Source: Georgia College & State University Sports Information
For immediate release
June 25, 2008
Contact: Al Weston
gcsu.sid@gcsu.edu
478-445-1779
www.gcsu.edu/bobcats
Georgia College Basketball Across the Pond
GCSU Hall of Famer Julius Joseph has parlayed Bobcat success into a strong professional career in Europe
MILLEDGEVILLE, Ga. – His British accent isn’t the only thing that made Julius Joseph stand out during his three years playing basketball at Georgia College & State University from 1997-2000. The 2008 inductee to the GCSU Athletic Hall of Fame was the first All-American of the NCAA era of Georgia College men’s basketball, reaching Division II Bulletin Honorable Mention All-American status in 2000, a feat only achieved once in the years since by a Bobcat cager.
Joseph was the best player on arguably the best team in program history during that 1999-2000 season, a year when playing as an undersized 6-foot-4 center, he led a balanced Georgia College attack with 14.3 points and 6.4 rebounds per contest. The Bobcats made it to the NCAA Division II Elite Eight, buzzing through the competition with a 25-6 record, tying for the most wins in school history.
“That Elite Eight team was one of the best teams I’ve ever been a part of,” said Joseph. “It seemed that during that season, each guy on the roster helped us win games. If one guy didn’t have it for whatever reason that night, another would step up and get it done.”
With a knack for getting to the line, a sign of a great player, Joseph set the school records in both free-throws made (151) and attempted (202) that season. He’s 10th in GCSU career records with 445 rebounds, second with 305 free-throws made and ninth in free-throw percentage (.753). His 60 double-digit scoring games ranks sixth in school history, and he once scored double-digits in 34 straight games.
“What made Julius so special is his status as a complete player,” said Georgia College head coach Terry Sellers. “He excelled in offense, defense and had all of the intangibles. On top of that, he had the most amazing work ethic. I’ve never coached a player with a stronger desire to improve.”
Add in another All-PBC performer in Earl Grant with 3.8 assists per game and 13.3 points per contest, as well as Mike Jones at 12.0 points and John John Steensland at 11.7 points, and one can see how this was one of the best teams in league history.
The Bobcats were regular-season champs that season, thanks to a 13-3 PBC record. USC Spartansburg ended the team’s run at the conference tournament title with a 72-69 tally. This left the Bobcats with something to prove going into the NCAA South Atlantic Regional Tournament. An 11-point win over Gardner-Webb started the tourney, and Georgia College kept it going with wins over Winston Salem State 72-68 and downed Columbus State 68-62 for the region title. Both Gardner-Webb and Winston Salem State are now Division I programs.
The amazing run came to a close at the hands of Seattle Pacific 77-65, but it couldn’t dampen the excitement of a great season.
Joseph’s Post-Georgia College Success
Next to perhaps baseball’s Milt Hill, who spent seasons in Major League Baseball with the Cincinnati Reds, Joseph has had the most successful professional sports career of any Georgia College alumnus.
Joseph started with the Manchester Giants in the English League for one season, moving to Bree in the Belgium League for the next three years. After one season with Naterre in France , Joseph returned to his native England to play with the Scottish Rox of the English League.
He joined the Rox so he could represent the English National Team in the Commonwealth Games, helping his countrymen to a bronze medal in 2006. All told, Joseph has been on the English National squad for 60 games, ranking in the top-20 in the English team’s history.
While with the Rox, Joseph helped the team to an English League finalist spot in 2007 and 2006, including a spot in the final game of the English League Cup in 2007. His stellar 2006 season landed him a spot on the All-English League Team.
With all of his basketball honors, he says the GCSU Athletic Hall of Fame sticks out.
“I was overwhelmed, the magnitude and rarity of the award is extremely important to me. That honor shows how much the school and people at Georgia College appreciated my efforts and the efforts of the special teams I played on.”
From London to Milledgeville Through Hard Work
Sellers ran across Joseph while working as a guest clinician at a basketball camp in Europe . Current UNC Pembroke women’s head coach John Haskins offered Sellers a role in this camp, and he jumped at the chance.
“It was a high-profile camp,” said Sellers, “a great opportunity to work with some solid players and learn from other coaches. Julius was there for two years, and was a solid player.”
Sellers admits that by no means did he look at Joseph then as a player who was going to lead his Bobcats to a region title.
“It was a great opportunity at an education and I couldn’t pass it up,” said Joseph. “Coach Sellers taught me about hard work and overcoming obstacles to get what you want.”
Joseph started out near the end of the bench in his first season, starting just eight of his 28 games and averaging 4.3 points, 2.4 rebounds per contest for his sophomore campaign. In his junior season, he jumped to 17.0 points and 6.2 rebounds per game, leading the Bobcats to both the regular season and PBC Tournament titles.
“Julius’ improvement from his sophomore to junior season was like none other I’ve seen in my history as a coach,” said Sellers, the now 24-year head coaching veteran. “He just refused to be anything but great.”
“I had a scholarship to play basketball,” said Joseph. “I felt I needed to earn that right to an education. I never wanted to take it for granted.”
Joseph parlays that into great words of advice for every youngster he runs across considering playing basketball at the collegiate level in the United States .
“I tell them to jump at the chance. I’ve learned that things don’t always fall in your lap, and the harder you work the more opportunities will arise. It’s an opportunity for a good education, and a great experience learning the game of basketball. I’m always looking for players to recommend to Coach Sellers.”
Joseph’s successes still surprise his old skipper.
“With his work ethic and the unbelievable improvement he achieved here, I shouldn’t be surprised of his success in the professional leagues in Europe , but I still am. He was not a great athlete. He wasn’t the fastest, or the strongest and didn’t jump the highest. His heart and work ethic more than made up for any deficiencies as well as his sheer will to improve.”
“He was what every coach looks for in a student-athlete. He never took anything for granted, and was just so solid both on the court and off. He was a young man that was just a joy to coach.”
The GCSU Department of Athletics sponsors 10 NCAA Division II athletic programs over three seasons. As a Division II program, GCSU prides itself on balancing the life of the student-athlete, evidenced by the Bobcats’ multiple appearances in post-season competition as well as documented academic success and community-service involvement. Follow the Bobcats and their positive impact on the Milledgeville community at www.gcsu.edu/bobcats.
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Thursday, July 17, 2008
Wednesday, July 02, 2008
UM PRESIDENT: PBC BETTER FIT THAN GSC
There's more to the University of Montevallo's decision last week to apply for potential membership in the Peach Conference than meets the eye. That's according to the Birmingham (Ala.) News.
MORE
Analysis: As mentioned in a previous post, Montevallo's decision to apply for membership in the PBC really comes as no surprise, given the fact that UM is one of just four current GSC schools without football (the others being Alabama-Huntsville, Christian Brothers, and West Florida; see corrected blog entry below). Don't be surprised if one of the other remaining non-football schools decide to follow suit, and try to join Montevallo in the PBC.
MORE
Analysis: As mentioned in a previous post, Montevallo's decision to apply for membership in the PBC really comes as no surprise, given the fact that UM is one of just four current GSC schools without football (the others being Alabama-Huntsville, Christian Brothers, and West Florida; see corrected blog entry below). Don't be surprised if one of the other remaining non-football schools decide to follow suit, and try to join Montevallo in the PBC.
Tuesday, July 01, 2008
MONTEVALLO APPLIES FOR PBC MEMBERSHIP
Goodbye, Gulf South Conference! Hello, Peach Belt Conference? Well, maybe! The University of Montevallo (Ala.) hopes to make the upcoming 2008-09 academic year their last in the GSC.
If approved, the move to the PBC becomes effective in the fall of 2009.
Article courtesy of University of Montevallo Sports Information
Analysis: The move to the PBC from the GSC probably should come as no surprise for UM, as it's one of the few schools in the latter conference without a football program. While it joins the likes of Columbus State, Georgia College & State University, Augusta State, and other schools in the PBC, the biggest drawback could be that Montevallo would become the first, and only, PBC member school in the Central Time Zone, as well as the state of Alabama.
If approved, the move to the PBC becomes effective in the fall of 2009.
Article courtesy of University of Montevallo Sports Information
Analysis: The move to the PBC from the GSC probably should come as no surprise for UM, as it's one of the few schools in the latter conference without a football program. While it joins the likes of Columbus State, Georgia College & State University, Augusta State, and other schools in the PBC, the biggest drawback could be that Montevallo would become the first, and only, PBC member school in the Central Time Zone, as well as the state of Alabama.
(Blog entry corrected/updated July 2, 2008)
Saturday, June 21, 2008
OUACHITA BAPTIST LOSES D-II BASEBALL TITLE BID
Believe it or not, the Tigers of Ouachita Baptist University (Ark.) played for a national championship in NCAA Division II baseball. But they lost out to a team from North Carolina. Find out who it is by clicking the link above.
Article courtesy of NCAA.com
Article courtesy of NCAA.com
Saturday, May 03, 2008
D2SS ON HIATUS
D-II South Sports will be on hiatus indefinitely due to unforeseen circumstances. In the meantime, go to the following websites for further information by clicking the links below:
Gulf South Conference
Peach Belt Conference
SIAC
NCAA.com
Gulf South Conference
Peach Belt Conference
SIAC
NCAA.com
Saturday, March 29, 2008
AUGUSTA STATE FALLS IN TITLE GAME
The Augusta State University Jaguars quest for their first-ever NCAA Division II men's basketball championship fell by the wayside against Winona State (Minn.) Saturday.
The Jaguars blew a 16-point first-half lead en route to an 87-76 loss to the Warriors in the Division II title game at Springfield, Mass. Augusta State finished the 2007-08 campaign at 27-7 with the loss to Winona State.
MORE--Courtesy of NCAA.com
The Jaguars blew a 16-point first-half lead en route to an 87-76 loss to the Warriors in the Division II title game at Springfield, Mass. Augusta State finished the 2007-08 campaign at 27-7 with the loss to Winona State.
MORE--Courtesy of NCAA.com
Friday, March 28, 2008
SOUTH DAKOTA UPSETS DELTA STATE
The dream of a national championship for Delta State is over.
The Lady Statesmen also saw their hopes of a perfect season disappear too, as the University of South Dakota Coyotes handed the DSU women their first loss in a 68-58 upset loss in the national semifinal round of the NCAA Division II Women's Elite Eight at Kearney, Neb. Thursday night.
Delta State finished the 2007-08 season with a 33-1 record. South Dakota will face Northern Kentucky for the D-II women's title Saturday night. (6 p.m. EDT/5 p.m. CDT, ESPN2).
Article courtesy of Delta State University Sports Information
The Lady Statesmen also saw their hopes of a perfect season disappear too, as the University of South Dakota Coyotes handed the DSU women their first loss in a 68-58 upset loss in the national semifinal round of the NCAA Division II Women's Elite Eight at Kearney, Neb. Thursday night.
Delta State finished the 2007-08 season with a 33-1 record. South Dakota will face Northern Kentucky for the D-II women's title Saturday night. (6 p.m. EDT/5 p.m. CDT, ESPN2).
Article courtesy of Delta State University Sports Information
Thursday, March 27, 2008
ELITE EIGHT UPDATE
The Augusta State University men's basketball team has reached its first-ever NCAA Division II title game.
The Jaguars edged Central Oklahoma in a 106-104 double-overtime thriller Wednesday, then downed Alaska-Anchorage 56-50 Thursday, to advance to the championship game.
ASU will face Winona State (Minn.) for the title Saturday. The game will be televised live on CBS, starting at 2:30 p.m. EDT.
As for the University of North Alabama, the Lions quest to win their first national championship since 1991 ended in the national quarterfinals, as they lost to Bentley (Mass.) 102-92 Wednesday.
Click here for the results of the NCAA Division II Elite Eight, courtesy of d2basketball.com.
The Jaguars edged Central Oklahoma in a 106-104 double-overtime thriller Wednesday, then downed Alaska-Anchorage 56-50 Thursday, to advance to the championship game.
ASU will face Winona State (Minn.) for the title Saturday. The game will be televised live on CBS, starting at 2:30 p.m. EDT.
As for the University of North Alabama, the Lions quest to win their first national championship since 1991 ended in the national quarterfinals, as they lost to Bentley (Mass.) 102-92 Wednesday.
Click here for the results of the NCAA Division II Elite Eight, courtesy of d2basketball.com.
Tuesday, March 25, 2008
REGIONALS REVIEW/ELITE EIGHT PREVIEW
Hello, it's been a while! Let's quickly review what happened at the NCAA Division II basketball regional tournaments!
SOUTH REGION
Women: It was all Delta State (32-0), as the nation's top-ranked Lady Statesmen defeated Kentucky State, West Georgia, and Valdosta State to advance to their first Elite Eight in eight years.
Men: Fourth-seeded North Alabama (27-8) danced its way to its eighth Elite Eight in school history thanks to wins over fifth-seeded Christian Brothers (72-71), eighth-seeded Ouachita Baptist--who upset top-seed Florida Southern in the first round--(99-93), in overtime, and second-seeded Benedict (97-75). Now, the Lions sit just three wins from their first national championship since 1991.
SOUTH ATLANTIC REGION
Women: They may have fallen one game short of their second straight trip to the Elite Eight, but the Clayton State Lakers still made things interesting along the way. They knocked off fellow Peach Belt Conference foes Francis Marion, 88-69, and Lander, 82-73, before falling to No. 1 seed Wingate, 82-72, in the finals. Despite finishing the 2007-08 season at 20-11, the Clayton State women did manage to reach the Sweet 16 for a second straight year.
Men: Like their female counterparts, the Clayton State men (19-15), fresh off of their first-ever Peach Belt Conference tournament title, eliminated the very team they upset in overtime to take that crown (USC Aiken), 60-58, followed by an 83-69 overtime win over Lenoir-Rhyne.
But in the end, No. 2 seed Augusta State (25-6), who downed Johnson C. Smith and Wingate en route to the Sweet 16, rolled past the Lakers 89-72 to claim their initial South Atlantic Region crown. It's the first-ever trip to the Elite Eight for the Jaguars!
So, who plays who in the Elite Eight?
NOTE: Teams in conferences covered by D-II South Sports marked in BOLD type.
WOMEN-at Kearney, Neb. (Wednesday)
Delta State (32-0) vs. California (Pa.)--(27-6)
Women's Elite Eight Bracket
MEN--at Springfield, Mass. (Wednesday)
North Alabama (27-8) vs. Bentley (33-0)
Augusta State (25-6) vs. Central Oklahoma (28-5)
Men's Elite Eight Bracket
SOUTH REGION
Women: It was all Delta State (32-0), as the nation's top-ranked Lady Statesmen defeated Kentucky State, West Georgia, and Valdosta State to advance to their first Elite Eight in eight years.
Men: Fourth-seeded North Alabama (27-8) danced its way to its eighth Elite Eight in school history thanks to wins over fifth-seeded Christian Brothers (72-71), eighth-seeded Ouachita Baptist--who upset top-seed Florida Southern in the first round--(99-93), in overtime, and second-seeded Benedict (97-75). Now, the Lions sit just three wins from their first national championship since 1991.
SOUTH ATLANTIC REGION
Women: They may have fallen one game short of their second straight trip to the Elite Eight, but the Clayton State Lakers still made things interesting along the way. They knocked off fellow Peach Belt Conference foes Francis Marion, 88-69, and Lander, 82-73, before falling to No. 1 seed Wingate, 82-72, in the finals. Despite finishing the 2007-08 season at 20-11, the Clayton State women did manage to reach the Sweet 16 for a second straight year.
Men: Like their female counterparts, the Clayton State men (19-15), fresh off of their first-ever Peach Belt Conference tournament title, eliminated the very team they upset in overtime to take that crown (USC Aiken), 60-58, followed by an 83-69 overtime win over Lenoir-Rhyne.
But in the end, No. 2 seed Augusta State (25-6), who downed Johnson C. Smith and Wingate en route to the Sweet 16, rolled past the Lakers 89-72 to claim their initial South Atlantic Region crown. It's the first-ever trip to the Elite Eight for the Jaguars!
So, who plays who in the Elite Eight?
NOTE: Teams in conferences covered by D-II South Sports marked in BOLD type.
WOMEN-at Kearney, Neb. (Wednesday)
Delta State (32-0) vs. California (Pa.)--(27-6)
Women's Elite Eight Bracket
MEN--at Springfield, Mass. (Wednesday)
North Alabama (27-8) vs. Bentley (33-0)
Augusta State (25-6) vs. Central Oklahoma (28-5)
Men's Elite Eight Bracket
Tuesday, March 11, 2008
NCAA DIVISION II TOURNAMENT BRACKETS
The full brackets for the 2008 NCAA Division II basketball tournaments are available by clicking the links below.
In the women's bracket, the South Regional champion will face the winner of the East Regional, while the South Atlantic Regional representative plays the winners of the Great Lakes Regional.
On the men's side, the South Atlantic winner will play against the South Central champion, while the South Regional champion awaits the winner of the Northeast Regional.
Women's Bracket
Men's Bracket
In the women's bracket, the South Regional champion will face the winner of the East Regional, while the South Atlantic Regional representative plays the winners of the Great Lakes Regional.
On the men's side, the South Atlantic winner will play against the South Central champion, while the South Regional champion awaits the winner of the Northeast Regional.
Women's Bracket
Men's Bracket
Monday, March 10, 2008
NCAA TOURNAMENT SELECTIONS ANNOUNCED
In case you missed them, here they are! The selections for the 2008 NCAA Division II basketball tournament, in the South and South Atlantic Regions!
NOTE: Teams in conferences covered by D-II South Sports are marked in BOLD type.
SOUTH REGION WOMEN--at Cleveland, Miss.
1. Delta State (29-0) vs. 8. Kentucky State (19-11)
4. Nova Southeastern (24-6) vs. 5. West Georgia (24-4)
3. Tampa (24-5) vs. 6. Valdosta State (24-5)
7. Tuskegee (21-9) vs. 2. Arkansas Tech (25-5)
SOUTH ATLANTIC REGION WOMEN--at Florence, S.C.
1. Wingate (23-7) vs. 8. Johnson C. Smith (21-9)
4. Shaw (21-11) vs. 5. Augusta State (19-9)
3. Clayton State (18-10) vs. 6. Francis Marion (21-8)
7. Lander (22-11) vs. 2. Tusculum (26-4)
SOUTH REGION MEN--at Lakeland, Fla.
1. Florida Southern (24-8) vs. 8. Ouachita Baptist (19-9)
4. North Alabama (24-8) vs. 5. Christian Brothers (22-9)
3. Tampa (20-8) vs. 6. Harding (18-12)
7. Eckerd (19-9) v. 2. Benedict (26-4)
SOUTH ATLANTIC REGION MEN--at Augusta, Ga.
1. USC Aiken (27-3) vs. 8. Clayton State (18-12)
4. Virginia Union (22-7) vs. 5. Lenoir-Rhyne (22-6)
3. Wingate (23-6) vs. 6. Catawba (19-11)
7. Johnson C. Smith (21-9) vs. 2. Augusta State (22-6)
NOTE: Teams in conferences covered by D-II South Sports are marked in BOLD type.
SOUTH REGION WOMEN--at Cleveland, Miss.
1. Delta State (29-0) vs. 8. Kentucky State (19-11)
4. Nova Southeastern (24-6) vs. 5. West Georgia (24-4)
3. Tampa (24-5) vs. 6. Valdosta State (24-5)
7. Tuskegee (21-9) vs. 2. Arkansas Tech (25-5)
SOUTH ATLANTIC REGION WOMEN--at Florence, S.C.
1. Wingate (23-7) vs. 8. Johnson C. Smith (21-9)
4. Shaw (21-11) vs. 5. Augusta State (19-9)
3. Clayton State (18-10) vs. 6. Francis Marion (21-8)
7. Lander (22-11) vs. 2. Tusculum (26-4)
SOUTH REGION MEN--at Lakeland, Fla.
1. Florida Southern (24-8) vs. 8. Ouachita Baptist (19-9)
4. North Alabama (24-8) vs. 5. Christian Brothers (22-9)
3. Tampa (20-8) vs. 6. Harding (18-12)
7. Eckerd (19-9) v. 2. Benedict (26-4)
SOUTH ATLANTIC REGION MEN--at Augusta, Ga.
1. USC Aiken (27-3) vs. 8. Clayton State (18-12)
4. Virginia Union (22-7) vs. 5. Lenoir-Rhyne (22-6)
3. Wingate (23-6) vs. 6. Catawba (19-11)
7. Johnson C. Smith (21-9) vs. 2. Augusta State (22-6)
Sunday, March 09, 2008
CONFERENCE TOURNAMENT UPDATE--03/09/2008
CLAYTON STATE STUNS USC AIKEN...WINS PEACH BELT CONFERENCE TOURNAMENT!
The No. 7 seed Clayton State University Lakers do the impossible, win four straight games...including a triple overtime thriller...to win their first-ever Peach Belt Conference tournament crown, 89-87, over No. 1 seed Sunday at Aiken, S.C.
Article courtesy of University of South Carolina-Aiken Sports Information
LANDER HOLDS OFF AASU FOR PBC WOMEN'S TITLE!
The No. 4 seed Lander University Bobcats stave off a last second trey, and down the No. 7 seeded Armstrong Atlantic State University Lady Pirates, 68-65, in the PBC tournament finale at Aiken, S.C.
MORE...
BENEDICT TOPS TUSKEGEE IN OVERTIME...TAKES SIAC!
The No. 1 seed Benedict College Tigers were taken to the limit...and then some, by another pack of Tigers, the Golden Tigers from Tuskegee University. But in the end, the Tigers from Columbia, S.C. sunk their fangs into an SIAC tournament title...and subsequent automatic bid to the NCAA Division II tournament Sunday at Birmingham, Ala.
Article courtesy of thesiac.com.
The No. 7 seed Clayton State University Lakers do the impossible, win four straight games...including a triple overtime thriller...to win their first-ever Peach Belt Conference tournament crown, 89-87, over No. 1 seed Sunday at Aiken, S.C.
Article courtesy of University of South Carolina-Aiken Sports Information
LANDER HOLDS OFF AASU FOR PBC WOMEN'S TITLE!
The No. 4 seed Lander University Bobcats stave off a last second trey, and down the No. 7 seeded Armstrong Atlantic State University Lady Pirates, 68-65, in the PBC tournament finale at Aiken, S.C.
MORE...
BENEDICT TOPS TUSKEGEE IN OVERTIME...TAKES SIAC!
The No. 1 seed Benedict College Tigers were taken to the limit...and then some, by another pack of Tigers, the Golden Tigers from Tuskegee University. But in the end, the Tigers from Columbia, S.C. sunk their fangs into an SIAC tournament title...and subsequent automatic bid to the NCAA Division II tournament Sunday at Birmingham, Ala.
Article courtesy of thesiac.com.
TUSKEGEE WOMEN WIN SIAC TITLE
The Tuskegee University Lady Tigers took home the SIAC women's basketball tournament title Sunday, as they beat Kentucky State 59-55 at Birmingham, Ala.
Article courtesy of thesiac.com.
Article courtesy of thesiac.com.
CHRISTIAN BROTHERS WINS GULF SOUTH MEN'S TITLE
Congratulations to the Christian Brothers University Buccaneers of Memphis, Tenn. The Bucs won their first-ever Gulf South Conference men's basketball tournament title with a 93-89 win over Harding in the championship game at Southaven, Miss. Sunday. It's the first-ever GSC postseason title for CBU.
RECAP/LIVE STATS
RECAP/LIVE STATS
CONFERENCE TOURNAMENT UPDATE--03/09/2008
Fast forward to "Championship Sunday" to finish up "Championship Week".
In the women's bracket of the Gulf South Conference tournament, the Delta State University Lady Statesmen completed their run in Southaven, Miss., crushing Arkansas Tech 80-61 to stay unbeaten going into the NCAA tournament. On the men's side, it's an all-GSC West final, as Harding and Christian Brothers knocked off Valdosta State and North Alabama respectively to reach Sunday's title game.
In Birmingham, Ala., the SIAC tournament has its "Cinderella" team in the seventh-seeded Tuskegee Golden Tigers. The TU men pulled off back-to-back upset wins over second-seeded LeMoyne-Owen and third-seeded Fort Valley State to set up Sunday's championship game against top-seeded Benedict, who blasted Clark Atlanta 81-57.
As for the women's SIAC bracket, the Tuskegee women also reached the final game, as the No. 1 seeded Lady Tigers downed Clark Atlanta 91-76 Saturday. TU will face Kentucky State, whose Thorobrettes outlasted Stillman 57-53 that same day.
Finally, in the Peach Belt Conference tournament at Aiken, S.C., seven has also proven to be a lucky number for the No. 7 seeded Clayton State men, as the Lakers rallied to eliminate No. 10 seed UNC Pembroke, then pulled off upset wins over No. 2 seed Augusta State and No. 3 seed Georgia College & State University to reach the Sunday finale against No. 1 seed USC Aiken.
Speaking of luck, the luck of the seventh-seeded Armstrong Atlantic State Lady Pirates finally ran out Sunday, as No. 4 seed Lander pulled out a dramatic 68-65 win to claim PBC women's tournament title. The Bearcats routed top seeded Lander 93-73 Saturday to set up the final in that bracket.
In the women's bracket of the Gulf South Conference tournament, the Delta State University Lady Statesmen completed their run in Southaven, Miss., crushing Arkansas Tech 80-61 to stay unbeaten going into the NCAA tournament. On the men's side, it's an all-GSC West final, as Harding and Christian Brothers knocked off Valdosta State and North Alabama respectively to reach Sunday's title game.
In Birmingham, Ala., the SIAC tournament has its "Cinderella" team in the seventh-seeded Tuskegee Golden Tigers. The TU men pulled off back-to-back upset wins over second-seeded LeMoyne-Owen and third-seeded Fort Valley State to set up Sunday's championship game against top-seeded Benedict, who blasted Clark Atlanta 81-57.
As for the women's SIAC bracket, the Tuskegee women also reached the final game, as the No. 1 seeded Lady Tigers downed Clark Atlanta 91-76 Saturday. TU will face Kentucky State, whose Thorobrettes outlasted Stillman 57-53 that same day.
Finally, in the Peach Belt Conference tournament at Aiken, S.C., seven has also proven to be a lucky number for the No. 7 seeded Clayton State men, as the Lakers rallied to eliminate No. 10 seed UNC Pembroke, then pulled off upset wins over No. 2 seed Augusta State and No. 3 seed Georgia College & State University to reach the Sunday finale against No. 1 seed USC Aiken.
Speaking of luck, the luck of the seventh-seeded Armstrong Atlantic State Lady Pirates finally ran out Sunday, as No. 4 seed Lander pulled out a dramatic 68-65 win to claim PBC women's tournament title. The Bearcats routed top seeded Lander 93-73 Saturday to set up the final in that bracket.
Friday, March 07, 2008
CLAYTON STATE UPSETS AUGUSTA STATE
The Clayton State University Lakers pulled off the biggest upset of the Peach Belt Conference tournament so far, as they rallied from a double-digit deficit to stun the nationally 10th-ranked Augusta State University Jaguars 63-62 at Aiken, S.C. Friday.
Click the link below for the full story, plus post-game quotes.
Article courtesy of University of South Carolina-Aiken Sports Information
Click the link below for the full story, plus post-game quotes.
Article courtesy of University of South Carolina-Aiken Sports Information
CONFERENCE TOURNAMENT UPDATE--03/07/2008
For the most part, it was an "upsetting day" at conference tournaments throughout D-II South Nation Thursday.
Starting with the Peach Belt Conference tournament at Aiken, S.C., both the No. 2 and 3 seeds in the women's bracket were eliminated, with one of them losing at the buzzer. No. 7 seed Armstrong Atlantic State and No. 6 seed Columbus State, the "Cinderella" teams of the PBC dance thanks to these respective upsets, will square off Saturday, with a trip to Sunday's title game at stake.
In the SIAC tournament at Birmingham, Ala., top seeded Tuskegee cruised to a Saturday semifinal appearance with an easy 76-54 quarterfinal win over Paine, while fifth seeded Clark Atlanta knocked off fourth seeded Albany State 88-80. The shocker of the day, though, came when 11th seeded LeMoyne-Owen stunned sixth seeded Miles 60-58.
On the men's side, top seeded Benedict was taken to the limit by No. 9 seed Albany State, but the Tigers still managed to pull out a 73-69 double overtime win in the quarterfinals.
Finally, in the Gulf South Conference tournament at Southaven, Miss., the University of Arkansas-Monticello Cotton Blossoms provided the huge upset in Thursday's women's quarterfinals, as they crushed GSC East Division top seed West Georgia 79-54. Nationally top-ranked Delta State awaits UAM in Saturday's semifinal action, with the Lady Statesmen running past Christian Brothers 63-41.
Starting with the Peach Belt Conference tournament at Aiken, S.C., both the No. 2 and 3 seeds in the women's bracket were eliminated, with one of them losing at the buzzer. No. 7 seed Armstrong Atlantic State and No. 6 seed Columbus State, the "Cinderella" teams of the PBC dance thanks to these respective upsets, will square off Saturday, with a trip to Sunday's title game at stake.
In the SIAC tournament at Birmingham, Ala., top seeded Tuskegee cruised to a Saturday semifinal appearance with an easy 76-54 quarterfinal win over Paine, while fifth seeded Clark Atlanta knocked off fourth seeded Albany State 88-80. The shocker of the day, though, came when 11th seeded LeMoyne-Owen stunned sixth seeded Miles 60-58.
On the men's side, top seeded Benedict was taken to the limit by No. 9 seed Albany State, but the Tigers still managed to pull out a 73-69 double overtime win in the quarterfinals.
Finally, in the Gulf South Conference tournament at Southaven, Miss., the University of Arkansas-Monticello Cotton Blossoms provided the huge upset in Thursday's women's quarterfinals, as they crushed GSC East Division top seed West Georgia 79-54. Nationally top-ranked Delta State awaits UAM in Saturday's semifinal action, with the Lady Statesmen running past Christian Brothers 63-41.
Thursday, March 06, 2008
CONFERENCE TOURNAMENT UPDATE--03/06/2008
Just barely into the second day of conference tournament action, and March Madness has already spread. In the Peach Belt Conference tournament at Aiken, S.C., No. 7 seed Armstrong Atlantic State Thursady upset No. 2 seed Clayton State, 68-66, to advance to Saturday's quarterfinals, while No. 5 seed Clark-Atlanta knocked off No. 4 seed Albany State, 88-80, to move on to the semifinals of the SIAC tournament this weekend. Stay connected to D-II South Sports for more updates of conference tournament action as they become available.
Wednesday, March 05, 2008
REGIONAL RANKINGS REVIEW--MEN
With the regular season now in the rear view mirror, teams in D-II South Nation can now look ahead to conference tournament action. The teams "on the bubble" have no margin for error if they hope to play beyond this weekend.
Even the teams in the upper echelon of the regional rankings can't relax, as the average underdog stands capable of coming out of nowhere, and pulling off multiple upsets en route to winning many a conference tournament. With outcomes like this, it's no wonder why people call it "March Madness".
Having said that, let's take at how the men's squads stack up.
KEY: Teams in conferences covered by D-II South Sports marked in BOLD type.
Source: NCAA.com
The teams record against all Division II opponents is listed on top, with the in-region record listed below.
SOUTH REGION
1
Tampa
18-7
16-5
2
Florida Southern
21-7
18-6
3
North Alabama
20-7
19-4
4
Benedict
21-4
21-4
5
Eckerd
18-8
18-5
6
Christian Brothers
17-9
16-7
7
Harding
12-9
12-9
8
Ouachita Baptist
16-7
15-6
9
West Georgia
14-11
14-11
10
Rollins
17-8
12-8
Analysis: Despite going into the Gulf South Conference tournament on an eight-game winning streak, the Lions dropped from the #1 to the #3 spot in the final South Region ranikings for the regular season. Instead, the UNA men hope to not only to win the GSC tournament, but also the right to host the South Regional. That is, if either Tampa or Florida Southern, or both stumble in the Sunshine State Conference tournament.
As for other teams in D-II South Nation, Benedict hopes to win out, and take home the SIAC tournament crown this season after being stopped cold in their first game, while GSC bubble teams Christian Brothers, Harding, Ouachita Baptist, and West Georgia hope to improve their at-large chances with impressive showings in the GSC tourney.
SOUTH ATLANTIC REGION
1
South Carolina Aiken
25-2
25-1
2
Augusta State
22-4
22-4
3
Wingate
21-4
19-4
4
Lenoir-Rhyne
20-5
19-5
5
Virginia Union
20-7
18-7
6
Elizabeth City State
17-7
17-7
7
Bowie State
19-8
19-8
8
Johnson C. Smith
19-9
19-9
9
Carson-Newman
17-6
17-6
10
Catawba
16-11
16-10
Analysis: They may be the only two teams from the Peach Belt Conference ranked in the final South Atlantic Region poll of the regular season, but USC Aiken and Augusta State both hold the top two spots going into conference tournament play. The only way a third PBC team (such Armstrong Atlantic State, Georgia College & State University, or even North Georgia) can join that duo in the NCAA tourney is if they win the conference tournament at USC Aiken this weekend. On the other hand, both the CIAA and South Atlantic Conference tournaments are likely to provide some high drama in terms of which teams will punch their tickets to the "mini-big dance".
Even the teams in the upper echelon of the regional rankings can't relax, as the average underdog stands capable of coming out of nowhere, and pulling off multiple upsets en route to winning many a conference tournament. With outcomes like this, it's no wonder why people call it "March Madness".
Having said that, let's take at how the men's squads stack up.
KEY: Teams in conferences covered by D-II South Sports marked in BOLD type.
Source: NCAA.com
The teams record against all Division II opponents is listed on top, with the in-region record listed below.
SOUTH REGION
1
Tampa
18-7
16-5
2
Florida Southern
21-7
18-6
3
North Alabama
20-7
19-4
4
Benedict
21-4
21-4
5
Eckerd
18-8
18-5
6
Christian Brothers
17-9
16-7
7
Harding
12-9
12-9
8
Ouachita Baptist
16-7
15-6
9
West Georgia
14-11
14-11
10
Rollins
17-8
12-8
Analysis: Despite going into the Gulf South Conference tournament on an eight-game winning streak, the Lions dropped from the #1 to the #3 spot in the final South Region ranikings for the regular season. Instead, the UNA men hope to not only to win the GSC tournament, but also the right to host the South Regional. That is, if either Tampa or Florida Southern, or both stumble in the Sunshine State Conference tournament.
As for other teams in D-II South Nation, Benedict hopes to win out, and take home the SIAC tournament crown this season after being stopped cold in their first game, while GSC bubble teams Christian Brothers, Harding, Ouachita Baptist, and West Georgia hope to improve their at-large chances with impressive showings in the GSC tourney.
SOUTH ATLANTIC REGION
1
South Carolina Aiken
25-2
25-1
2
Augusta State
22-4
22-4
3
Wingate
21-4
19-4
4
Lenoir-Rhyne
20-5
19-5
5
Virginia Union
20-7
18-7
6
Elizabeth City State
17-7
17-7
7
Bowie State
19-8
19-8
8
Johnson C. Smith
19-9
19-9
9
Carson-Newman
17-6
17-6
10
Catawba
16-11
16-10
Analysis: They may be the only two teams from the Peach Belt Conference ranked in the final South Atlantic Region poll of the regular season, but USC Aiken and Augusta State both hold the top two spots going into conference tournament play. The only way a third PBC team (such Armstrong Atlantic State, Georgia College & State University, or even North Georgia) can join that duo in the NCAA tourney is if they win the conference tournament at USC Aiken this weekend. On the other hand, both the CIAA and South Atlantic Conference tournaments are likely to provide some high drama in terms of which teams will punch their tickets to the "mini-big dance".
REGIONAL RANKINGS REVIEW--WOMEN
Championship Week has arrived for many teams in D-II South Nation. For many teams playing in conference tournaments, this is their last chance to impress the people that will select the eight teams in eight regions for next week's NCAA Division II tournament. That includes the South and South Atlantic Regions.
Having said that, let's break down the final regular season regional rankings.
NOTE: Only games against NCAA Division II opponents count in the regional rankings, followed by the in-region record.
KEY: Teams in conference covered by D-II South Sports are marked in BOLD type.
Source: NCAA.com
SOUTH REGION
1
Delta State
24-0
20-0
2
West Georgia
23-3
23-3
3
Arkansas Tech
19-4
19-4
4
Tampa
22-5
20-4
5
Nova Southeastern
21-6
18-5
6
Valdosta State
21-4
20-4
7
Tuskegee
18-9
18-7
8
Harding
14-9
14-9
9
Fort Valley State
18-9
17-7
10
Rollins
17-9
16-9
Analysis: Seven of the top 10 teams in this week's South Region poll call D-II South Nation home, with five teams from the Gulf South Conference, and two from the SIAC ranked going into conference tournament action.
Don't be surprised if the GSC sends at least four teams to the NCAA South Regional next week, while it will likely be a battle between Tuskegee and FVSU for the SIAC bid, assuming no other team steps up and wins the SIAC tournament this weekend.
SOUTH ATLANTIC REGION
1
Clayton State
18-9
18-7
2
Augusta State
18-8
18-8
3
Tusculum
22-3
19-3
4
Wingate
20-7
20-6
5
Francis Marion
18-7
18-7
6
Shaw
21-11
19-6
7
Johnson C. Smith
19-8
19-8
8
Columbus State
16-10
16-10
9
South Carolina-Aiken
18-7
17-7
10
Lander
17-11
16-9
Analysis: Even with five teams sharing the regular season title, and a sixth squad finishing one game behind that aforementioned quartet, the Peach Belt Conference still managed to get six teams ranked in the regional poll. Even so, this week's PBC tournament at USC Aiken will go a long way towards which teams get in with at-large bids, and who will sit at home.
Having said that, let's break down the final regular season regional rankings.
NOTE: Only games against NCAA Division II opponents count in the regional rankings, followed by the in-region record.
KEY: Teams in conference covered by D-II South Sports are marked in BOLD type.
Source: NCAA.com
SOUTH REGION
1
Delta State
24-0
20-0
2
West Georgia
23-3
23-3
3
Arkansas Tech
19-4
19-4
4
Tampa
22-5
20-4
5
Nova Southeastern
21-6
18-5
6
Valdosta State
21-4
20-4
7
Tuskegee
18-9
18-7
8
Harding
14-9
14-9
9
Fort Valley State
18-9
17-7
10
Rollins
17-9
16-9
Analysis: Seven of the top 10 teams in this week's South Region poll call D-II South Nation home, with five teams from the Gulf South Conference, and two from the SIAC ranked going into conference tournament action.
Don't be surprised if the GSC sends at least four teams to the NCAA South Regional next week, while it will likely be a battle between Tuskegee and FVSU for the SIAC bid, assuming no other team steps up and wins the SIAC tournament this weekend.
SOUTH ATLANTIC REGION
1
Clayton State
18-9
18-7
2
Augusta State
18-8
18-8
3
Tusculum
22-3
19-3
4
Wingate
20-7
20-6
5
Francis Marion
18-7
18-7
6
Shaw
21-11
19-6
7
Johnson C. Smith
19-8
19-8
8
Columbus State
16-10
16-10
9
South Carolina-Aiken
18-7
17-7
10
Lander
17-11
16-9
Analysis: Even with five teams sharing the regular season title, and a sixth squad finishing one game behind that aforementioned quartet, the Peach Belt Conference still managed to get six teams ranked in the regional poll. Even so, this week's PBC tournament at USC Aiken will go a long way towards which teams get in with at-large bids, and who will sit at home.
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