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Can senior guard Tabatha Anderson (right) lead the Bears to their fifth consecutive CIAA Tournament championship? Photo by Joe DanielsThe nation’s second oldest African American conference, the Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association (CIAA), will hold its 71st annual basketball tournament in the Time Warner Cable Arena in Charlotte.
The Va. Union Panthers won three consecutive CIAA titles in 2003, 2004, and 2005 but in the past 10 years haven’t advanced past quarterfinal play. Will this be the year VUU advances?[/caption]Men’s tournament play will kickoff on Tuesday, February 23 through Saturday, February 27. Championship games begin at 4 p.m. with women’s play while the men’s game starts at 7 p.m.
The first and second rounds of the women’s tournament will be played on Tuesday and Wednesday starting at 10 a.m., 12:10 p.m. 2:20 p.m. and 4:30 p.m. (both days). Men’s evening play will start at 6:40 p.m. and 8:50 p.m. both days. Men’s quarterfinals will be played Thursday, February 25 starting at 1-3-7 and 9 p.m. Friday’s semifinals women 1-3 p.m. men at 7-9 p.m.
The nationally ranked #13 Lady Panthers of Virginia Union are the team to beat with a record of 20-2, overall 12-2 CIAA, and 7-1 in Northern Division play (at press time). Following in order are Chowan 18-6, 7-1; Lincoln University 13-9, 5-3; Va. State 11-13, 3-5; Elizabeth City 7-16, 2-6; and Bowie State 9-15, 0-8.
Four-time defending CIAA Tournament champs Shaw University leads in the Southern Division they are 21-5, 13-1,8-0 They will be gunning for their fifth consecutive women’s tournament championship; J.C. Smith 15-10, 4-4; Livingstone 12-11, 4-4; Fayetteville State 13-12, 4-4; Winston Salem State 11-13, 4-4; St. Augustine’s 3-21, 0-8.
In men’s play the Va. State Trojans lead the Northern Division with a record of 18-5, 6-2; Va. Union 15-15, 5-3; Bowie 15-10, 4-3; Chowan 17-7, 3-4; Lincoln 8-17, 3-5; Elizabeth City 9-12, 2-6.
Johnson C. Smith tops the Southern Division at 12-11, 5-3; St. Augustine’s 10-14, 5-3; Shaw 11-15, 4-4; Livingstone 11-15, 3-5; Fayetteville 11-13, 3-5.
The CIAA tournament also features a variety of live entertainment and a step-show. Wednesday is CIAA Career Exposition; High School Day; Friday, CIAA Hall of Fame Breakfast. Saturday is Super Saturday featuring cheerleading exhibition and Fan Fest at the Charlotte Convention Center. Check the CIAA schedule of events for more information.
