to give the Lady Falcons a 33-28 halftime lead. The Lady Falcons never trailed in the second half as their lead grew to 61-49 with 6:31 left on Sikes’ layup off Parker’s assist. The Lady Bears got no closer than six points the remainder of the game.

Shana Andrus led all scorers with 20 points and Ashley Jackson added 17 points and 11 rebounds for the Lady Bears. Celanese Bozeman contributed 11 points.

The Lady Falcons, winners of four straight games, visit Johnson C. Smith University in a key CIAA Western Division game Tuesday (Jan. 20) at 5:30 p.m.

January 29, 2009

BOWIE STATE HOLDS OFF LADY FALCONS 66-62

BOWIE, Md. - Freshman center Keyona Bryant (Springdale, Md.) scored 22 points and grabbed 10 rebounds, and sophomore forward LaKiesha White (Richnond, Va.) added 19 points and 12 rebounds for Saint Augustine's College, but the Lady Falcons fell short against Bowie State University 66-62 Thursday (Jan. 29) in CIAA women's basketball at A.C. Jordan Arena.

The Lady Falcons (10-9 overall, 5-7 CIAA) committed 28 turnovers including two critical turnovers in the final three minutes when they trailed 57-55. The turnovers spoiled a nice comeback by the Lady Falcons, who trailed 57-42 with 8:32 remaining in the game.

Denisha Kenion scored 23 points, Teaunsha Robinson added 18 points and 12 rebounds and Lakisha Walker scored 10 points for the Lady Bulldogs (9-9, 8-3 CIAA), who scored 25 points off Lady Falcon turnovers. The Lady Falcons outshot the Lady Bulldogs 52 percent to 36 percent.

The Lady Falcons visit Virginia Union University on Saturday (Jan. 31) at 5:30 p.m. The Lady Bulldogs host Fayetteville State University on Saturday at 5:30 p.m.

February 02, 2009

Lady Falcons Pull Away From Virginia Union 79-60

RICHMOND, Va. - Sophomore guard LaKiesha White (Richmond, Va.) and freshman center Keyona Bryant (Springdale, Md.) both scored 17 points and Saint Augustine's College shot 60 percent from the floor for a 79-60 CIAA women's basketball victory over Virginia Union University on Saturday (Jan. 31) at Barco-Stevens Hall.

The win ended a two-game losing streak for the Lady Falcons (11-9 overall, 6-7 CIAA), who shot 68 percent and limited the Lady Panthers (6-12, 3-9 CIAA) to 28 percent in the second half to overcome a 35-34 halftime deficit. Senior guard Dierra Washington (Baltimore, Md.) and sophomore guard Whitney Griffis (Richmond, Va.) both added 10 points, and sophomore forward Allison Sikes (Richmond, Va.) and sophomore guard Crystal McCaffity (Havelock, NC) both contributed nine points for the Lady Falcons, who outscored the Lady Panthers 46-25 in the second half.

Tonaye Smith scored 13 points to lead four Lady Panther double-figure scorers. Ashley Hill added 12 points and Tiffany Clarke and Kara Scott both chipped in 11 points for the Lady Panthers, who shot 45 percent to take a one-point halftime lead but finished the game shooting 36 percent thanks to Lady Falcons' pressure defense.

As a result, the night was a successful homecoming for Richmond, Va., natives White, Griffis and Sikes.

The contest was the fifth in 10 days for the Lady Falcons, who take a few days off before hosting Bowie State University at Emery Gymnasium on Thursday (Feb. 5) at 5:30 p.m. The Lady Panthers, who beat the Lady Falcons in the first meeting 59-54 on Dec. 4, 2008, host Bowie State University on Tuesday (Feb. 3) at 5:30 p.m.

Thursday’s contest is designated as a Pink Zone contest. Pink Zone, started by the Women’s Basketball Coaches Association, is an initiative to raise breast cancer awareness in women’s basketball, on campuses and in communities.

February 03, 2009

CIAA Honors Bryant, Fain of Saint Augustine’s College

Keyona Bryant (Springdale, Md.) and Hayward Fain (Akron, OH) of Saint Augustine’s College earned CIAA weekly basketball honors Monday (Feb. 2).

Fain, a 6-foot-5 sophomore forward, was named CIAA men’s basketball player of the week after averaging a double-double last week. He averaged 11.7 points and 11 rebounds in three games including 15 points and 15 rebounds in a 90-72 win over Virginia State University on Jan. 27. Fain scored 11 points and pulled down 12 rebounds in a 64-58 loss to Virginia Union University on Jan. 31.

Bryant, a 6-foot freshman center, was voted CIAA women’s basketball rookie of the week for the sixth consecutive week and eighth time overall, the most of any CIAA player this season. She averaged 18.3 points, 8.3 rebounds and shot 63 percent from the floor in three games last week including 22 points and 10 rebounds in a 66-62 loss to Bowie State University on Jan. 29.

The frontrunner for CIAA women’s rookie of the year, Bryant is the league’s second-leading scorer (18.0 points per game) and sixth-leading rebounder (7.3 rebounds per game). She ranks second in the CIAA in field goal percentage (55.5 percent).

February 04, 2009

Thursday Designated as Pink Zone Game For Lady Falcons

RALEIGH, NC – Saint Augustine’s College hosts Bowie State University Thursday (Feb. 5) in a CIAA women’s basketball contest designated as a Women’s Basketball Coaches Association (WBCA) Pink Zone game. Game time is 5:30 p.m. at Emery Gymnasium.

The Lady Falcons (11-9 overall, 6-7 CIAA) will wear pink uniforms to show their support. Pink Zone is an initiative to raise breast cancer awareness on campuses and communities.

Saint Augustine’s College Head Coach Margaret Richards is thrilled to be taking part in Pink Zone.

“It is a great opportunity for us to create awareness for a disease that has affected so many people,” Richards said.

Fans wearing pink get $2 off the regular general admission price. Saint Augustine’s College will give a portion of its ticket sales to the Breast Cancer Fund.

February 05, 2009

Lady Falcons Lose 61-45 To Bowie State

RALEIGH, NC – Freshman center Keyona Bryant (Springdale, MD) scored 13 points and grabbed eight rebounds for Saint Augustine’s College, but the Lady Falcons never led in a 61-45 loss to Bowie State University Thursday (Feb. 5) in a CIAA women’s basketball game at Emery Gymnasium.

Sophomore forward LaKiesha White (Richmond, VA) added 12 points and nine rebounds and sophomore guard Crystal McCaffity (Havelock, NC) had 11 points for the Lady Falcons (11-10 overall, 6-8 CIAA), who stayed close in the early stages.

Teaunsha Robinson collected 20 points and eight rebounds and Lakisha Walker added 12 points for the Lady Bulldogs (12-9, 11-3 CIAA), who opened a 14-point first-half lead and led 33-24 at halftime.

The Lady Bulldogs stretched the lead to double digits most of the second half, leading by 17 points at one point.

Both teams shot under 40 percent but the Lady Bulldogs made 15 of 19 free throw attempts compared to 4 of 7 for the Lady Falcons.

The Lady Falcons visit Fayetteville State University at 1:30 p.m. Sunday (Feb. 8). The Lady Bulldogs face Shaw University in Raleigh, NC, Saturday (Feb. 7) at 5:30 p.m.

February 09, 2009

Lady Broncos Defeat Lady Falcons 84-65

FAYETTEVILLE, NC - Sophomore forward Brittany Parker (Waterbury, CT) led four double-figure scorers with 15 points for Saint Augustine's College, but Fayetteville State went on a 22-8 run in the last seven minutes for an 84-65 CIAA Western Division victory Sunday (Feb. 8) at Capel Arena.

Sophomore forward Allison Sikes (Richmond, VA) added a double-double with 14 points and 12 rebounds in addition to four steals, freshman center Keyona Bryant (Springdale, MD) had 14 points, eight rebounds and five steals, and sophomore guard LaKiesha White (Richmond, VA) chipped in 11 points and six rebounds for the Lady Falcons (11-11 overall, 6-9 CIAA, 3-3 Western Division), who forced 23 Lady Bronco turnovers.

Danielle Russell sparked the Lady Broncos (16-6, 10-4 CIAA, 4-0 Western Division) with 27 points, including 19 points in the second half when the Western Division-leading Lady Broncos pulled away after leading 36-32 at halftime.

Still, the Lady Falcons only trailed 62-57 on Parker's 3-pointer with 6:27 remaining, but the Lady Broncos ended the game with their late spurt. Russell, a junior guard, scored nine points during the run.

Chelsea Jeter added 13 points and eight rebounds for the Lady Broncos, who won the game in the paint. They outscored the Lady Falcons 50-28 inside and 22-15 on second chance points. The Lady Broncos also outscored the Lady Falcons 30-22 off turnovers after forcing 29 Lady Falcon turnovers.

The Lady Falcons, who fell behind 20-6 in the early stages, never led in the contest. They shot 40 percent for the game and the Lady Broncos shot 43 percent.

The Lady Falcons host Johnson C. Smith University Tuesday (Feb. 10) at Emery Gymnasium. Game time is 5:30 p.m.

February 10, 2009

Lady Golden Bulls Beat Lady Falcons 59-50

RALEIGH, NC - Sophomore guard Allison Sikes (Richmond, VA) collected a double-double with 18 points and 10 rebounds for Saint Augustine's College, but the Lady Falcons were undone by turnovers and offensive rebounding in a 59-50 loss to Johnson C. Smith University Tuesday (Feb. 10) in a CIAA women's basketball contest at Emery Gymnasium.

Sophomore guard Whitney Griffis (Richmond, VA) added 11 points on 4-for-4 shooting for the Lady Falcons (11-12 overall, 6-10 CIAA), who committed 24 turnovers and were outrebounded on the offensive glass 18-9. The Lady Golden Bulls, led by a game-high 27 points from Wendy Stywalt, outscored the Lady Falcons 17-7 in second-chance points and 19-15 off turnovers.

Tyra Breaux added 10 points and Demetria Bell hauled in 10 rebounds for the Lady Golden Bulls (14-9, 10-5 CIAA), who shot 50 percent in the second half and 44 percent for the game. The Lady Falcons shot 33 percent from the floor.

Sikes scored 10 first-half points for the Lady Falcons, who spurted to an early lead but the Lady Golden Bulls took advantage of 13 Lady Falcon turnovers to gradually gain control. The Lady Golden Bulls, led by 14 points from Stywalt, outscored the Lady Falcons 13-3 off turnovers to build a 31-17 halftime lead. The 17 first-half points were a season-low for the Falcons.

The margin grew to 16 points early in the second half, but the Lady Falcons chipped away until the deficit was five with a little over six minutes remaining. The Lady Falcons could get no closer, however.

The Lady Falcons actually outscored the Lady Golden Bulls 33-28 in the second half. The Lady Falcons also dominated the paint, outscoring the Lady Golden Bulls 32-20 despite six points from freshman center Keyona Bryant (Springdale, Md.), who leads the Lady Falcons with 17.6 points a game. The point total equaled a season-low for Bryant, a marvelous 6-foot freshman, who had her 19-game double-figure scoring streak snapped.

The Lady Falcons, losers of their last three games, host Elizabeth City State University in their last regular-season home contest. It will be Senior Night for guard Dierra Washington (Baltimore, MD), forward Brittany Parker (Waterbury, CT) and center Nadege Wandeu (Takoma Park, MD). Game time is 5:30 p.m.

February 17, 2009

Bryant Named CIAA Women’s Basketball Rookie of the Year

Monday became official what was long expected: Keyona Bryant of Saint Augustine’s College was chosen CIAA women’s basketball rookie of the year.

Bryant, a 6-foot freshman center from Springdale, Md., was favored to capture the honor after winning CIAA rookie of the week eight times and leading all CIAA freshmen in scoring, rebounding and field goal percentage. She also won a national player of the week award during the season. Still, Bryant smiled when she heard the news.


“I am excited because in high school I never saw myself winning rookie of the year in college,” Bryant said. “I want to thank my teammates and coaches. They pushed me to my potential.”


Bryant is the second consecutive Lady Falcon to take home the award. Last season, Allison Sikes (Richmond, VA) of the Lady Falcons was picked the league’s top rookie. Like Sikes last year, Bryant also made the All-CIAA rookie team. She joined Montiya Harrison of Livingstone College, Kearah Jefferys of Elizabeth City State University, Deja Middleton of Fayetteville State University and Juliette Turner of Bowie State University on the squad.


The player of the year and All-CIAA rookie teams were voted on by the CIAA Sports Information Directors’ Association.

More accolades may be on the way. She has an excellent chance to make the All-CIAA women’s team and is one of seven candidates for CIAA women’s player of the year. Bryant currently ranks first in field goal percentage (56 percent), second in scoring (17.4 points per game) and sixth in rebounding (7.2 rebounds per game) in the CIAA.


Bryant also ranks fifth in offensive rebounding (3.1 rebounds per game), 12th in defensive rebounding (4.1 rebounds per game), 15th in free throw percentage (69 percent) and tied for 11th in blocked shots (0.7 per game) in the CIAA.


The Lady Falcons’ go-to player, Bryant scored a career-high 36 points against Fayetteville State and 35 points against Shaw on consecutive nights early in the season. The 36 points is believed to be the most points by a Lady Falcon freshman in recent memory.


Bryant scored in double figures 21 of 24 games including eight games of 20 or more points. She has earned four double-doubles this season.

“She is very deserving of the award,” said first-year head coach Margaret Richards. “She worked extremely hard. A lot of credit goes to her teammates. She couldn’t have done it without them.


Added Richards: “This brings great exposure to the Lady Falcons’ program being she is the second player in a row to receive the award. It says a lot about Saint Augustine’s College women’s basketball.”


After this season ends, Bryant plans to improve her game during the offseason.

“This is a building block for next season,” Bryant said of the award. “It gives me incentive to work harder.”

February 17, 2009

LATE RUN GIVES LADY BLUE BEARS 59-54 WIN OVER LADY FALCONS

SALISBURY, NC - Saint Augustine's College was in control most of the game, but Livingstone College went on a late run to pull out a 59-54 CIAA women's basketball victory Tuesday (Feb. 17) in the Lady Falcons' final conference game of the season. The Lady Falcons (12-13 overall, 7-11 CIAA) likely will play next Tuesday in the CIAA Tournament which will be held at Time Warner Cable Arena.

Freshman center Keyona Bryant (Springdale, Md.), named 2009 CIAA women's basketball rookie of the year earlier today, scored a game-high 18 points and sophomore forward Allison Sikes (Richmond, Va.) added 14 points and 11 rebounds for the Lady Falcons, who led 52-47 with 3:51 remaining. But the Lady Blue Bears (8-17, 6-11 CIAA) stormed ahead 55-54 with 1:45 left on a running corner jumper by Rashida Elbourne. After a Lady Falcon turnover, Chelsea Johnson added two free throws with 1:16 on the clock for a three-point lead which held up. The Lady Falcons missed a 3-point attempt from the right corner, and Cassaundra Rhodes finished the scoring on a layup with six seconds remaining to complete the 12-2 comeback run.

The score was tied 45-45 when Bryant, who scored 12 second-half points, converted a three-point play and, following Brittany Wright's bucket, made a layup. Sophomore guard LaKiesha White (Richmond, Va.) scored on a contested shot from the corner for a 52-47 Lady Falcon lead with 3:51 left. The Lady Falcons, who shot 39 percent, appeared headed for the win but the Lady Blue Bears had other ideas.

Wright scored 11 of her team-high 15 points in the second half and added 10 rebounds and Kayler McBride scored all 10 of her points in the second half for the Lady Blue Bears, who won despite shooting 31 percent. But they beat the Lady Falcons 22-11 on the offensive boards which led to a 21-10 advantage in second-chance points and forced 28 turnovers which led to a 23-14 edge in turnover points.

The Lady Falcons led 27-25 in the first half despite outshooting the Lady Blue Bears 42 percent to 29 percent in the first half. But the Lady Blue Bears stayed close by winning the battle of the offensive boards 10-4 including five rebounds by Wright and four rebounds each by Elicia Gilliam and Rashida Elbourne. That led to a 12-6 advantage in second-chance points for the Lady Blue Bears.

But the Lady Falcons, led by Sikes, outscored the Lady Blue Bears 16-12 in the paint to hold a narrow first-half lead. Sikes nearly had a double-double in the first half with 8 points on 3-for-4 shooting and seven rebounds. Bryant had six points and three rebounds but was limited with two fouls. Sophomore guard Tiana Morris (Raleigh, NC) picked up the slack, however. Playing perhaps her best half in a Lady Falcon uniform, Morris provided a spark off the bench with five first-half points, matching her career-high.

Without production from Bryant, however, the Lady Falcons barely held off the Lady Blue Bears in the first half. Playing on WBCA Pink Zone night to increase breast cancer awareness, the Lady Blue Bears recovered from an early deficit to close within two at halftime. Montiya Harrison, named to the All-CIAA women's rookie team today, and Gilliam each paced the Lady Blue Bears with seven first-half points.

The Lady Falcons end their regular season Thursday (Feb. 19) at Claflin University in Orangeburg, S.C. Game time is 5:30 p.m.

February 18, 2009

Bryant, Sikes Selected To All-CIAA Women’s Basketball Team

The last two CIAA rookies of the year both earned a spot on the 2008-09 All-CIAA women’s basketball team Wednesday (Feb. 18).

Keyona Bryant (Springdale, Md.), named the league’s top female rookie Tuesday, and Allison Sikes (Richmond, Va.), the 2007-08 rookie of the year, were the two All-CIAA members from Saint Augustine’s College.

They are the leaders on a young Lady Falcon team under first-year head coach Margaret Richards.

“Both Keyona and Allison have been very consistent, and they have competed at a high level,” Richards said. “I am honored to have coached them this season.”

An eight-time CIAA rookie of the week winner, Bryant leads the team in scoring (17.4 points a game) and field goal percentage (56 percent), and Sikes is the Lady Falcons’ top rebounder (8.2 rebounds per game). They are two of three Lady Falcons who average double-figures in points. Sikes is scoring at 10.4 points a game.

Both players are among the CIAA leaders in scoring and rebounding. Bryant ranks second in scoring and sixth in rebounding (7.2 rebounds per game), and Sikes ranks fourth in rebounding. Bryant leads the conference in field goal percentage (56 percent).

In addition to her rookie honors, Bryant was named Division II national player of the week on an Internet poll this season, and Sikes was a preseason All-CIAA pick.

Both Bryant and Sikes along with the other All-CIAA members and CIAA players of the year will be honored at the Women’s and Men’s CIAA Tournament Tip-Off Luncheon in Charlotte, N.C., on Feb. 24.

February 19, 2009

Lady Falcons Beat Claflin 70-50 In Regular-Season Finale

RALEIGH, NC – All-CIAA sophomore forward Allison Sikes (Richmond, Va.) led five double-figure scorers with 17 points and Saint Augustine’s College erupted in the second half to top Claflin University 70-50 Thursday (Feb. 19) in its final regular-season women’s basketball game.

All-CIAA freshman center Keyona Bryant (Springdale, Md.) added 13 points, sophomore guard Crystal McCaffity (Havelock, N.C.) pumped in 11 points, and senior forward Brittany Parker (Waterbury, Conn.) and sophomore guard LaKiesha White (Richmond, Va.) chipped in 10 points for the Lady Falcons (13-13 overall), who outscored Claflin 39-24 in the second half after leading 31-26 at halftime.

White nearly posted a triple-double with 10 rebounds and eight assists, which tied her career high, and junior guard Eliezer Iceson (Harlem, N.Y.) pulled down 11 rebounds for the Lady Falcons, who outrebounded Claflin 49-31.

Jayshaun Bailey scored 27 points on 11-for-16 shooting to lead Claflin (12-11), which led by seven points early in the first half. A late run put the Lady Falcons ahead at halftime and they stretched the lead to 23 points in the second half.

The Lady Falcons shot 42 percent overall including 50 percent in the second half. Claflin shot 36 percent including 30 percent in the second half.

The Lady Falcons, seeded seventh, will play again Tuesday (March 24) in the CIAA Tournament against either Virginia Union University or Elizabeth City State University. The game will start at 9 p.m. at Time Warner Cable Arena in Charlotte, N.C.

February 23, 2009

Lady Falcons Tip-Off Against Elizabeth City State University Tuesday at 9 p.m.; Falcons Face Bowie State University Thursday at 1 p.m. in CIAA Tournament

Saint Augustine’s College plays Elizabeth City State University Tuesday (Feb. 24) at 9 p.m. in the first round of the women’s bracket, and meets Bowie State University Thursday (Feb. 26) at 1 p.m. in the men’s quarterfinal pairings of the CIAA Basketball Tournament, which starts Tuesday and runs through Saturday at Time Warner Cable Arena in Charlotte, N.C.

The seventh seed Lady Falcons (13-13 overall) won both regular-season meetings over the No. 10 seed Lady Vikings (6-21 overall) by an average of 23 points. The winner plays No. 2 seed Fayetteville State University in the women’s quarterfinals on Wednesday (Feb. 25) at 5 p.m.

The Lady Falcons are led by All-CIAA players Keyona Bryant (Springdale, Md.) and Allison Sikes (Richmond, Va.). Bryant, the 2008-09 CIAA women’s rookie of the year, is a freshman 6-0 center who is second in the CIAA in scoring (17.2 points per game) and first in field goal percentage (55 percent). Sikes, a 5-10 sophomore forward, ranks third in the CIAA in rebounds (8.0 per game) and field goal percentage (52 percent).

The fourth seed Falcon men (18-9 overall) topped the fifth seed Bulldogs (15-12 overall) twice during the regular season by an average of 5.5 points. The winner advances to Friday’s semifinal game against either top-seed Virginia Union University or the winner of Wednesday’s game between No. 8 seed Livingstone College or No. 9 seed Fayetteville State University.

Senior guard Will Gill (Clinton, Md.) and sophomore forward Hayward Fain (Akron, Ohio), both All-CIAA picks, lead the Falcons. Gill averages 11.6 points a game, and Fain is seventh in the CIAA in rebounds (6.4 per game).

February 24, 2009

CIAA COVERAGE: Saint Augustine's College Women Steamroll Elizabeth City State 86-58 In CIAA Tournament

CHARLOTTE, NC - Saint Augustine's College took care of business Tuesday night against Elizabeth City State University just like the previous two regular-season games.

The Lady Falcons beat the top offensive rebounding team on the boards, and played typical Lady Falcon defense to stop the Lady Vikings 86-58 in the first round of the CIAA Tournament at Time Warner Cable Arena. With the victory, the No. 7 seed Lady Falcons (14-13 overall) advance to Wednesday's quarterfinals where they face No. 2 seed Fayetteville State at 5 p.m. The Lady Vikings, the 10th seed, end their season at 6-22.

The Lady Falcons won all three meetings against the Lady Vikings this season, all by double-digit margins including a 32-point victory on Feb. 12, which was senior night for the Lady Falcons.

On Tuesday, the Lady Falcons dominated the first half and held off a mild Lady Viking rally in the second half to claim their first tournament win under first-year head coach Margaret Richards.

The Lady Falcons, tops in the CIAA in field goal percentage defense and three-point field goal percentage defense, played true to form. They limited the Lady Vikings to 36 percent shooting from the floor.

The Lady Falcons also beat the Lady Vikings at what they do best - offensive rebounding. The Lady Falcons won the rebounding battle 59-32 including 25-10 on the offensive boards in addition to forcing 32 turnovers. The Lady Vikings are the No. 1 team in the CIAA in offensive rebounds.

Allison Sikes had 15 points and 11 rebounds to lead five double-figure scorers for the Lady Falcons, who outscored the Lady Vikings 46-30 in the paint and 26-7 on second-chance points. Whitney Griffis added 13 points and 8 rebounds, Keyona Bryant chipped in 12 points, LeKiesha White had 11 points and Dierra Washington contributed 10 points.

Kearah Jefferys scored 17 points and Ashley Anderson and April Whitaker both had 10 points for the Lady Vikings, who trailed the entire night. In three meetings this season, the Lady Falcons won by an average of 25 points.

The Vikings stayed closed in the early moments. The score was 5-4 Lady Falcons before back-to-back baskets by White pushed the lead to five points. Bryant added two more buckets for a 13-4 lead.

The Lady Falcons continued to stretch the lead as the Lady Vikings went ice cold. The Lady Falcons built a 20-6 lead on White's 3-pointer and added another field goal before Ashley Anderson scored which ended a five-minute scoring drought for the Lady Vikings.

But the Lady Falcons kept pouring it on. Parker's follow shot gave the Lady Falcons a 38-16 lead with less than a minute remaining in the half. In the second half, the Lady Falcons opened a 75-44 lead on Tiana Morris' layup with 4:24 remaining in the game. The highlight of the game occurred when reserve center Nadege Wandeu scored two straight layups, bringing roars of approval from the Falcon men's basketball team seated behind the women's team bench.

February 25, 2009

CIAA COVERAGE: NO. 7 LADY FALCONS UPSET NO. 2 LADY BRONCOS IN CIAA QUARTERFINALS

CHARLOTTE, NC - Saint Augustine's College overcame tired legs and a season-high 37 turnovers in a 76-69 upset win over No. 2 seed Fayetteville State on Wednesday (Feb. 25) in the CIAA women's basketball quarterfinals at Time Warner Cable Arena.

With the win, the Lady Falcons reached the women's semifinals for the first time in nine years. "This win is for Saint Augustine's College," said first-year Head Coach Margaret Richards. "But we still have a few more steps to complete."

The Lady Falcons (15-13 overall), who will face Johnson C. Smith in Friday's semifinals at 3 p.m., hit 8 of 10 free throw attempts in the final two minutes to prevail against the Lady Broncos (19-8), ranked fourth in the Atlantic Region before the contest.

The Lady Falcons once again relied on defense and the play of CIAA rookie of the year Keyona Bryant to offset the high number of turnovers. The Lady Broncos shot 27 percent on 20 of 74 shooting against the Lady Falcons, who leads the CIAA in field-goal percentage defense. A zone defense helped the Lady Falcons rally from a 59-53 deficit with 8:16 remaining in the game.

"Defense and rebounding won this game for us," said Richards, whose Lady Falcons closed with a 23-10 run in the final 8:16. "We went to a 2-3 zone and got stops when we needed them."

Bryant poured in game-high 28 points on 7-for-12 field goal shooting and 14-for-18 free throw shooting to spark the Lady Falcons, including 7-for-8 free throw attempts in a decisive two-minute stretch in the second half. She also led both teams with 13 rebounds and Allison Sikes added 12 rebounds for the Lady Falcons, who outrebounded the Lady Broncos 55-40.

Dierra Washington added 10 points and both Brittany Parker and Tiana Morris scored 9 points for the Lady Falcons. Morris, a sophomore guard from Raleigh, N.C., hit a key 3-pointer and two free throws down the stretch in best game as a Lady Falcon.

Erica Gilley scored 21 points, L'Oreal Price added 17 points and Chelsea Jeter had a double-double with 13 points and 11 rebounds for the deeper Lady Broncos, whose signature pressure defense led to 19 steals but couldn't wear down the Lady Falcons, who beat Elizabeth City State 86-58 in the first round less than 24 hours earlier.

In the first half, the Lady Falcons only trailed 33-32 despite 20 first-half turnovers. They continued to give away the basketball but the Lady Broncos could never capitalize, thanks to the Lady Falcons' defense.

"Defense wins championships," Richards said.

The Lady Falcons haven't won a championship yet but they have advanced farther than anyone expected, while the Lady Broncos will wait to see if they get an NCAA regional bid.

In the first half, both teams struggled to find any offensive rhythm. Parker and Bryant each scored 9 points for the Lady Falcons, who shot 42 percent and outrebounded the Lady Broncos 27-17. Gilley had 10 points and Price added 9 points for the Lady Broncos.

The win was the first for the Lady Falcons in three meetings against the Lady Broncos this season.

February 27, 2009

CIAA COVERAGE: LADY GOLDEN BULLS END LADY FALCONS' CIAA TOURNEY RUN

CHARLOTTE, NC - Saint Augustine's College's tournament run ended in a gusty performance in the women's semifinals on Friday (Feb. 27).

The seven seed Lady Falcons appeared poised to pull the upset, but second seed Johnson C. Smith went on a 12-1 run in the final 3:33 to pull out a 59-53 victory in the CIAA Tournament at Time Warner Cable Arena.

The Lady Golden Bulls (19-10) reached the championship game for the second consecutive year. They will face top seed Bowie State on Saturday (Feb. 28) at 5 p.m.

The Lady Falcons finished the season at 15-14 overall, but gave their fans a thrill during the tournament. They beat No. 10 seed Elizabeth City State in the first round Tuesday and stunned No. 2 seed Fayetteville State Wednesday in the quarterfinals.

On Friday, the Lady Falcons pushed the Lady Golden Bulls to the limit before falling short.

"I'm proud of my team and I want them to keep their heads up," First-year head coach Margaret Richards said afterward.

Leading 52-47 with 3:33 left in the semifinal contest, the Lady Falcons were on the verge of topping the Lady Golden Bulls and advancing to the finals for the first time since 1993. But Wendy Stywalt scored nine of her team's final 12 points to lead the Lady Golden Bulls down the stretch. The All-CIAA player finished with 24 points while CIAA rookie of the year Keyona Bryant of the Lady Falcons was saddled with foul trouble and scored 7 points.

But the rest of the Lady Falcons took care of the scoring. Whitney Griffis scored 10 points, Brittany Parker added 9 points, LeKiesha White had 8 points and Dierra Washington and Allison Sikes each scored 7 points for the Lady Falcons, who shot 40 percent.

The Lady Falcons, tops in the CIAA in field goal percentage defense, limited the Lady Golden Bulls to 37 percent shooting. The Lady Golden Bulls won this game, however, with rebounding (49-34 edge). They took 21 offensive boards to 8 for the Lady Falcons.

Demetria Bell (13 points) and Sheria Hatcher both had 9 rebounds and Stywalt grabbed 8 for the Lady Golden Bulls while Sikes led the Lady Falcons with a game-high 11 boards. The rebounding helped the Lady Golden Bulls score 22 points in the paint and get 10 second-chance points in a game which featured seven lead changes and five ties.

The last tie was 42-42 with 8:39 left when the Lady Falcons reeled off five points in a row capped by two free throws by Griffis for a 47-42 lead. Stywalt took over the game from that point which put the Lady Golden Bulls in the finals.

April 02, 2009

Richards Selected Lady Falcon Basketball Coach

Saint Augustine’s College named interim head coach Margaret Richards as full-time head women’s basketball coach effective April 1. Richards was the interim head coach during the 2008-09 season when the Lady Falcons posted a 15-14 overall record and reached the CIAA Tournament semifinals for the first time since 2003.

“Our women’s basketball program made great strides this past season under the leadership of Coach Margaret Richards,” President Dr. Dianne Boardley Suber said. “Coach Richards is a talented young coach who has been able to put the Lady Falcons on a path towards championship performances. Athletic Director Coach [George] Williams and I agree that she has earned the opportunity to continue her coaching career here at Saint Augustine's College."

In her first season as a college head coach, Richards directed the Lady Falcons to a season sweep of defending CIAA champion Shaw University, which was nationally ranked at one point in the season. It was the first time the Lady Falcons swept their crosstown rival since the 1999-2000 season, and it also snapped a 12-game losing streak to the Lady Bears.

Other highlights include a victory over CIAA Western Division champion Fayetteville State University in the CIAA Tournament quarterfinals, and a win over nationally-ranked Nova Southeastern University in the season opener. Under Richards’ guidance, the Lady Falcons placed Allison Sikes (Richmond, Va.) and Keyona Bryant (Springdale, Md.) on the All-CIAA team. Bryant was also the CIAA women’s basketball rookie of the year.

“It has been a true honor to be appointed as the Head Women's Basketball Coach for Saint Augustine's College,” Richards said. “I would like to first thank the President and the Athletic Director for giving me this wonderful opportunity to be a part of a great athletic family. I plan to work hard and help these young ladies be successful on and off the court. We have a great vision for this program, and we are striving everyday to take it to the next level.”

Richards came to Saint Augustine’s from the University of Louisville where she served as a graduate assistant coach for the women’s basketball team. In the 2007-08 season, the Lady Cardinals reached the Sweet 16 for the first time in the school’s history.

Richards also served as an assistant women’s basketball coach at Kentucky State University from 2005 to 2007. During her two-year stay, Richards helped the women’s basketball program go from consecutive losing seasons to a 19-win season.

As a basketball player, Richards was a four-year guard at the University of Nebraska where she was team captain her last two seasons. During her time at Nebraska, Richards helped the Lady Cornhuskers reach the NIT Tournament and earn a spot in the Top 25 national rankings.

Richards earned her bachelor’s degree in Communication Studies and double minored in Sociology and Ethnic Studies from the University of Nebraska in 2003.

A native of Louisville, Ky., Richards scored over 2,000 points and collected over 1,000 rebounds at Louisville Central High School. She was selected to play on the 1999 Kentucky All-Star Team in the Kentucky-Indiana All-Star Basketball Game her senior year.

April 03, 2009

Bryant Voted HSRN National Basketball Rookie of the Year

The basketball honors continue to pour in for freshman star Keyona Bryant of Saint Augustine’s College.

This week, the Heritage Sports Radio Network named Bryant the Division II National Women’s Rookie of the Year after she received the most votes in an on-line fan poll. The award is the latest for Bryant, a 6-foot All-CIAA center who is also the CIAA Women’s Rookie of the Year.

A native of Springdale, MD, Bryant ranked first in field goal percentage (54 percent), second in scoring (17.1 points per game) and sixth in rebounding (7.1 rebounds per game) in the CIAA. She led the Lady Falcons to their first CIAA Tournament semifinal appearance since 2003.

The fan voting for the National Player of the Year and Rookie of the Year ran on the HSRN.com website from March 17 thru March 30.