Postponements, splits, and Sunday matinees are the order of the day in this special installment of D2SS: The Weekend. So, let's get started.
Arkansas Tech, USC Aiken hoops games postponed: The massive winter storm that has worked its way into the Mid-South and Southeast has forced the rescheduling of two basketball games involving Arkansas Tech.
It's bad enough that Thursday's home games against Arkansas-Monticello were postponed until next Saturday (February 6). But a key Gulf South Conference West Division twin bill between the Golden Suns/Wonder Boys and Christian Brothers was also called off until this Monday (February 1).
The Peach Belt Conference wasn't immune from the winter storm, either. Saturday's game between USC Aiken and NAIA opponent King (Tenn.) was ground to a halt as well. Wintry conditions in the Bristol, Tennessee area, where the King campus is located, led to the postponment of that non-conference contest. No make-up date has been announced.
PBC splits: Four Peach Belt teams split a pair of doubleheaders Friday night.
Francis Marion (16-2, 8-1 PBC) rode on the shoulders of Shana Franks and Eboni Fields for its sixth straight win, as the Patriot women snapped the six-game winning streak of Georgia College & State University (13-5, 6-2) in a 92-77 triumph on the road. Franks scored a season-high 24 points, while Fields added 21 points in victory. Senior Shannon Singleton-Bates also chipped in 16 points in the 15-point win over GC&SU. That puts her within 14 points of scoring 1,000 for her career.
In the nightcap, the GC&SU men (15-2, 8-0) made it nine straight wins, as the No. 25 (NABC) Bobcats outlasted Francis Marion 71-61 at home. Graham Martin scored 24 points to lead GC&SU to the win, and keep the Bobcats in sole possession of first place in the West Division.
In Alabama, Montevallo split a PBC doubleheader against UNC Pembroke at home Friday. In the men's game, the No. 24 (NABC) Falcons broke open a close game in the second half to beat the Braves, 75-57, while the Lady Braves rallied late to down the Lady Falcons 63-59 in the women's contest.
PBC Sunday Matinees: With just the Pro Bowl (and no Super Bowl) Sunday night, there will be two key doubleheaders in the PBC on Sunday afternoon.
In Milledgeville, Georgia, GC&SU plays host to UNC Pembroke in yet another inter-divisional clash. The Bobcats hope to stay unbeaten in conference play, while the Lady Braves hope to jump over .500 in league games.
The game of the day, though, might take place at Montevallo, as the Falcons (16-2, 6-2) entertain a Francis Marion team (15-3, 7-2) that will try to bounce back after losing at GC&SU Friday.
Saturday, January 30, 2010
Friday, January 29, 2010
D2SS: The Weekend
Conference races (and regional rankings) are starting to heat up on the hardwood, baseball and softball teams are ready to hit the diamonds all over D-II South Nation, and another hoops team is playing a rare regular season game against a major NCAA Division I opponent. All of this and more in this edition of D2SS: The Weekend.
Regional rankings: D-II South Nation is well represented in the women's, as well as the men's rankings this week. On the women's side, the Peach Belt Conference led the way in the Southeast with five teams ranked (No. 1 Lander, No. 3 Clayton State, No. 5 Francis Marion, No. 6 Georgia College & State University, and No. 9 Columbus State). In the South, the No. 7 (WBCA) Arkansas Tech Golden Suns were tops in that region, followed by Delta State at No. 2, current SIAC leader Fort Valley State at No. 3, Valdosta State at No. 6, Benedict at No. 7, and Christian Brothers at No. 8.
As for the men, the nation's No. 1 team is also the top team in the South Region, as Arkansas Tech was still undefeated going into this weekend's action. But Clark-Atlanta, whose Panthers have been the surprise team in the SIAC all season long, managed to make a splash at No. 2. Valdosta State is at No. 3, followed by Delta State at No. 5, Tuskegee at No. 7, defending regional champion Christian Brothers at No. 9, and Alabama-Huntsville at No. 10.
In the Southeast Region, Augusta State--as expected--topped the rankings there. The Jaguars are one of three PBC teams ranked in the top three, as Francis Marion came in at No. 2, followed by GC&SU at No. 3. North Georgia is No. 7 in this week's rankings, followed by Montevallo at No. 8.
Baseball, softball seasons get underway: It might be hard to believe, but the spring sports are gearing up for what hopefully will be another banner year. On the baseball diamond, Southern Arkansas is the preseason favorite to win the Gulf South Conference, while USC Aiken is the team to beat in the Peach Belt Conference.
Both conferences also have solid representation in the preseason D-II Collegiate Baseball poll, as the Muleriders are the ranked GSC team at No. 4, while the Pacers are the highest ranked PBC squad at No. 6. Other teams from D-II South Nation in the preseason rankings are as follows: Francis Marion (No. 12), West Alabama (No. 19), Delta State (No. 23), North Georgia (No. 24), Valdosta State (No. 26), GC&SU (No. 27), and UNC Pembroke (tie-No. 40).
In softball, Alabama-Huntsville begins the season as the nation's No. 1 NCAA Division II team, while fellow Gulf South Conference rival Valdosta State starts off at No. 6. That's according to the National Fastpitch Coaches Associaton. North Georgia is the highest ranked PBC team at No. 2, while USC Aiken starts the 2010 season at No. 13.
Finally, before we get to the biggest games in basketball this weekend, the SIAC's Kentucky State Thorobreds play a rare, yes-rare, regular season, non-conference game against a major NCAA Division I opponent. The Thorobreds travel to Atlanta Saturday to face Georgia Tech out of the Atlantic Coast Conference. Tip-off is set for 1 p.m. EST.
The big games
Francis Marion (15-2, 7-1) at Georgia College & State University (13-4, 6-1)--(Women)--Friday 5:30 p.m. EST
Francis Marion (15-2, 7-1) at GC&SU (14-2, 7-0)--(Men)--Friday 7:30 p.m. EST
East meets West in this huge Peach Belt Conference twin bill from Milledgeville (Georgia, that is). Both GC&SU squads will try to maintain sole possession of first place in the PBC West Division, while both FMU teams look to keep themselves in second place in the East. Both games should be fun to watch.
Regional rankings: D-II South Nation is well represented in the women's, as well as the men's rankings this week. On the women's side, the Peach Belt Conference led the way in the Southeast with five teams ranked (No. 1 Lander, No. 3 Clayton State, No. 5 Francis Marion, No. 6 Georgia College & State University, and No. 9 Columbus State). In the South, the No. 7 (WBCA) Arkansas Tech Golden Suns were tops in that region, followed by Delta State at No. 2, current SIAC leader Fort Valley State at No. 3, Valdosta State at No. 6, Benedict at No. 7, and Christian Brothers at No. 8.
As for the men, the nation's No. 1 team is also the top team in the South Region, as Arkansas Tech was still undefeated going into this weekend's action. But Clark-Atlanta, whose Panthers have been the surprise team in the SIAC all season long, managed to make a splash at No. 2. Valdosta State is at No. 3, followed by Delta State at No. 5, Tuskegee at No. 7, defending regional champion Christian Brothers at No. 9, and Alabama-Huntsville at No. 10.
In the Southeast Region, Augusta State--as expected--topped the rankings there. The Jaguars are one of three PBC teams ranked in the top three, as Francis Marion came in at No. 2, followed by GC&SU at No. 3. North Georgia is No. 7 in this week's rankings, followed by Montevallo at No. 8.
Baseball, softball seasons get underway: It might be hard to believe, but the spring sports are gearing up for what hopefully will be another banner year. On the baseball diamond, Southern Arkansas is the preseason favorite to win the Gulf South Conference, while USC Aiken is the team to beat in the Peach Belt Conference.
Both conferences also have solid representation in the preseason D-II Collegiate Baseball poll, as the Muleriders are the ranked GSC team at No. 4, while the Pacers are the highest ranked PBC squad at No. 6. Other teams from D-II South Nation in the preseason rankings are as follows: Francis Marion (No. 12), West Alabama (No. 19), Delta State (No. 23), North Georgia (No. 24), Valdosta State (No. 26), GC&SU (No. 27), and UNC Pembroke (tie-No. 40).
In softball, Alabama-Huntsville begins the season as the nation's No. 1 NCAA Division II team, while fellow Gulf South Conference rival Valdosta State starts off at No. 6. That's according to the National Fastpitch Coaches Associaton. North Georgia is the highest ranked PBC team at No. 2, while USC Aiken starts the 2010 season at No. 13.
Finally, before we get to the biggest games in basketball this weekend, the SIAC's Kentucky State Thorobreds play a rare, yes-rare, regular season, non-conference game against a major NCAA Division I opponent. The Thorobreds travel to Atlanta Saturday to face Georgia Tech out of the Atlantic Coast Conference. Tip-off is set for 1 p.m. EST.
The big games
Francis Marion (15-2, 7-1) at Georgia College & State University (13-4, 6-1)--(Women)--Friday 5:30 p.m. EST
Francis Marion (15-2, 7-1) at GC&SU (14-2, 7-0)--(Men)--Friday 7:30 p.m. EST
East meets West in this huge Peach Belt Conference twin bill from Milledgeville (Georgia, that is). Both GC&SU squads will try to maintain sole possession of first place in the PBC West Division, while both FMU teams look to keep themselves in second place in the East. Both games should be fun to watch.
Wednesday, January 27, 2010
Only one hoops twin bill in D-II South Nation Wednesday night...
and it takes place just south of Atlanta in the suburb of Morrow, Georgia, as Clayton State plays host to Armstrong Atlantic State in a critical inter-divisional Peach Belt Conference match-up.
In the women's game, Clayton State (14-3, 5-2 PBC) hopes to keep pace with idle West Division leader Georgia College & State University (13-4, 6-1), whose Lady Bobcats remained in first place after defeating Flagler 65-47 on Monday night. As for Armstrong Atlantic (6-10, 3-5), the Lady Pirates need a win to pull into a tie with UNC Pembroke (10-8, 4-5) for fourth place in the East Divsion. UNCP, though, already has the tiebreaker on its side after downing the AASU women 63-48 at home last weekend.
On the men's side, Clayton State (9-8, 2-5) looks to gain ground on West Division fourth place Columbus State (9-7, 3-4), as the Lakers can move to within a half-game of the Cougars with a win. On the other hand, the AASU men (5-12, 0-8) have lost eight straight games, as the Pirates hope to notch their first PBC win of the season.
Wednesday night's doubleheader tips off at 5:30 p.m. EST, followed by the men's game at approximately 7:30 p.m. EST. Live stats for both games are available by clicking here.
In the women's game, Clayton State (14-3, 5-2 PBC) hopes to keep pace with idle West Division leader Georgia College & State University (13-4, 6-1), whose Lady Bobcats remained in first place after defeating Flagler 65-47 on Monday night. As for Armstrong Atlantic (6-10, 3-5), the Lady Pirates need a win to pull into a tie with UNC Pembroke (10-8, 4-5) for fourth place in the East Divsion. UNCP, though, already has the tiebreaker on its side after downing the AASU women 63-48 at home last weekend.
On the men's side, Clayton State (9-8, 2-5) looks to gain ground on West Division fourth place Columbus State (9-7, 3-4), as the Lakers can move to within a half-game of the Cougars with a win. On the other hand, the AASU men (5-12, 0-8) have lost eight straight games, as the Pirates hope to notch their first PBC win of the season.
Wednesday night's doubleheader tips off at 5:30 p.m. EST, followed by the men's game at approximately 7:30 p.m. EST. Live stats for both games are available by clicking here.
Tuesday, January 26, 2010
An "ugly" upset
USC Aiken (12-6, 7-4) pulled off one of the biggest upsets of the season at home Monday, as they knocked off No. 6 (NABC) Augusta State (15-2, 7-1) 71-68, in Peach Belt Conference men's basketball action. But what followed afterwards was a very ugly scene, as witnessed in the Augusta Chronicle here.
You can read a summary about USC Aiken's upset win by clicking here.
You can read a summary about USC Aiken's upset win by clicking here.
Monday, January 25, 2010
Jags, Pacers square off in PBC East hoops clash
Almost a year after they downed their archrivals in the NCAA Division II Southeast Regional final, No. 6 (NABC) Augusta State (15-1, 7-0) takes on USC Aiken (11-6, 6-4) in the first of two regular season meetings tonight (Monday) at 7:30 p.m. EST, at Aiken, South Carolina. Should be a good match-up.
Game Notes
Augusta State
USC Aiken
Game Notes
Augusta State
USC Aiken
Sunday, January 24, 2010
Showdown Saturday Round-up
The big basketball showdowns have come and gone. Now it's time to find out who came out on top.
Arkansas Tech sweeps Delta State
No. 9 (WBCA) Golden Suns, No. 1 (NABC) Wonder Boys knock off GSC West rivals in front of a record crowd at Tucker Coliseum.
Arkansas Tech 56, Delta State 47 (Women--Boxscore)
Arkansas Tech 88, Delta State 77 (Men--Boxscore)
GC&SU sweeps Montevallo
Bobcats rally in the second half to upset the No. 18 (NABC) Falcons, while the Lady Bobcats outlast the Lady Falcons by two possessions.
GC&SU 63, Montevallo 59 (Women)
GC&SU 61, Montevallo 52 (Men)
Valdosta State men win again
The No. 8 (NABC) Blazers continued to roll Saturday night, as they won their 10th straight game over Alabama-Huntsville to take over sole possesssion of first place in the Gulf South Conference East Division.
Valdosta State 85, Alabama-Huntsville 76
Arkansas Tech sweeps Delta State
No. 9 (WBCA) Golden Suns, No. 1 (NABC) Wonder Boys knock off GSC West rivals in front of a record crowd at Tucker Coliseum.
Arkansas Tech 56, Delta State 47 (Women--Boxscore)
Arkansas Tech 88, Delta State 77 (Men--Boxscore)
GC&SU sweeps Montevallo
Bobcats rally in the second half to upset the No. 18 (NABC) Falcons, while the Lady Bobcats outlast the Lady Falcons by two possessions.
GC&SU 63, Montevallo 59 (Women)
GC&SU 61, Montevallo 52 (Men)
Valdosta State men win again
The No. 8 (NABC) Blazers continued to roll Saturday night, as they won their 10th straight game over Alabama-Huntsville to take over sole possesssion of first place in the Gulf South Conference East Division.
Valdosta State 85, Alabama-Huntsville 76
Friday, January 22, 2010
D2SS: The Weekend (Showdown Saturday)
In this, the next-to-last weekend of January, there are some big basketball games abound in D-II South Nation. Let's get started.
We start with the "Rumble in Russellville" on Saturday night, as both Arkansas Tech teams hope to stay undefeated against Gulf South Conference West Division archrival Delta State.
Going with the ladies first, both the No. 2 (WBCA) Lady Statesmen and No. 9 Golden Suns struggled to stay unbeaten, as Delta State (15-0, 4-0 GSC West) broke open a three-possession game down the stretch to defeat Southern Arkansas, 70-53, while ATU (17-0, 4-0) held off Ouachita Baptist, 78-74, on Thursday night.
Going into weekend action, not only are DSU and ATU the only unbeaten teams in GSC West play, they're also the only teams to have won at least 15 games overall, believe it or not. In fact, the next closest teams in the division standings after the Lady Statesmen and Golden Suns, respectively, are Christian Brothers (11-5) and Henderson State (11-8). Both of those squads improved to 2-2 in the GSC West after pulling out close wins at home Thursday night.
Turning to the men's contest, Arkansas Tech (17-0, 4-0) struggled in their first-ever game as the nation's top-ranked team, according to the NABC coaches poll. The Wonder Boys got by Ouachita Baptist, 74-65, to stay unbeaten. OBU (4-13, 0-4) trailed by just three points at halftime. Despite the hard-fought win, ATU head coach Mark Downey says he's hoping for a better effort against Delta State (13-3, 4-0) Saturday night.
Speaking of the Statesmen, they stayed undefeated in the GSC West as well, but not without overcoming a slow start of their own against Southern Arkansas (7-10, 2-2) at home Thursday. In fact, DSU once trailed 18-13 with a little more than nine minutes to play in the first half, only to outscore the Muleriders 21-10 in the closing seconds of that period. Still, the DSU men managed to shoot 56 percent in the second half to win, 83-59.
One thing is for sure, though, it's too bad that only one--or in this case--two teams, will come out on top at Tucker Coliseum in Russellville, Arkansas once the final buzzer sounds in both games. It's sure to be a barnburner in both.
Webcast links for DSU-ATU
Arkansas Tech
The women's game tips at 4 p.m. CST, followed by the men at 6 p.m. CST Saturday night.
More big games
Believe it or not, the Arkansas Tech-Delta State doubleheader aren't the only big hoops contests on tap for Saturday. In fact, there are several more games involving unbeaten teams in conference play where the winner will claim sole possession of first place by game's end. Here they are, listed below.
Georgia College & State University at Montevallo--Saturday 1:30 p.m. CST (Women), 3:30 p.m. CST (Men)
This doubleheader figures to shape the race in the Peach Belt Conference West Division. Both GC&SU squads find themselves in sitting in first place going into this critical twin bill, as the Lady Bobcats (11-4) are 4-1 in PBC action, while the Bobcats (12-2) are unbeaten in conference play at 5-0. On the other hand, the Lady Falcons (10-6) are in a three-way tie with Columbus State (9-7) and Georgia Southwestern (8-8) for third place in the PBC West at 3-3. The Lady Cougars and Lady Hurricanes play each other at GSW Saturday afternoon.
On the men's side, Montevallo (15-1, 5-1) hope to move into no worse than a tie for first place in the PBC West with a win over GC&SU this weekend. That's because the Falcons only loss so far came against North Georgia (10-6, 5-1) earlier this season. The Saints travel to Clayton State (9-7, 2-4) for another crucial contest Saturday night.
Alabama-Huntsville (14-4, 3-0) at Valdosta State (17-2, 3-0)--(Men)--Saturday 8 p.m. EST
The No. 8 (NABC) Blazers tuned up for this showdown of undefeated Gulf South Conference East Division teams by scorching West Alabama at home, 92-55, on Thursday night. They'll look to win their 10th straight game against the Chargers, who extended their win streak to seven straight games after outlasting West Georgia on the road, 74-56.
We start with the "Rumble in Russellville" on Saturday night, as both Arkansas Tech teams hope to stay undefeated against Gulf South Conference West Division archrival Delta State.
Going with the ladies first, both the No. 2 (WBCA) Lady Statesmen and No. 9 Golden Suns struggled to stay unbeaten, as Delta State (15-0, 4-0 GSC West) broke open a three-possession game down the stretch to defeat Southern Arkansas, 70-53, while ATU (17-0, 4-0) held off Ouachita Baptist, 78-74, on Thursday night.
Going into weekend action, not only are DSU and ATU the only unbeaten teams in GSC West play, they're also the only teams to have won at least 15 games overall, believe it or not. In fact, the next closest teams in the division standings after the Lady Statesmen and Golden Suns, respectively, are Christian Brothers (11-5) and Henderson State (11-8). Both of those squads improved to 2-2 in the GSC West after pulling out close wins at home Thursday night.
Turning to the men's contest, Arkansas Tech (17-0, 4-0) struggled in their first-ever game as the nation's top-ranked team, according to the NABC coaches poll. The Wonder Boys got by Ouachita Baptist, 74-65, to stay unbeaten. OBU (4-13, 0-4) trailed by just three points at halftime. Despite the hard-fought win, ATU head coach Mark Downey says he's hoping for a better effort against Delta State (13-3, 4-0) Saturday night.
Speaking of the Statesmen, they stayed undefeated in the GSC West as well, but not without overcoming a slow start of their own against Southern Arkansas (7-10, 2-2) at home Thursday. In fact, DSU once trailed 18-13 with a little more than nine minutes to play in the first half, only to outscore the Muleriders 21-10 in the closing seconds of that period. Still, the DSU men managed to shoot 56 percent in the second half to win, 83-59.
One thing is for sure, though, it's too bad that only one--or in this case--two teams, will come out on top at Tucker Coliseum in Russellville, Arkansas once the final buzzer sounds in both games. It's sure to be a barnburner in both.
Webcast links for DSU-ATU
Arkansas Tech
The women's game tips at 4 p.m. CST, followed by the men at 6 p.m. CST Saturday night.
More big games
Believe it or not, the Arkansas Tech-Delta State doubleheader aren't the only big hoops contests on tap for Saturday. In fact, there are several more games involving unbeaten teams in conference play where the winner will claim sole possession of first place by game's end. Here they are, listed below.
Georgia College & State University at Montevallo--Saturday 1:30 p.m. CST (Women), 3:30 p.m. CST (Men)
This doubleheader figures to shape the race in the Peach Belt Conference West Division. Both GC&SU squads find themselves in sitting in first place going into this critical twin bill, as the Lady Bobcats (11-4) are 4-1 in PBC action, while the Bobcats (12-2) are unbeaten in conference play at 5-0. On the other hand, the Lady Falcons (10-6) are in a three-way tie with Columbus State (9-7) and Georgia Southwestern (8-8) for third place in the PBC West at 3-3. The Lady Cougars and Lady Hurricanes play each other at GSW Saturday afternoon.
On the men's side, Montevallo (15-1, 5-1) hope to move into no worse than a tie for first place in the PBC West with a win over GC&SU this weekend. That's because the Falcons only loss so far came against North Georgia (10-6, 5-1) earlier this season. The Saints travel to Clayton State (9-7, 2-4) for another crucial contest Saturday night.
Alabama-Huntsville (14-4, 3-0) at Valdosta State (17-2, 3-0)--(Men)--Saturday 8 p.m. EST
The No. 8 (NABC) Blazers tuned up for this showdown of undefeated Gulf South Conference East Division teams by scorching West Alabama at home, 92-55, on Thursday night. They'll look to win their 10th straight game against the Chargers, who extended their win streak to seven straight games after outlasting West Georgia on the road, 74-56.
Wednesday, January 20, 2010
The big games on the hardwood for Wednesday...
include a pair critical games involving a former Gulf South turned Peach Belt Conference member...in south metro Atlanta, as well as must-win games involving their former GSC East rivals, especially on the men's side. Oh, and the women's teams at both schools are tied for second place going into all of the mid-week action.
Sunday, January 17, 2010
In case you missed it...
Here are two separate recaps of one of the biggest upsets in NCAA Division II men's basketball in recent years, as the No. 11 Blazers from Valdosta State University pulled off the upset over No. 1 and previously undefeated Jaguars of Augusta State University, 81-75, on Saturday.
Valdosta Daily Times
Augusta Chronicle
Valdosta Daily Times
Augusta Chronicle
Saturday, January 16, 2010
D2SS: The Weekend
A big game among two Top 25 basketball teams is set to take place Saturday in Georgia. But first...
"Firsts" for Montevallo: The University of Montevallo hoops squads had a pair of "firsts" on Wednesday. But both happened with ironic twists. While the women's basketball team picked up their first-ever Peach Belt Conference win with a 70-59 victory over North Georgia, the 13th ranked (NABC) men weren't as fortunate, as the Saints handed the Falcons their first-ever PBC loss in pulling off the hard-fought 68-67 upset.
North Georgia (7-6, 2-1 PBC) led 43-30 at halftime, only to hold off a furious rally by UM (12-1, 2-1) in the second half for the win. Both UM teams make the long trip to St. Augustine, Florida for yet another "first" this weekend, as they face the Saints and Lady Saints of Flagler College in the first-ever PBC meetings between the two schools in basketball. The Flagler women are 6-6 overall, and 1-2 in PBC action, while the men come in at 6-5 overall, and 2-1 in conference play.
The big game...
Continuing the theme of "firsts", the Valdosta State University men's basketball team plays host to a No. 1 ranked team for the first time ever, as the No. 11 (NABC) Blazers (15-2) take on the unbeaten Augusta State University Jaguars in a 4 p.m. EST tip-off on Saturday afternoon. VSU tuned up for this showdown of nationally ranked teams by routing West Florida 88-61 at home on Wednesday night, while the Jaguars held off Armstrong Atlantic State for a 62-55 win on the road.
In another notable game...
Christian Brothers (11-4, 1-1) at Delta State (11-3, 2-0)--Saturday 6 p.m. CST: The Statesmen try to stay unbeaten against the Buccaneers in a critical Gulf South Conference West Division men's clash.
"Firsts" for Montevallo: The University of Montevallo hoops squads had a pair of "firsts" on Wednesday. But both happened with ironic twists. While the women's basketball team picked up their first-ever Peach Belt Conference win with a 70-59 victory over North Georgia, the 13th ranked (NABC) men weren't as fortunate, as the Saints handed the Falcons their first-ever PBC loss in pulling off the hard-fought 68-67 upset.
North Georgia (7-6, 2-1 PBC) led 43-30 at halftime, only to hold off a furious rally by UM (12-1, 2-1) in the second half for the win. Both UM teams make the long trip to St. Augustine, Florida for yet another "first" this weekend, as they face the Saints and Lady Saints of Flagler College in the first-ever PBC meetings between the two schools in basketball. The Flagler women are 6-6 overall, and 1-2 in PBC action, while the men come in at 6-5 overall, and 2-1 in conference play.
The big game...
Continuing the theme of "firsts", the Valdosta State University men's basketball team plays host to a No. 1 ranked team for the first time ever, as the No. 11 (NABC) Blazers (15-2) take on the unbeaten Augusta State University Jaguars in a 4 p.m. EST tip-off on Saturday afternoon. VSU tuned up for this showdown of nationally ranked teams by routing West Florida 88-61 at home on Wednesday night, while the Jaguars held off Armstrong Atlantic State for a 62-55 win on the road.
In another notable game...
Christian Brothers (11-4, 1-1) at Delta State (11-3, 2-0)--Saturday 6 p.m. CST: The Statesmen try to stay unbeaten against the Buccaneers in a critical Gulf South Conference West Division men's clash.
Friday, January 08, 2010
D2SS: The Weekend
Editor's Note: A new feature debuts on D-II South Sports, effective today, titled, D2SS: The Weekend. Each weekend, D2SS will shine the spotlight on what happened the previous weekend, as well as looking forward to the weekend ahead, in basketball, baseball, and softball. So, without further ado, let's get started.
Montevallo splits PBC debut: Both University of Montevallo basketball teams split their Peach Belt Conference debuts to start the new calendar year. On January 2, the Falcons remained unbeaten with a 74-58 rout of Lander in their first-ever PBC men's game. With the win, Montevallo (11-0, 1-0) also gained at least a share of first place in the West Division after just one league contest.
The Lady Falcons weren't so fortunate in their inaugural PBC contest, though, as they lost to Lander in a heartbreaker, 60-58. UM (7-4, 0-1) hopes to notch their first-ever conference win at Georgia Southwestern on Saturday, January 9.
Lander women down Francis Marion: In a battle of nationally-ranked teams in Greenwood, South Carolina, the No. 20(WBCA) Lander University Lady Bearcats seized early control of the Peach Belt Conference East Division with a 91-86 win over Francis Marion. Lander (11-1, 4-0) now has sole possession of first place in the PBC East with the win, while FMU (10-2, 2-1) fell one game behind the Lady Bearcats in the loss column with the setback.
UWF sweeps UWA: West Florida swept West Alabama in the Gulf South Conference East Division opener for both schools Thursday night. While the Lady Argonauts (10-5, 1-0 GSC) had a relatively easy time in defeating the Lady Tigers 72-59 in the women's contest, the UWF men (7-6, 1-0) needed to hold off a late rally by the Tigers (8-8, 0-1) to win 75-73. The UWA men have now lost four straight games.
FVSU gets a sweep: The Fort Valley State University hoops squads got a sweep as well earlier this week. On Tuesday, January 5, the FVSU women improved to 10-0 with a 68-54 home victory over Kentucky State, while the men held off the Thorobreds, 73-70.
The big games
Note: All times are local to host team.
Women
West Georgia (6-9) at North Alabama (6-9)--Saturday 1 p.m. CST: These two longtime GSC East rivals open conference play against each other in Florence, Alabama.
Henderson State (9-6) at Harding (7-5)--Saturday 5:30 p.m. CST: The Lady Bisons play host to the Lady Reddies in the Gulf South Conference West Division opener for both squads.
Montevallo (7-4, 0-1) at Georgia Southwestern (6-5)--Saturday 1:30 p.m. EST: The Lady Falcons will try for their first-ever Peach Belt Conference win, while the Lady Hurricanes look to start in 2-0 in PBC action for the first time in program history.
Men
Francis Marion (11-1, 3-0) at Augusta State (12-0, 4-0)--Saturday 7:30 p.m. EST: The No. 3 (NABC) Jaguars put their undefeated record on the line against the Patriots, whose only loss came against NCAA Division III Newport News Apprentice.
Georgia College & State University (8-2, 1-0) at Clayton State (8-4, 1-1)--Saturday 7:30 p.m. EST: The Bobcats try to go 2-0 in the PBC West against the Lakers on the road.
Valdosta State (12-2) at North Alabama (7-6)--Sunday 3 p.m. CST: The 12th-ranked Blazers open GSC East play against the Lions in a game that was moved from Thursday because of severe wintry weather conditions.
Montevallo splits PBC debut: Both University of Montevallo basketball teams split their Peach Belt Conference debuts to start the new calendar year. On January 2, the Falcons remained unbeaten with a 74-58 rout of Lander in their first-ever PBC men's game. With the win, Montevallo (11-0, 1-0) also gained at least a share of first place in the West Division after just one league contest.
The Lady Falcons weren't so fortunate in their inaugural PBC contest, though, as they lost to Lander in a heartbreaker, 60-58. UM (7-4, 0-1) hopes to notch their first-ever conference win at Georgia Southwestern on Saturday, January 9.
Lander women down Francis Marion: In a battle of nationally-ranked teams in Greenwood, South Carolina, the No. 20(WBCA) Lander University Lady Bearcats seized early control of the Peach Belt Conference East Division with a 91-86 win over Francis Marion. Lander (11-1, 4-0) now has sole possession of first place in the PBC East with the win, while FMU (10-2, 2-1) fell one game behind the Lady Bearcats in the loss column with the setback.
UWF sweeps UWA: West Florida swept West Alabama in the Gulf South Conference East Division opener for both schools Thursday night. While the Lady Argonauts (10-5, 1-0 GSC) had a relatively easy time in defeating the Lady Tigers 72-59 in the women's contest, the UWF men (7-6, 1-0) needed to hold off a late rally by the Tigers (8-8, 0-1) to win 75-73. The UWA men have now lost four straight games.
FVSU gets a sweep: The Fort Valley State University hoops squads got a sweep as well earlier this week. On Tuesday, January 5, the FVSU women improved to 10-0 with a 68-54 home victory over Kentucky State, while the men held off the Thorobreds, 73-70.
The big games
Note: All times are local to host team.
Women
West Georgia (6-9) at North Alabama (6-9)--Saturday 1 p.m. CST: These two longtime GSC East rivals open conference play against each other in Florence, Alabama.
Henderson State (9-6) at Harding (7-5)--Saturday 5:30 p.m. CST: The Lady Bisons play host to the Lady Reddies in the Gulf South Conference West Division opener for both squads.
Montevallo (7-4, 0-1) at Georgia Southwestern (6-5)--Saturday 1:30 p.m. EST: The Lady Falcons will try for their first-ever Peach Belt Conference win, while the Lady Hurricanes look to start in 2-0 in PBC action for the first time in program history.
Men
Francis Marion (11-1, 3-0) at Augusta State (12-0, 4-0)--Saturday 7:30 p.m. EST: The No. 3 (NABC) Jaguars put their undefeated record on the line against the Patriots, whose only loss came against NCAA Division III Newport News Apprentice.
Georgia College & State University (8-2, 1-0) at Clayton State (8-4, 1-1)--Saturday 7:30 p.m. EST: The Bobcats try to go 2-0 in the PBC West against the Lakers on the road.
Valdosta State (12-2) at North Alabama (7-6)--Sunday 3 p.m. CST: The 12th-ranked Blazers open GSC East play against the Lions in a game that was moved from Thursday because of severe wintry weather conditions.
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