CHARLOTTE, NC (January 31, 2023) — Only a handful of regular season games remain until the Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association (CIAA) crowns a men's and women's champion at the 2023 CIAA Men's and Women's Basketball Tournament. Every game counts and each possession can set the stage for a great tournament or a disappointing one. Defending conference champions Lincoln (PA) women's basketball and Fayetteville State men's basketball are fighting to claim a top-seed in the tournament but they are flanked by a multitude of CIAA programs that could wrestle the seeding from the champions.
Women's Basketball
NORTHERN DIVISION
Lincoln (PA): 15-6 overall, 9-2 in CIAA action, 4-1 in Division
A 10-game winning streak was snapped by Elizabeth City State on Saturday. Five of those 10 wins were by double-digits, which makes the Lions' 69-49 loss to the Vikings all the more curious. In the game, Lincoln (PA) shot an abysmal 14-of-24 (58 percent) from the free-throw line and was outscored 19-5 on second chance points. Anyssa Fields still contributed 16 points and seven boards but will this be the beginning of a slide? Will it be the wake-up call that propels Lincoln (PA) to a consecutive champion? Only time (we're less than a month away) will tell but wins against Virginia State and Virginia Union next would be a nice start.
Bowie State: 12-8 overall, 8-3 in CIAA action, 4-1 in Division
Behind a league-best defense, Bowie State has won four in a row and six of their last eight games. In three of their last four wins, the Bulldogs have held their opponents to under 50 points and for the season, Bowie State has allowed just 54.9 points per game. Anii Harris has scored at least 16 points in three consecutive games, including 21 points in a 59-47 win against Virginia State. Behind a stout defense and a scorer like Harris, Bowie State will look to catch Lincoln (PA) for the northern crown. If may come down to that February 18th tilt between the two schools. However, before then, the Bulldogs will need to take care of business at home with dates against Shaw and Elizabeth City State coming up.
Elizabeth City State: 14-6 overall, 7-4 in CIAA action, 3-2 in Division
Winners of four straight and seven of their past nine games, Elizabeth City State is now just two games back of Lincoln (PA) for the top seed and the Vikings have already defeated the Lions by 20 points on Saturday. In this recent four-game win streak, the Vikings have outscored their opponents by nearly 17 points. Three of those four contests were at the R.L. Vaughan Center, where Elizabeth City State has played juggernauts with a 10-1 record at home. That mark flips to 3-5 on the road and three of their last five conference games are on the road. However, those road/away concerns might be moot with the emergence of Dy'Jhanik Armfield, who has three consecutive double-digit scoring performances after beginning the season with three such games in 12 contests. Armfield just scored a season-high 24 points against Lincoln (PA), the only Viking to top double-digits in that matchup.
Shaw: 11-11 overall, 4-6 in CIAA action, 2-3 in Division
After winning seven of eight games that were all at home in January, the Bears have lost three straight games, including a 64-60 loss at home to Bowie State. For the season, Shaw is 11-3 inside the C.C. Spaulding Gym but are winless in six tries on the road. The Bears' next three games (St. Augustine's, Bowie State, & Virginia State) are all on the road. Shaw has a trio of great options in Makenzie Pollard, Tanayja London, and Brittiney Seymour. Pollard just scored 18 points on Saturday. Seymour had a 16-point, 14-rebound, 4-block performance against Bowie State, flanked by 22 points from London in that game. The issue is that the trio has not put it together at the same time. If the Bears want to cure their road woes and advance deep in the CIAA Tournament, the Bears need the trio to deliver simultaneously.
Virginia State: 8-13 overall, 4-7 in CIAA action, 1-4 in Division
It has been a rough stretch, of late, as the Trojans have lost five consecutive games-- all by double-digits. If there is a silver lining for Virginia State, it is the fact that its next three games are at home, including dates against Lincoln (PA) and Shaw. Sommer Blakemore leads the team with 14.2 points and 3.6 assists per game and she is second on the squad with 4.8 rebounds and 2.2 steals a game. She has scored at least 14 points in the past three games and the Trojans will need Blakemore and a little more to snap their losing streak.
Virginia Union: 11-11 overall, 3-7 in CIAA action, 1-4 in Division
A mid-January lull that featured a four-game losing streak has been replaced with Virginia Union winning two of their past three games, including a 67-57 win versus Shaw on Saturday. Ny Langley balled out in that game, as she has all season. Against the Bears, Langley had 15 points, 14 boards, and six assists. However, what really vaulted the Panthers to a win was Langley had backup in the form of Taniah Johnson. Johnson scored 16 points on nine shots and made four of six three-pointers. Langley has usually been the best player on the court this season but that has not translated to wins. Additional efforts from players like Johnson could have the Panthers looking a team that no one would want to play in February.
SOUTHERN DIVISION
Fayetteville State: 13-6 overall, 9-2 in CIAA action, 4-1 in Division
The Broncos have won six of their last seven games, with four of those wins coming on the road. Through 11 conference games, Fayetteville State is outscoring its opponents by 6.8 points, second in the league. After using a strong defense to earn their wins, the Broncos' offense has started to wake up. Fayetteville State scored a season-high 76 points Saturday on the road against St. Augustine's. Four Broncos scored in double-digits, led by Imani Elliott's 19 points and Aniylah Bryant's 17. However, the most impressive win of the four win stretch might be the 65-61 victory over Winston-Salem State in hostile territory. Fayetteville State was trailing by six points at halftime and Bryant finished with 22 points and six steals and Elliott scored 17 points. The Broncos are in a race with Lincoln (PA) for the top seed currently and they will need a weather a regular season slate that features three away games still. Fayetteville State's next two conference games are at Johnson C. Smith and at Livingstone. The Blue Bears (and Lincoln) are the two blemishes on the Broncos' schedule.
Winston-Salem State: 12-7 overall, 8-3 in CIAA action, 4-1 in Division
The only team in the conference with a top-three scoring defense and offense, the Rams are outscoring their peers by a league-leading 8.6 points in CIAA action. 7-3 in its last 10, Winston-Salem State's recipe for winning is simple-- hold their opponents to 55 points or less. On offense, Amaya Tucker is essentially a guarantee to score. She has scored at least 16 points in five straight games. Kennedi Simmons just had her best game of the season on Saturday with 16 points, seven boards, and four assists. Now trailing Fayetteville State in the South, the Rams will be looking to pick up wins with games coming up against St. Augustine's and Claflin. Meanwhile, three of the Rams' next four games are on the road.
Johnson C. Smith: 9-11 overall, 4-6 in CIAA action, 3-2 in Division
The Golden Bulls are definitely trending upwards, winning four of their last six games. Since a six-game losing streak, Johnson C. Smith has impressive double-digit wins over Virginia State, St. Augustine's, and Claflin. Shaniya Jones has scored 44 points in the past two games and there is no coincidence that Johnson C. Smith's resurgence aligns with Le'Zarea Bowens return to play. In her fourth game this season, Bowens had 18 points, 10 boards, and four steals. The Golden Bulls appear to be figuring it out at the right time but do they have enough time to put it all together? Upcoming dates against Virginia Union and Fayetteville State could provide an answer.
Livingstone: 9-13 overall, 3-8 in CIAA action, 3-2 in Division
It has been a little topsy-turvy in conference play for the Blue Bears. Thursday's 64-52 win over St. Augustine's was followed by a 61-44 loss to Winston-Salem State at home. In the win over the Falcons, the Blue Bears had three players score in double-digits, including 13 from Alyssa Boyce and 12 points in 14 minutes from Bria Griffith. Earlier in January, Livingstone had consecutive wins over Claflin and at Fayetteville State. It just so happens that the Panthers and Broncos are the Blue Bears' next opponents and they play at New Trent Gym. Earn season sweeps and that is great momentum heading into the tournament.
Claflin: 9-10 overall, 3-8 in CIAA action, 0-5 in Division
Currently on a seven-game losing streak, Claflin's 8-2 start seems like it was eons ago. In the losing streak, five of those games were on the road. If the Panthers want to recapture their early season form, they are running out of time. Claflin's next conference game is hosting Livingstone on Saturday and then next week, the Panthers travel to Winston-Salem State and host St. Augustine's. Claflin went 0-3 in January against those teams but will hope that February brings fortune. A big factor in a good February could be Janell Horton, who had an impressive statline of 17 points, eight rebounds, two assists, and two blocks against the Rams. She is averaging 10 points and a team-high 5.5 rebounds per game.
St. Augustine's: 6-12 overall, 2-8 in CIAA action, 1-4 in Division
The Falcons earned their second conference victory when they defeated Claflin, 68-65. In that game, Ariyanna Brown and Taniyah Greene combined for 32 points. That win was followed by double-digit losses to Livingstone and Fayetteville State but St. Augustine's next three games (Shaw, Winston-Salem State, and Johnson C. Smith) are all inside the Emery Gym. Greene is a scorer (averaging 16 points per game in CIAA contests; third in the conference) and a hot February could make her and her Falcons dangerous.
Men's Basketball
NORTHERN DIVISION
Virginia Union: 18-4 overall, 8-2 in CIAA action, 5-0 in Division
The Panthers have won seven consecutive games, with their last loss occurring January 5. With just six games left in its schedule before the CIAA Tournament, it appears that Virginia Union is playing its best basketball at the right time. In 10 conference games, the Panthers are outscoring their opponents by a league-leading 6.9 points per game. Meanwhile, Robert Osborne could possibly cement his conference player of the year award with a strong February after averaging 23.4 points and 8.7 rebounds in CIAA action. That ranks him first in scoring and third in rebounding. His teammate Raemaad Wright leads the conference with 9.6 rebounds through 10 league games. Virginia Union still has competition for the top-seed so the Panthers will look to pick up wins against Johnson C. Smith and Elizabeth City State to stave off the likes of Virginia State, Fayetteville State, and Claflin.
Virginia State: 14-7 overall, 7-3 in CIAA action, 2-3 in Division
The Trojans have lost three of their last five games but they still remain in the conversation for the top seed. The issue for Virginia State is that their shooting has gone ice cold. Virginia State managed to pick up a win against Elizabeth City State while shooting 26.5 percent from the field and making just 13 field goals. The Trojans were fortunate to pull out the victory, thanks to 48 free throws, but they only made 30 of 48 for a percentage of 70.8. That is not a recipe for a championship but a win is still better than a loss. They still have Hunter-Whitfield and Fitzgerald, who combined for 33 points in Virginia State's 68-57 win over Bowie State on Saturday. Zach Newkirk, who is averaging a league-leading 4.2 assists per game, is now pouring in baskets to go along with the assists. He has four consecutive games with at least 10 points, including 20 against the Vikings. A locked-in trio of Hunter-Whitfield, Fitzgerald, and Newkirk is a recipe for wins and the Trojans will look to put it together this week with home dates against Livingstone and Lincoln (PA).
Shaw: 12-10 overall, 5-5 in CIAA action, 2-3 in Division
Shaw is 9-2 inside its C.C. Spaulding Gymnasium but 1-4 away from home. The Bears have lost four consecutive road games and that is concerning considering that their next three games are on the road against St. Augustine's, Bowie State, and Virginia State. To be fair, on Saturday the Bears almost left Richmond, VA with a win against Virginia Union. They rallied back from a 23-point second half deficit to tie the game at 69 with 46 seconds remaining but the Panthers still wrestled the win away. If Shaw and Caleb Simmons (17 points in 13 second half minutes) continue to play like they did in the final 20 minutes, then the Bears might be able to make a lot of noise in Baltimore, MD for the tournament.
Lincoln (PA): 10-12 overall, 5-6 in CIAA action, 2-3 in Division
The Lions are another team with interesting road/home splits. They are 7-4 inside the Manuel Rivero Gym and 2-8 away from Lincoln University. Two impressive wins at home against Shaw and Virginia State was followed by a 70-63 loss to Elizabeth City State on the road. The final six games of the regular season features three home games and three away games. Another interesting note is that, despite a losing record in conference, the Lions have still managed to outscore their CIAA opponents by 4.5 points, second in the league. Regardless of where they play, Korey Williams has been scoring in bunches. He scored 23 points in each of the two wins and 19 against the Vikings. Williams' scoring ability will need to be on display as Lincoln (PA)'s next two CIAA contests are at Virginia State and home against Virginia Union. The Lions have already defeated the Trojans at home and went to overtime on the road against the Panthers. Picking up two wins against top division opponents could bode well for the Lions before they make the hour drive to Baltimore, MD for the tournament.
Elizabeth City State: 9-12 overall, 4-7 in CIAA action, 3-2 in Division
The Vikings' offense stalled in losses to Virginia State and Virginia Union, failing to top 60 points but Elizabeth City State got back to its winning ways on Saturday, defeating Lincoln (PA), 70-63, behind 17 points and five assists from Jaquantae Harris and 16 points and four assists from Eric Butler. The Vikings get another crack at the Panthers on Saturday after last week's 59-53 loss. For Elizabeth City State to win that game and also have a good February, the Vikings need Amadou Faye (league-leading 3.5 blocks per game) to continue his defensive player of the year campaign and they need consistent scoring from the likes of Butler and Harris.
Bowie State: 5-18 overall, 3-8 in CIAA action, 1-4 in Division
With one win in their last 10 games, the Bulldogs have had a tough season so far, however, the charm of college basketball is that any team is capable of magic and going on a run and Bowie State is no different. Ideally, a team will show glimpses and potential before it is tournament time and the Bulldogs have definitely shown promise. Quinton Drayton scored 23 points on Saturday in a loss to Virginia State. Anthony Carpenter had a nice game against Elizabeth City State with 16 points, seven boards, five assists, and three steals. Bowie State will welcome Shaw and Elizabeth City State to the A.C. Jordan Arena this week and will hope to convert those glimpses into a complete game.
SOUTHERN DIVISION
Fayetteville State: 13-10 overall, 8-3 in CIAA action, 4-1 in Division
The defending conference champions will enter February with four wins in their last five games. The only loss is that span was a 56-55 loss on the road to Winston-Salem State. The Broncos' defense continues to smother their opponents in the CIAA, holding teams to a league-best 61 points per game. Fayetteville State have won games recently by scoring 44 points against Johnson C. Smith and 55 versus Claflin. Do not get it twisted, however, the Broncos have scorers; Tyler Foster is legit. Through 11 conference contests, Foster is averaging 17.3 points and 5.5 rebounds. He had a 21-point performance against the Rams and there was a December game against Elizabeth City State, where he posted 21 points and 12 rebounds. With the top seed still in sight, Fayetteville State will travel to Johnson C. Smith and Livingstone this week. FSU has already defeated the Golden Bulls, 44-43, and the Blue Bears, 80-77.
Winston-Salem State: 15-5 overall, 7-4 in CIAA action, 4-1 in Division
Winston-Salem State have won five of their last six games and they have won in a myraid of ways. There was a 20-point victory over St. Augustine's, a tough, grind-it-out 56-55 win against Fayetteville State, and an overtime win on the road against Livingstone. Four Rams are averaging double-digits, including leading scorer Jaylon Gibson (13.4 points per game on 60 percent shooting from the field). In Gibson's last three games, he has scored a total of 44 points while making 21 of 26 field goals. Samage Teel has 35 points and nine assists in his last two games and Isaac Parsons has 34 points and nine assists in the last two games. Long story short, the Rams are hot entering February and that is the perfect temperature to be at before the tournament. Next week, Winston-Salem State gets a chance to earn revenge on Claflin and continue fighting for the top seed when the Panthers visit the C.E. Gaines Center.
Claflin: 15-4 overall, 7-4 in CIAA action, 3-2 in Division
Since losing in overtime, 96-95, to Livingstone, Claflin's defense has tightened up. The Panthers held Winston-Salem State to 58 points and St. Augustine's to 51 in a pair of wins. Saturday, Claflin defeated Johnson C. Smith, 67-64, and last week, the Panthers held Fayetteville State to 55, despite a loss. Behind Jailen Williams, who is averaging a team-leading 12.2 points, 3 assists, and 1.8 steals per game, Claflin is eyeing the top seed in the conference and sweeping Winston-Salem State and avenging the loss to Livingstone could go a long way to acquiring that ranking.
Livingstone: 9-10 overall, 5-5 in CIAA action, 2-3 in Division
Livingstone has a thing for overtime games. Four of its last eight games have went into overtime and the Blue Bears are 2-2 in those contests. They defeated Virginia Union and Claflin but lost to Shaw and Winston-Salem State. Heading into February, the Blue Bears have lost three of their last four games and they are running out of time to string consecutive positive games and their next three games (at Virginia State, at Claflin, hosting Fayetteville State). In the 88-83 loss to the Rams, Livingstone had four players score double-digits, including a solid performance from Paul Tako (15 points, nine rebounds, and two blocks).
Johnson C. Smith: 6-13 overall, 2-8 in CIAA action, 2-3 in Division
The Golden Bulls opened conference play with six consecutive losses before a pair of wins, followed by their most recent streak of two straight losses to Winston-Salem State and Claflin. For what it is worth, Johnson C. Smith competed well on the road against the Rams and Panthers. Trailing by eight with 1:45 left against Claflin, the Golden Bulls rallied to make it a 63-62 game with 28 seconds remaining and it was a four-point game against Winston-Salem State with under four minutes to go. Against the Panthers, Ezekiel Cannady, who is stringing together a nice rookie of the year campaign, scored 20 points and versus the Rams, Augustine Ominu scored 20 with seven rebounds. Maybe a return to Brayboy Gym when they welcome division leaders Virginia Union and Fayetteville State will be a spark for the Golden Bulls.
St. Augustine's: 5-14 overall, 2-8 in CIAA action, 0-5 in Division
Seven consecutive losses have the Falcons reeling entering February. The only team in the CIAA that is not averaging at least 60 points per game in league action, St. Augustine's have failed to top 60 points in five of those seven losses and scored 61 in the other two. It is not all bad for the Falcons though. Jaylen Richard has appeared to provide St. Augustine's with 17 points against Claflin and 22 points plus four steals against Fayetteville State. Chance Jamison added 14 points and five rebounds against the Broncos. The hope for the Falcons is that with four of their six remaining regular season games at home, they get a chance to string together enough positive minutes to get some momentum going before the tournament.