Black NFL coaches were 3-5 in week 15. Winners last week were Cincinnati (MARVIN LEWIS) 19, Cleveland 17; Indianapolis (JIM CALDWELL) 34, Jacksonville 24; Chicago (LOVIE SMITH) 40, Minnesota (LESLIE FRAZIER) 14.
Losers were Denver (ERIC STUDEVILLE) 23, Oakland 39; San Francisco (MIKE SINGLETARY) 7, San Diego 34; Tampa Bay (RAHEEM MORRIS) 20, Detroit 26; Pittsburgh (MIKE TOMLIN) 17, NY Jets 22; Minnesota (LESLIE FRAZIER) 14, Chicago LOVIE SMITH 40.
Gophers lose to HBCU Alabama A&M
Alabama A&M, a Historically Black College, defeated the University of Minnesota women’s basketball team 75-68 in what veteran coach ALTHERIUS WARMLEY said was the “biggest win for me as a head coach.”
Though the loss was very debilitating for Gophers Coach PAM BORTON, the team got to enjoy some good ol’ southern cooking at the home of senior guard CHINA ANTOINE in Madison, Alabama. The home of Antoine and her parents, NICHOLAS and MAXINE ANTOINE, was only 10 minutes away from the team’s hotel.
According to a University of Minnesota website, Antoine was greeted with a large “Welcome Home China Antoine” sign in the front. According to one participant/witness, “The food was nothing short of amazing.”
With the help of friends and neighbors, the Antoines had a spread that featured barbequed chicken, ribs, pulled pork, beef brisket, ham, jambalaya, macaroni and cheese, various salads, all sorts of appetizers and desserts galore.
The team reportedly enjoyed a fun-filled evening hanging out at China’s house. The excellent example of southern hospitality was a hit with all present.
The game, of course, was another thing. With Minnesota off to its usual slow start, Antoine, who starred at Bob Jones High School, and her Gopher teammates could not contain the talented, quick and determined Bulldogs.
WHIQUITTA TOBAR led her teammates with 31 points, including a three-pointer that gave A&M a lead they would hold for more than six minutes.
Coach Warmley had nothing but praise for Tobar after the contest. “Tobar is a competitor. Big-time players step up in big-time games, and she did that tonight. I don’t think she was going to let anybody come in here and take her shine.”
Teammate BRITTNEY STRICKLAND had an off night but still contributed 11 points. LEAH COTTON, as usual, came off the bench to lead the Gophers with 21 points. KIARA BUFORD and BRIANNA MASTEY contributed 12. KATIE LOBERG added 10.
Hill, Lavender lead Ohio State
Former Minneapolis South standout and Miss Basketball TAYLER HILL and 2010 Big Ten Player of the Year JANTEL LAVENDER scored 14 points each as Ohio State unsuccessfully challenged the University of Connecticut in an 81-50 loss. The win was the 88th straight win for U Conn.
Kwame McDonald welcomes reader responses to kmcdonald@spokesman-recorder.com or by phone at 651-398-5278.
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