Click on the highlighted link (s) to listen to live audio, view live video, or view live stats.
KEY: (L)--Live Stats (V)--Video
TOP WOMEN'S GAMES
Columbus State (14-7, 10-4) at North Georgia (14-7, 7-7)--Wednesday 5:30 p.m. EST
Augusta State (15-6, 9-5) at Lander (14-9, 8-5)--Wednesday 5:30 p.m. EST
The Peach Belt Conference has been among the most competitive leagues in NCAA Division II since its debut in the early 1990's. But the race for the women's basketball regular season title has never been this tight.
The case in point is the two games featured for tonight. After a sluggish start, CSU has won its last three games to pull into a first place tie with Francis Marion (17-4, 10-4), whom the Lady Cougars knocked off in double overtime, 113-108, in a rare Sunday matinee on Feb. 10.
The Lady Saints, on the other hand, have been in a Jekyll-and-Hyde mentality in PBC play so far this season. In fact, after getting by Georgia College & State University, 82-75, on Feb. 6, the North Georgia women couldn't find their rhythm against USC Aiken, and fell 76-59 just three days later.
The other featured game has the Bearcats playing host to the Lady Jaguars. Both teams are coming off tough losses, as ASU dropped a 67-64 setback to Clayton State Feb. 9, while LU was stomped by Columbus State 92-74 that same night.
TOP MEN'S GAMES
Georgia College & State University (14-6, 8-5) at Armstrong Atlantic State (L)-(V)--(14-7, 8-6)--Wednesday 7:30 p.m. EST
Columbus State (12-12, 8-6) at North Georgia (12-9, 7-7)--Wednesday 7:30 p.m. EST
While USC Aiken (19-2, 13-1) and Augusta State (17-4, 12-2) are battling each other for the PBC regular season crown, it's a tight race for third place, as four squads from the Peach State play each other in a critical battle for position in the upcoming conference tournament.
GC&SU has won back-to-back games going into mid-week action, while Armstrong has won three straight contests. Those recent results leave the Bobcats and Pirates separated by half a game for the third seed in the PBC standings.
Despite up and down season thus far, the Cougars have managed to post a better than .500 record in conference games. After losing to Lander, 66-53, on Feb. 9, CSU did manage to bounce back, on blow out Francis Marion, 77-61, the following day.
As for the North Georgia men, they enter this contest coming off back-to-back losses. The Saints fell to GC&SU 84-72 on Feb. 6, then lost to PBC leader USC Aiken 75-70 the following day. It'll be interesting to see if North Georgia can not only snap that short skid, but make a late move before the PBC tournament.
Wednesday, February 13, 2008
Monday, February 11, 2008
MUST SEE GAMES--02/11/2008
Click on the link (s) to listen to live audio, view live audio, or live stats.
KEY: (V)-Video (L)--Live Stats
National rankings courtesy of WBCA/ESPN/USA Today poll.
TOP WOMEN'S GAME
#10 West Georgia (20-2, 7-0) at #13 Valdosta State (19-3, 5-2)--Monday 6 p.m. EST
The Wolves put their 11-game winning streak on the line in this Gulf South Conference East Division match-up, while hoping to put some distance between themselves and the Lady Blazers in the process. As for the VSU women, they'll be looking for revenge against UWG, who snapped what was then a 10-game Lady Blazer win streak back on Jan. 19 in a 59-49 win at home.
TOP MEN'S GAME
West Georgia (12-9, 4-3) at Valdosta State (13-8, 5-2)--Monday 8 p.m. EST
The Blazers host the Wolves in a battle of Gulf South Conference East Division teams whose fortunes have reversed since their initial meeting in January.
Since edging the Blazers, 64-63, in the first meeting at Carrollton, Ga. on Jan. 19, the Wolves have been in a freefall mode, losing four of their last six games. That skid included a 85-68 loss at West Florida on Jan. 9.
On the other hand, the Blazers have been, for lack of a better word, "blazin"! The Blazers enter this contest on a four-game winning streak, the latest victory a 78-63 triumph over Alabama-Huntsville on Jan. 9. The VSU men pulled into a three-way tie with UAH and North Alabama in the GSC East with the win over the Chargers.
KEY: (V)-Video (L)--Live Stats
National rankings courtesy of WBCA/ESPN/USA Today poll.
TOP WOMEN'S GAME
#10 West Georgia (20-2, 7-0) at #13 Valdosta State (19-3, 5-2)--Monday 6 p.m. EST
The Wolves put their 11-game winning streak on the line in this Gulf South Conference East Division match-up, while hoping to put some distance between themselves and the Lady Blazers in the process. As for the VSU women, they'll be looking for revenge against UWG, who snapped what was then a 10-game Lady Blazer win streak back on Jan. 19 in a 59-49 win at home.
TOP MEN'S GAME
West Georgia (12-9, 4-3) at Valdosta State (13-8, 5-2)--Monday 8 p.m. EST
The Blazers host the Wolves in a battle of Gulf South Conference East Division teams whose fortunes have reversed since their initial meeting in January.
Since edging the Blazers, 64-63, in the first meeting at Carrollton, Ga. on Jan. 19, the Wolves have been in a freefall mode, losing four of their last six games. That skid included a 85-68 loss at West Florida on Jan. 9.
On the other hand, the Blazers have been, for lack of a better word, "blazin"! The Blazers enter this contest on a four-game winning streak, the latest victory a 78-63 triumph over Alabama-Huntsville on Jan. 9. The VSU men pulled into a three-way tie with UAH and North Alabama in the GSC East with the win over the Chargers.
Monday, February 04, 2008
FORMER KENTUCKY STATE PLAYER INDUCTED INTO HALL OF FAME
A former pro star who played his college basketball at Kentucky State is inducted into the Georgia Hall of Fame. Find out who he is by clicking the link below.
Article courtesy of thesiac.com.
Article courtesy of thesiac.com.
MUST SEE GAMES--02/04/2008
Click on the highlighted link (s) to listen to live audio, view live video, or live stats.
KEY: (L)--Live Stats (V)--Video
TOP WOMEN'S GAME
Columbus State (11-6, 7-3) at Augusta State (13-5, 7-4)--Monday 5:30 p.m. EST
Call the Peach Belt Conference the "pretty bizarre" conference.
That's because so far this season, teams in this competitive league have been beating up on each other left and right, with each team having at least two losses in conference play going into the early stages of February.
The CSU Lady Cougars are one of those teams, having won four straight games to put themselves in the hunt for the PBC regular-season title. On Jan. 30, the Georgia College & State University Lady Bobcats became the Lady Cougars fourth straight victim, as Columbus State posted a 62-47 win.
As for Augusta State, the Lady Jaguars have won three straight games going into this rare Monday night league contest, winning for the first time in the last six tries at Georgia College & State University. With the 85-62 rout of the Lady Bobcats on Groundhog Day (Feb. 2), the Augusta State women pulled themselves to within a half-game of Clayton State (13-6, 8-4), who downed UNC Pembroke 63-57 that same night, and idle Columbus State, who had the Super Bowl weekend off.
TOP MEN'S GAME
NOTE: National ranking courtesy of NABC poll.
Columbus State (10-10, 6-4) at #10 Augusta State (14-4, 9-2)--Monday 7:30 p.m. EST
The nightcap of this Peach Belt Conference doubleheader pits the Cougars against the Jaguars. Like their female counterparts, the CSU men are also riding a winning streak after a slow start, winners of their last three contests, including a stunning 80-78 win over longtime PBC archrival Georgia College & State University on Wednesday, Jan. 30.
Meanwhile, the Jaguars managed to bounce back from a 75-71 upset loss to North Georgia on Jan. 28, to pick up a 88-81 Groundhog Day win over the GC&SU Bobcats.
KEY: (L)--Live Stats (V)--Video
TOP WOMEN'S GAME
Columbus State (11-6, 7-3) at Augusta State (13-5, 7-4)--Monday 5:30 p.m. EST
Call the Peach Belt Conference the "pretty bizarre" conference.
That's because so far this season, teams in this competitive league have been beating up on each other left and right, with each team having at least two losses in conference play going into the early stages of February.
The CSU Lady Cougars are one of those teams, having won four straight games to put themselves in the hunt for the PBC regular-season title. On Jan. 30, the Georgia College & State University Lady Bobcats became the Lady Cougars fourth straight victim, as Columbus State posted a 62-47 win.
As for Augusta State, the Lady Jaguars have won three straight games going into this rare Monday night league contest, winning for the first time in the last six tries at Georgia College & State University. With the 85-62 rout of the Lady Bobcats on Groundhog Day (Feb. 2), the Augusta State women pulled themselves to within a half-game of Clayton State (13-6, 8-4), who downed UNC Pembroke 63-57 that same night, and idle Columbus State, who had the Super Bowl weekend off.
TOP MEN'S GAME
NOTE: National ranking courtesy of NABC poll.
Columbus State (10-10, 6-4) at #10 Augusta State (14-4, 9-2)--Monday 7:30 p.m. EST
The nightcap of this Peach Belt Conference doubleheader pits the Cougars against the Jaguars. Like their female counterparts, the CSU men are also riding a winning streak after a slow start, winners of their last three contests, including a stunning 80-78 win over longtime PBC archrival Georgia College & State University on Wednesday, Jan. 30.
Meanwhile, the Jaguars managed to bounce back from a 75-71 upset loss to North Georgia on Jan. 28, to pick up a 88-81 Groundhog Day win over the GC&SU Bobcats.
Friday, February 01, 2008
GC&SU ATHLETIC DIRECTOR TO RETIRE
Georgia College & State University will soon begin its search for a new athletic director. Stan Aldridge, who has been at the university for more than three decades, is giving up the top job at the end of March. Aldridge played a key role in turning GC&SU into one of the premier athletic departments in the Peach Belt Conference.
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Wednesday, January 30, 2008
MUST SEE GAMES--01/31/2008
Click on the highlighted link (s) to listen to live audio, view live video, or live stats.
KEY: (L)--Live Stats (V)--Video
National rankings courtesy of WBCA/ESPN/USA Today poll.
TOP WOMEN'S GAME
#17 Arkansas Tech (16-2, 5-0) at #1 Delta State (17-0, 5-0)--Thursday 6 p.m. CST
Every season, it seems that sooner or later, there's a big showdown that many a loyal fan has circled on his or her calendars for months. The ATU-DSU clash is one of those contests, as the winner of this contest stands alone atop the Gulf South Conference West Division standings.
The top-ranked Lady Statesmen will put their perfect 17-0 record against the 17th-ranked team in the Golden Suns. DSU stayed unbeaten after downing Christian Brothers 54-39 last Saturday (Jan. 26), while ATU won its 16th straight game since starting the season 0-2 with a 74-54 crushing of Arkansas-Monticello that same night.
Consider the following statistics: As this blog entry was posted, ATU and DSU had two of the top three scoring offenses in the GSC (ATU 1st--82.2 ppg; DSU 3rd--73.4), two of the top five scoring defenses (DSU 2nd--52.6; ATU 5th--57.8), top two in average scoring margin (ATU tops at plus-24.4 ppg; DSU 2nd at 20.8), even the highest free-throw percentages in the conference (ATU at .497, DSU not far behind at .495).
In other words, it's like the old saying goes, "something's gotta give" when these two powerhouses clash in this Thursday night special. It's too bad one team has to lose.
TOP MEN'S GAME
Arkansas Tech (13-5, 4-1) at Delta State (9-8, 3-2)--Thursday 8 p.m. CST
As if the main event between two nationally-ranked teams wasn't bad enough, the nightcap shouldn't be bad either, as the Statesmen take on the Wonder Boys in a contest that could further tighten the Gulf South Conference West Division race.
Arkansas-Monticello (11-6, 3-2) moved to within one game of first place in the GSC West by handing ATU its first conference loss of the season with a 67-63 win on the road Saturday, Jan. 26. DSU climbed over .500 in both overall and GSC play, respectively by beating Christian Brothers 79-63 the same night.
KEY: (L)--Live Stats (V)--Video
National rankings courtesy of WBCA/ESPN/USA Today poll.
TOP WOMEN'S GAME
#17 Arkansas Tech (16-2, 5-0) at #1 Delta State (17-0, 5-0)--Thursday 6 p.m. CST
Every season, it seems that sooner or later, there's a big showdown that many a loyal fan has circled on his or her calendars for months. The ATU-DSU clash is one of those contests, as the winner of this contest stands alone atop the Gulf South Conference West Division standings.
The top-ranked Lady Statesmen will put their perfect 17-0 record against the 17th-ranked team in the Golden Suns. DSU stayed unbeaten after downing Christian Brothers 54-39 last Saturday (Jan. 26), while ATU won its 16th straight game since starting the season 0-2 with a 74-54 crushing of Arkansas-Monticello that same night.
Consider the following statistics: As this blog entry was posted, ATU and DSU had two of the top three scoring offenses in the GSC (ATU 1st--82.2 ppg; DSU 3rd--73.4), two of the top five scoring defenses (DSU 2nd--52.6; ATU 5th--57.8), top two in average scoring margin (ATU tops at plus-24.4 ppg; DSU 2nd at 20.8), even the highest free-throw percentages in the conference (ATU at .497, DSU not far behind at .495).
In other words, it's like the old saying goes, "something's gotta give" when these two powerhouses clash in this Thursday night special. It's too bad one team has to lose.
TOP MEN'S GAME
Arkansas Tech (13-5, 4-1) at Delta State (9-8, 3-2)--Thursday 8 p.m. CST
As if the main event between two nationally-ranked teams wasn't bad enough, the nightcap shouldn't be bad either, as the Statesmen take on the Wonder Boys in a contest that could further tighten the Gulf South Conference West Division race.
Arkansas-Monticello (11-6, 3-2) moved to within one game of first place in the GSC West by handing ATU its first conference loss of the season with a 67-63 win on the road Saturday, Jan. 26. DSU climbed over .500 in both overall and GSC play, respectively by beating Christian Brothers 79-63 the same night.
MUST SEE GAMES--01/30/2008
Click on the highlighted link (s) to listen to live audio, view live video, or live stats.
KEY: (L)--Live Stats (V)--Video
National ranking courtesy of WBCA/ESPN/USA Today poll.
TOP WOMEN'S GAME
#22 Francis Marion (13-2, 6-2) at Lander (L)--(13-6, 7-2)--Wednesday 5:30 p.m. EST
Hands down, this is the "Game of the Night" in Peach Belt Conference women's basketball, as the Bearcats host the Patriots in a showdown for sole possession of first place.
FMU re-entered the NCAA Division II national rankings after downing defending PBC champion Clayton State 84-76 Saturday Jan. 26. Lander lost its second PBC contest of the season with a 66-52 upset loss at Armstrong Atlantic State that same day.
TOP MEN'S GAME
Georgia College & State University (12-4, 6-3) at Columbus State (9-10, 5-4)--Wednesday 7:30 p.m. EST
The Cougars host the Bobcats in what has already become a tight men's race in the Peach Belt Conference. On Saturday, Jan. 26, the Bobcats gave nationally-ranked USC Aiken all it could handle before losing 72-69 on the road, while the Cougars needed overtime to defeat UNC Pembroke 70-68.
KEY: (L)--Live Stats (V)--Video
National ranking courtesy of WBCA/ESPN/USA Today poll.
TOP WOMEN'S GAME
#22 Francis Marion (13-2, 6-2) at Lander (L)--(13-6, 7-2)--Wednesday 5:30 p.m. EST
Hands down, this is the "Game of the Night" in Peach Belt Conference women's basketball, as the Bearcats host the Patriots in a showdown for sole possession of first place.
FMU re-entered the NCAA Division II national rankings after downing defending PBC champion Clayton State 84-76 Saturday Jan. 26. Lander lost its second PBC contest of the season with a 66-52 upset loss at Armstrong Atlantic State that same day.
TOP MEN'S GAME
Georgia College & State University (12-4, 6-3) at Columbus State (9-10, 5-4)--Wednesday 7:30 p.m. EST
The Cougars host the Bobcats in what has already become a tight men's race in the Peach Belt Conference. On Saturday, Jan. 26, the Bobcats gave nationally-ranked USC Aiken all it could handle before losing 72-69 on the road, while the Cougars needed overtime to defeat UNC Pembroke 70-68.
Monday, January 28, 2008
MUST SEE GAMES--01/28/2008
NOTE: Click on the highlighted school names to listen to live audio, view live video, or live stats.
KEY: (V)--Video
TOP WOMEN'S GAME
North Georgia (11-4, 4-4) at Augusta State (V)--(11-5, 5-4)--Monday 5:30 p.m. EST
The Lady Jaguars host the Lady Saints in a game that was rescheduled from Jan. 19 because of the recent wintry weather in the Southeast. The winner of this contest hopes to make an upward move in the Peach Belt Conference standings heading into February.
Both teams had mixed results in games played last week. North Georgia defeated Armstrong Atlantic State, 78-66, on Jan. 21 (MLK Day), but fell to Clayton State two nights later, by a score of 76-72.
As for Augusta State, the Lady Jags began the week with a low-scoring 48-37 win over USC Aiken Jan. 21, lost 101-86 to Francis Marion Jan.23, then rebounded to hand Georgia Southwestern State (1-16, 0-10) its 16th straight defeat, 75-69.
TOP MEN'S GAME
Montevallo (9-9, 2-2) at Valdosta State (10-8, 2-2)--Monday 8 p.m. EST
The Blazers host the Falcons in yet another critical Gulf South Conference East Division showdown at the VSU P.E. Complex. Not only is sole possession of fourth place in the GSC East at stake, the winner of this game will also go above. 500 in conference play going into February.
On Saturday, Jan. 26, VSU snapped a two-game losing streak at the expense of the University of West Alabama Tigers, as they earned a much-needed win over the Alabama foes, 74-62, at home. Jamahl Stokes scored a game-high 17 points to lead the Blazers to victory.
As for the Falcons, they'll look to go into February with a winning record both in overall and GSC play after a sluggish start. UM, though, did need overtime to defeat West Florida, 75-70, at UWF Saturday.
KEY: (V)--Video
TOP WOMEN'S GAME
North Georgia (11-4, 4-4) at Augusta State (V)--(11-5, 5-4)--Monday 5:30 p.m. EST
The Lady Jaguars host the Lady Saints in a game that was rescheduled from Jan. 19 because of the recent wintry weather in the Southeast. The winner of this contest hopes to make an upward move in the Peach Belt Conference standings heading into February.
Both teams had mixed results in games played last week. North Georgia defeated Armstrong Atlantic State, 78-66, on Jan. 21 (MLK Day), but fell to Clayton State two nights later, by a score of 76-72.
As for Augusta State, the Lady Jags began the week with a low-scoring 48-37 win over USC Aiken Jan. 21, lost 101-86 to Francis Marion Jan.23, then rebounded to hand Georgia Southwestern State (1-16, 0-10) its 16th straight defeat, 75-69.
TOP MEN'S GAME
Montevallo (9-9, 2-2) at Valdosta State (10-8, 2-2)--Monday 8 p.m. EST
The Blazers host the Falcons in yet another critical Gulf South Conference East Division showdown at the VSU P.E. Complex. Not only is sole possession of fourth place in the GSC East at stake, the winner of this game will also go above. 500 in conference play going into February.
On Saturday, Jan. 26, VSU snapped a two-game losing streak at the expense of the University of West Alabama Tigers, as they earned a much-needed win over the Alabama foes, 74-62, at home. Jamahl Stokes scored a game-high 17 points to lead the Blazers to victory.
As for the Falcons, they'll look to go into February with a winning record both in overall and GSC play after a sluggish start. UM, though, did need overtime to defeat West Florida, 75-70, at UWF Saturday.
Saturday, January 26, 2008
MUST SEE GAMES--01/26/2008
Click on the highlighted school name (s) to listen to live audio, view live video, or live stats.
KEY: (V)--Video (L)--Live Stats
TOP MEN'S GAME
Arkansas-Monticello (10-6, 2-2) at Arkansas Tech (L)--(13-4, 4-0)--Saturday 6 p.m. CST
The Boll Weevils battle the Wonder Boys in a key Gulf South Conference West Division clash. ATU hopes to stay unbeaten in conference play, while UAM hopes to get over .500 in GSC action.
Thursday night, the Wonder Boys held off Harding (9-8, 3-1) to take over sole possession of first place in the GSC West, while the Boll Weevils downed Henderson State 69-57.
KEY: (V)--Video (L)--Live Stats
TOP MEN'S GAME
Arkansas-Monticello (10-6, 2-2) at Arkansas Tech (L)--(13-4, 4-0)--Saturday 6 p.m. CST
The Boll Weevils battle the Wonder Boys in a key Gulf South Conference West Division clash. ATU hopes to stay unbeaten in conference play, while UAM hopes to get over .500 in GSC action.
Thursday night, the Wonder Boys held off Harding (9-8, 3-1) to take over sole possession of first place in the GSC West, while the Boll Weevils downed Henderson State 69-57.
Tuesday, January 22, 2008
AUGUSTA STATE UPSETS USC AIKEN
The Augusta State University men's basketball team, ranked 18th in the nation, knocked off the 7th-ranked University of South Carolina-Aiken Pacers, 75-59, Monday Jan. 21. The loss ended the Pacers quest to go undefeated in PBC play, as they fell to 7-1 in league action (13-2 overall).
Augusta State University Sports Information
USC Aiken Sports Information
Augusta State University Sports Information
USC Aiken Sports Information
PEACH BELT RELEASES PRESEASON BASEBALL TEAM
Yes, it may be the middle of the conference basketball season in D-II South Nation, but baseball season is just around the corner, as the Peach Belt Conference released its preseason all-league squads for 2008...
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Saturday, January 19, 2008
USC AIKEN WOMEN'S HOOPS WINS 500TH GAME!!!
COLUMBUS, Ga.--On a cold, rainy afternoon in Columbus, USC Aiken junior Meredith Legg and the rest of the Lady Pacers (10-3, 4-3 PBC) heated up the Lumpkin Center for a 75-61 win over Columbus State (7-6, 3-3 PBC) in women’s Peach Belt Conference basketball. Legg tied her career-high with 23 in the first half alone on 8-of-11 three-point attempts. She finished with 28. As a team, USCA tied a school record with 14 made treys.
It was the program’s second win in the last three visits to Columbus, avenging last year’s 75-74 overtime defeat. The victory is also USCA’s 500th win all-time in 32 years of women’s basketball.
Columbus State, winners of two straight, employed a zone defense in the first half against the Lady Pacers, shutting down the inside attack of Morgan Johnson and Jordon Thomas, but opening up opportunities for Legg. Despite a career game from the Huntersville, N.C. product, the Lady Pacers found themselves trailing at the break.
Turelle Jones’ fastbreak lay-up at the 14:58 mark of the opening stanza gave the Lady Cougars a 10-5 advantage. Legg proceeded to drain three-straight triples as USCA grabbed its first lead 14-12 less than two minutes later.
Following a rare Legg two-point basket, Jones ignited a 10-0 run and CSU pushed out to a 26-16 spread with 7:34 left in the half. Jones finished with 11 points as the Lady Cougars held a commanding 24-2 edge in points in the paint in the first half.
The Lady Pacers finally ended a four-and-a-half minute scoring drought on another Legg three with 7:28 on the clock, only to see Maria Grimes, CSU’s leading scorer at 17.8 ppg, counter with a three-pointer of her own on the ensuing possession. Grimes had 11 on the day.
Three more Legg long balls capped off by Nakia Pinkney’s trey with 2:44 on the clock capped off a 12-3 Lady Pacer run as USCA drew within a point at 32-31. Pinkney’s field goal ended 23-straight points scored by Legg, becoming the first Lady Pacer to scratch in the scoring column since Avonte Williams’ at the 16:54 mark.
Columbus State closed the half strong, however, scoring the final eight points to lead 40-31.
The first points of the second half belonged to Columbus State’s Monica Sicka as she extended the CSU lead to the largest of the game, 42-31 with 18:36 to play. Sicka led CSU with 12 points and eight rebounds.
After zoning USC Aiken in the first half, the Lady Cougars switched to man-to-man in the final frame, limiting Legg to just five second half points, but opening the door for her teammates.
After three first-half points by Williams, Johnson, and Megan Starnes combined, the trio scored 29 over the final 18 minutes.
Back-to-back three-pointers by Pinkney and Starnes sliced the deficit to 42-40 with 14:33 on the clock, part of a 24-8 USCA run that ended with a Thomas’ trey at 8:23 to put the Lady Pacers ahead 55-50.
Columbus State got within three with 7:18 remaining, but USCA countered with an 11-3 run to put the game away, posting the 75-61 victory.
Williams finished with 10 points while Thomas added seven points and a career-high seven assists. Her four steals also tied a career-mark set last weekend against Georgia Southwestern. Johnson collected her eighth-straight double figure night with 10 points, seven boards, and four blocks. Starnes added 12 points and four steals.
Finishing 8-of-14 from the three-point line for 28 points and seven rebounds, Legg registered her fourth 20-point scoring performance in the past seven games. The eight made three-pointers was two shy of the school and conference record held by Janell Gerk, the person that Legg ironically passed on the all-time threes list today, moving into third-place.
Suffering 20 first half turnovers, USC Aiken responded to commit just six second-half miscues, forcing Columbus State into 14 while the Lady Cougars recorded only one assist in the final 20 minutes.
USC Aiken shot 50.0 percent on the afternoon including 14-of-24 from deep for 58.3 percent. And after allowing 81.7 ppg to their last two opponents on the road, the Lady Pacers snapped their road losing streak at two, holding Columbus State to 61 points (21 in the second half) and forcing 27 turnovers.
USC Aiken will quickly turnaround and play at Augusta State on Monday, January 21 at 5:30 PM. In looking to avenge their only home defeat this year, the Lady Pacers will face a Lady Jag team that enjoyed a day off as weather forced the postponement of the ASU versus North Georgia match-up.
Source: University of South Carolina-Aiken Sports Information
It was the program’s second win in the last three visits to Columbus, avenging last year’s 75-74 overtime defeat. The victory is also USCA’s 500th win all-time in 32 years of women’s basketball.
Columbus State, winners of two straight, employed a zone defense in the first half against the Lady Pacers, shutting down the inside attack of Morgan Johnson and Jordon Thomas, but opening up opportunities for Legg. Despite a career game from the Huntersville, N.C. product, the Lady Pacers found themselves trailing at the break.
Turelle Jones’ fastbreak lay-up at the 14:58 mark of the opening stanza gave the Lady Cougars a 10-5 advantage. Legg proceeded to drain three-straight triples as USCA grabbed its first lead 14-12 less than two minutes later.
Following a rare Legg two-point basket, Jones ignited a 10-0 run and CSU pushed out to a 26-16 spread with 7:34 left in the half. Jones finished with 11 points as the Lady Cougars held a commanding 24-2 edge in points in the paint in the first half.
The Lady Pacers finally ended a four-and-a-half minute scoring drought on another Legg three with 7:28 on the clock, only to see Maria Grimes, CSU’s leading scorer at 17.8 ppg, counter with a three-pointer of her own on the ensuing possession. Grimes had 11 on the day.
Three more Legg long balls capped off by Nakia Pinkney’s trey with 2:44 on the clock capped off a 12-3 Lady Pacer run as USCA drew within a point at 32-31. Pinkney’s field goal ended 23-straight points scored by Legg, becoming the first Lady Pacer to scratch in the scoring column since Avonte Williams’ at the 16:54 mark.
Columbus State closed the half strong, however, scoring the final eight points to lead 40-31.
The first points of the second half belonged to Columbus State’s Monica Sicka as she extended the CSU lead to the largest of the game, 42-31 with 18:36 to play. Sicka led CSU with 12 points and eight rebounds.
After zoning USC Aiken in the first half, the Lady Cougars switched to man-to-man in the final frame, limiting Legg to just five second half points, but opening the door for her teammates.
After three first-half points by Williams, Johnson, and Megan Starnes combined, the trio scored 29 over the final 18 minutes.
Back-to-back three-pointers by Pinkney and Starnes sliced the deficit to 42-40 with 14:33 on the clock, part of a 24-8 USCA run that ended with a Thomas’ trey at 8:23 to put the Lady Pacers ahead 55-50.
Columbus State got within three with 7:18 remaining, but USCA countered with an 11-3 run to put the game away, posting the 75-61 victory.
Williams finished with 10 points while Thomas added seven points and a career-high seven assists. Her four steals also tied a career-mark set last weekend against Georgia Southwestern. Johnson collected her eighth-straight double figure night with 10 points, seven boards, and four blocks. Starnes added 12 points and four steals.
Finishing 8-of-14 from the three-point line for 28 points and seven rebounds, Legg registered her fourth 20-point scoring performance in the past seven games. The eight made three-pointers was two shy of the school and conference record held by Janell Gerk, the person that Legg ironically passed on the all-time threes list today, moving into third-place.
Suffering 20 first half turnovers, USC Aiken responded to commit just six second-half miscues, forcing Columbus State into 14 while the Lady Cougars recorded only one assist in the final 20 minutes.
USC Aiken shot 50.0 percent on the afternoon including 14-of-24 from deep for 58.3 percent. And after allowing 81.7 ppg to their last two opponents on the road, the Lady Pacers snapped their road losing streak at two, holding Columbus State to 61 points (21 in the second half) and forcing 27 turnovers.
USC Aiken will quickly turnaround and play at Augusta State on Monday, January 21 at 5:30 PM. In looking to avenge their only home defeat this year, the Lady Pacers will face a Lady Jag team that enjoyed a day off as weather forced the postponement of the ASU versus North Georgia match-up.
Source: University of South Carolina-Aiken Sports Information
MUST SEE GAMES--01/19/2008
Click on the highlighted links to listen to live audio, view live video, or live stats.
National rankings courtesy of the WBCA/ESPN/USA Today poll.
TOP WOMEN'S GAME
#5 Valdosta State (15-1, 1-0) at #25 West Georgia (15-2, 2-0)--Saturday 5:30 p.m. EST
With every Gulf South Conference team having played at least one league game, there's already a big showdown for first place in the East Division. The Lady Blazers have won 10 straight games, while the Wolves have a six-game winning streak coming into this contest.
While the Wolves easily handled West Alabama 91-71 on the road Monday, Jan. 14, the Lady Blazers held off a scrappy North Alabama squad to win its GSC East opener, 57-48, the same night.
Of course, something has to give once these teams take to the court, as the winner of this game not only takes over sole possession of first place in the GSC East, but also the distinction of being the lone unbeaten left in division play.
TOP MEN'S GAME
Valdosta State (9-6, 1-0) at West Georgia (9-5, 2-0)--Saturday 7:30 p.m. EST
While the men's teams may not have the national rankings, or the excellent records to match, this contest is no less important for the Blazers and the Wolves.
UWG downed Montevallo, 81-66, and West Alabama, 77-64, in its first Gulf South Conference games. As for VSU, the Blazers needed overtime to knock off its always fierce archrival, North Alabama, 92-86, in their GSC East opener.
Just like in the aforementioned women's contest, first place in the division will be on the line, not to mention the 10th win overall. Oh, and this is the 109th time the men's teams at VSU and UWG have met.
MORE:
NCAA Sports.com Video Webcast Link
VSU Women's Game Notes
VSU Men's Game Notes
UWG Game Notes
National rankings courtesy of the WBCA/ESPN/USA Today poll.
TOP WOMEN'S GAME
#5 Valdosta State (15-1, 1-0) at #25 West Georgia (15-2, 2-0)--Saturday 5:30 p.m. EST
With every Gulf South Conference team having played at least one league game, there's already a big showdown for first place in the East Division. The Lady Blazers have won 10 straight games, while the Wolves have a six-game winning streak coming into this contest.
While the Wolves easily handled West Alabama 91-71 on the road Monday, Jan. 14, the Lady Blazers held off a scrappy North Alabama squad to win its GSC East opener, 57-48, the same night.
Of course, something has to give once these teams take to the court, as the winner of this game not only takes over sole possession of first place in the GSC East, but also the distinction of being the lone unbeaten left in division play.
TOP MEN'S GAME
Valdosta State (9-6, 1-0) at West Georgia (9-5, 2-0)--Saturday 7:30 p.m. EST
While the men's teams may not have the national rankings, or the excellent records to match, this contest is no less important for the Blazers and the Wolves.
UWG downed Montevallo, 81-66, and West Alabama, 77-64, in its first Gulf South Conference games. As for VSU, the Blazers needed overtime to knock off its always fierce archrival, North Alabama, 92-86, in their GSC East opener.
Just like in the aforementioned women's contest, first place in the division will be on the line, not to mention the 10th win overall. Oh, and this is the 109th time the men's teams at VSU and UWG have met.
MORE:
NCAA Sports.com Video Webcast Link
VSU Women's Game Notes
VSU Men's Game Notes
UWG Game Notes
Wednesday, January 16, 2008
MUST SEE GAMES--01/16/2008
NOTE: Click on the highlighted link (s) to listen to live audio, view live video, or live stats.
KEY: (V)--Video Webcast Link
TOP WOMEN'S GAME
Lander (10-4, 4-0) at Augusta State (V)--(9-3, 3-2)--Wednesday 5:30 p.m. EST
The Bearcats will put their five-game winning streak on the line against the Lady Jaguars in a Peach Belt Conference that always seems to be tough from top to bottom each year. Lander remained unbeaten in PBC play with a wild 107-97 win over Georgia College & State University Saturday, Jan. 12.
The Lady Jags, on the other hand, pulled into a three-way tie for third place with Armstrong Atlantic State and North Georgia in the Peach Belt after knocking off the Lady Pirates 79-67 last weekend.
Additionally, Augusta State also sits just a half game behind second place Francis Marion (10-1, 3-1), whose Patriots currently have the longest overall winning streak in the PBC (six straight wins) going into Wednesday's action.
TOP MEN'S GAME
Armstrong Atlantic State (9-3, 3-2) at Georgia College & State University (9-2, 3-1)--Wednesday 7:30 p.m. EST
The Bobcats play host to the Pirates in yet another key Peach Belt Conference contest (like there's almost always a key game in this league). GC&SU kept pace with second place Augusta State (9-3, 4-1) with a 71-57 win over Lander Saturday, Jan. 12, while AASU fell to the aforementioned Jaguars 83-82 in overtime that same day. By the end of the night, one team will win not only their 10th game overall, but their fourth in PBC action.
KEY: (V)--Video Webcast Link
TOP WOMEN'S GAME
Lander (10-4, 4-0) at Augusta State (V)--(9-3, 3-2)--Wednesday 5:30 p.m. EST
The Bearcats will put their five-game winning streak on the line against the Lady Jaguars in a Peach Belt Conference that always seems to be tough from top to bottom each year. Lander remained unbeaten in PBC play with a wild 107-97 win over Georgia College & State University Saturday, Jan. 12.
The Lady Jags, on the other hand, pulled into a three-way tie for third place with Armstrong Atlantic State and North Georgia in the Peach Belt after knocking off the Lady Pirates 79-67 last weekend.
Additionally, Augusta State also sits just a half game behind second place Francis Marion (10-1, 3-1), whose Patriots currently have the longest overall winning streak in the PBC (six straight wins) going into Wednesday's action.
TOP MEN'S GAME
Armstrong Atlantic State (9-3, 3-2) at Georgia College & State University (9-2, 3-1)--Wednesday 7:30 p.m. EST
The Bobcats play host to the Pirates in yet another key Peach Belt Conference contest (like there's almost always a key game in this league). GC&SU kept pace with second place Augusta State (9-3, 4-1) with a 71-57 win over Lander Saturday, Jan. 12, while AASU fell to the aforementioned Jaguars 83-82 in overtime that same day. By the end of the night, one team will win not only their 10th game overall, but their fourth in PBC action.
Monday, January 14, 2008
MUST SEE GAMES--01/14/2007
NOTE: Click on the highlighted school name (s) to listen to live audio, or view live stats.
TOP WOMEN'S GAME
Clark Atlanta (7-4, 3-2) at Miles (7-3, 4-2)--Monday 5:30 p.m. CST
It's a "Big Monday" in the SIAC, as the Golden Bears face the Panthers in this crucial league contest. With first place Tuskegee (5-4, 4-0) being the lone unbeaten team in SIAC play, and every other team having at least two conference losses, this game will be critical in terms of seeding for the SIAC tournament.
TOP MEN'S GAME
North Alabama (13-5, 1-0) at Valdosta State (8-6,0-0)--Monday 8 p.m. EST
Two longtime Gulf South Conference rivals square off in southern Georgia, as the Blazers play host to the Lions. UNA extended its win streak to four straight games after holding off West Florida on the road, 80-77, Saturday in its conference opener. On the other hand, VSU hopes to open GSC East action on a winning note after losing to NAIA Flagler (Fla.) 70-58 Thursday (Jan. 10).
TOP WOMEN'S GAME
Clark Atlanta (7-4, 3-2) at Miles (7-3, 4-2)--Monday 5:30 p.m. CST
It's a "Big Monday" in the SIAC, as the Golden Bears face the Panthers in this crucial league contest. With first place Tuskegee (5-4, 4-0) being the lone unbeaten team in SIAC play, and every other team having at least two conference losses, this game will be critical in terms of seeding for the SIAC tournament.
TOP MEN'S GAME
North Alabama (13-5, 1-0) at Valdosta State (8-6,0-0)--Monday 8 p.m. EST
Two longtime Gulf South Conference rivals square off in southern Georgia, as the Blazers play host to the Lions. UNA extended its win streak to four straight games after holding off West Florida on the road, 80-77, Saturday in its conference opener. On the other hand, VSU hopes to open GSC East action on a winning note after losing to NAIA Flagler (Fla.) 70-58 Thursday (Jan. 10).
Wednesday, January 09, 2008
MUST SEE GAMES--DEBUT EDITION
Well, here it is, the long-awaited return of "MSG"! For the remainder of the 2007-08 basketball season, D-II South Sports will preview the best conference match-ups possible. So, what are waiting for? Let's go!
NOTE: All times local. National rankings courtesy of WBCA/USA Today (women) or NABC (men).
Click on the highlighted school name (s) to listen to live audio, view live video, or view live stats.
TOP WOMEN'S GAME
#23 USC Aiken (8-2, 2-2) at Francis Marion (9-1, 2-1)--Wednesday 5:30 p.m. EST
The Lady Pacers travel to Florence, S.C. in hopes of bouncing back after being knocked off by current WBCA #20 North Georgia College & State University 93-83 Saturday.
The Patriots, on the other hand, will put their five-game winning streak on the line in this critical Peach Belt Conference contest. FMU is currently in a four-way with Armstrong Atlantic State (8-2), Augusta State (8-2), and the aforementioned North Georgia (9-1), who travels to Georgia College & State University the same night.
Ironically, GC&SU (6-3, 1-1) not only sits just half a game behind this quartet, but also is in a virtual tie with preseason favorite Clayton State (7-4, 2-2), and USCA. And to top it all off, Lander (8-4, 3-0) is the only unbeaten team remaining in PBC play heading into mid-week action.
TOP MEN'S GAME
North Georgia (6-4, 1-2) at Georgia College & State University (7-2, 1-1)--Wednesday 7:30 p.m. EST
The Saints face the Bobcats in a battle of middle of the pack PBC men's squads. North Georgia began the 2008 portion of their schedule on a losing note, fallling to USC Aiken (10-1, 4-0) 96-91 Saturday, while GC&SU dropped a 75-53 decision to Johnson C. Smith in non-conference action last Thursday. The winner of this contest could make a serious case for challenging the NABC 8th-ranked Pacers, who remain the lone unbeaten men's team in PBC play.
NOTE: All times local. National rankings courtesy of WBCA/USA Today (women) or NABC (men).
Click on the highlighted school name (s) to listen to live audio, view live video, or view live stats.
TOP WOMEN'S GAME
#23 USC Aiken (8-2, 2-2) at Francis Marion (9-1, 2-1)--Wednesday 5:30 p.m. EST
The Lady Pacers travel to Florence, S.C. in hopes of bouncing back after being knocked off by current WBCA #20 North Georgia College & State University 93-83 Saturday.
The Patriots, on the other hand, will put their five-game winning streak on the line in this critical Peach Belt Conference contest. FMU is currently in a four-way with Armstrong Atlantic State (8-2), Augusta State (8-2), and the aforementioned North Georgia (9-1), who travels to Georgia College & State University the same night.
Ironically, GC&SU (6-3, 1-1) not only sits just half a game behind this quartet, but also is in a virtual tie with preseason favorite Clayton State (7-4, 2-2), and USCA. And to top it all off, Lander (8-4, 3-0) is the only unbeaten team remaining in PBC play heading into mid-week action.
TOP MEN'S GAME
North Georgia (6-4, 1-2) at Georgia College & State University (7-2, 1-1)--Wednesday 7:30 p.m. EST
The Saints face the Bobcats in a battle of middle of the pack PBC men's squads. North Georgia began the 2008 portion of their schedule on a losing note, fallling to USC Aiken (10-1, 4-0) 96-91 Saturday, while GC&SU dropped a 75-53 decision to Johnson C. Smith in non-conference action last Thursday. The winner of this contest could make a serious case for challenging the NABC 8th-ranked Pacers, who remain the lone unbeaten men's team in PBC play.
Thursday, January 03, 2008
BASKETBALL NEWS & NOTES--PART 3
Our basketball "previews & reviews" wrap up with this installment on the SIAC.
Women: Going into action Jan. 3, Fort Valley State (4-4), and Kentucky State (3-4) shared the SIAC lead with identical 2-0 records, while Tuskegee (2-4) sits just a half game out of first place at 1-0. Miles (6-2, 3-1) is also in the thick of the regular season title race, while Lane (3-2), Clark Atlanta (4-3), and Albany State (3-5), all have identical 1-1 records in league action.
Men: Defending regular season champion Benedict (5-1) has picked up where it left off last season, going 3-0 in SIAC play early. But the Tigers have plenty of challengers for this season's title, as Tuskegee (1-4, 1-0), Morehouse (5-2, 2-1), Kentucky State (3-3, 2-1), and Miles (5-4, 3-2) all figure to have a say in who comes out on top by season's end. Defending tournament champion Albany State (3-3, 1-1) also figures to be in the mix for the conference's top spot.
Women: Going into action Jan. 3, Fort Valley State (4-4), and Kentucky State (3-4) shared the SIAC lead with identical 2-0 records, while Tuskegee (2-4) sits just a half game out of first place at 1-0. Miles (6-2, 3-1) is also in the thick of the regular season title race, while Lane (3-2), Clark Atlanta (4-3), and Albany State (3-5), all have identical 1-1 records in league action.
Men: Defending regular season champion Benedict (5-1) has picked up where it left off last season, going 3-0 in SIAC play early. But the Tigers have plenty of challengers for this season's title, as Tuskegee (1-4, 1-0), Morehouse (5-2, 2-1), Kentucky State (3-3, 2-1), and Miles (5-4, 3-2) all figure to have a say in who comes out on top by season's end. Defending tournament champion Albany State (3-3, 1-1) also figures to be in the mix for the conference's top spot.
Wednesday, January 02, 2008
BASKETBALL NEWS & NOTES--PART 2
Our basketball "previews & reviews" continue with an inside look at the Peach Belt Conference.
Preseason Predictions
Women
Men
In-Season Update: Preseason favorite Clayton State (7-3, 2-1) is in a tight race for the regular season title with Lander (7-4, 2-0), Columbus State (5-3, 1-0), and USC Aiken (8-1, 2-1). On the men's side, USCA (9-1) has been the darling of the PBC, going 3-0 in conference play, while rising to a #13 ranking nationally as of Dec. 18.
Preseason Predictions
Women
Men
In-Season Update: Preseason favorite Clayton State (7-3, 2-1) is in a tight race for the regular season title with Lander (7-4, 2-0), Columbus State (5-3, 1-0), and USC Aiken (8-1, 2-1). On the men's side, USCA (9-1) has been the darling of the PBC, going 3-0 in conference play, while rising to a #13 ranking nationally as of Dec. 18.
Tuesday, January 01, 2008
COLLEGIATE BASEBALL PRESEASON POLL RELEASED
D-II South Nation is well represented in the Collegiate Baseball Newspaper NCAA Division II preseason poll, as national runner-up Columbus State starts the 2008 season ranked second behind defending national champion Tampa.
Click here for the complete poll.
Click here for the complete poll.
BASKETBALL NEWS & NOTES--PART 1
Well, here it is, the first post of a new year! And what better to get it started with some news and notes!
Let's get started by talking some basketball. Yes, it might be late, and roughly halfway through the season. But, like the old saying goes, "better late than never".
We'll start with the preseason predictions by conference, women and men, beginning with the Gulf South Conference.
Preseason Predictions
GSC Women
GSC Men
In-Season Update: In women's action, Valdosta State (12-1) is currently ranked ninth in the nation, and winners of seven straight contests as this post was being made. West Georgia (11-2)
is the only other team in the GSC East with a winning record. In the West, four teams; Delta State (9-0), Christian Brothers (10-1), Arkansas Tech (9-2), and Harding (9-2) have nine or more wins going into the New Year.
On the men's side, preseason favorite Montevallo (5-7) has struggled, as the Falcons have lost four straight games. West Georgia (6-4) has lost three games in row since starting the season 6-1. Arkansas Tech (8-3) has the best overall record in the West as of Jan. 1.
Let's get started by talking some basketball. Yes, it might be late, and roughly halfway through the season. But, like the old saying goes, "better late than never".
We'll start with the preseason predictions by conference, women and men, beginning with the Gulf South Conference.
Preseason Predictions
GSC Women
GSC Men
In-Season Update: In women's action, Valdosta State (12-1) is currently ranked ninth in the nation, and winners of seven straight contests as this post was being made. West Georgia (11-2)
is the only other team in the GSC East with a winning record. In the West, four teams; Delta State (9-0), Christian Brothers (10-1), Arkansas Tech (9-2), and Harding (9-2) have nine or more wins going into the New Year.
On the men's side, preseason favorite Montevallo (5-7) has struggled, as the Falcons have lost four straight games. West Georgia (6-4) has lost three games in row since starting the season 6-1. Arkansas Tech (8-3) has the best overall record in the West as of Jan. 1.
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