February 14, 2005

For More Information, contact: Keith Gentry (901) 333-4114 / Kimberly Stark (901) 333-4023

SALUQIS DEFEAT JACKSON AND COLUMBIA, CLINCH WEST DIVISION TITLE
Written by Keith Gentry

The 19th-ranked Southwest men’s basketball team defeated Jackson State and Columbia State last week to extend its winning streak to 12 games and clinch the Tennessee Junior and Community College Athletic Association West Division regular season championship. With the two wins, the Saluqis improve to 19-5 overall and 13-2 in the TJCCAA with one game remaining (Volunteer State at home on February 26.)

On Thursday night, the Saluqis shot a torrid 59 percent from the field in a 107-83 win over Jackson State in Southwest’s Homecoming Game at the Verties Sails Gymnasium. Rasuul Buluu scored 27 points and grabbed 11 rebounds, and A.J. Pigram scored 23 points to lead the Saluqis to victory. Other top performers against Jackson State were Dee Burchett (14 points), Lester Hudson (12 points), Jeremy Marrs (12 rebounds, six blocked shots), and Nick Covington (seven assists).

Southwest traveled to Columbia, Tennessee on Saturday afternoon to take on Columbia State and came away with a 111-89 victory. Down 42-40 at the half, the Saluqis went on an unbelievable 45-19 run during the first ten minutes of the second half. In the second half, the Saluqis shot 63 percent from the field, including seven three point field goals. Southwest was led in scoring by A.J. Pigram, who scored 20 points and made five three point field goals. Also in double figures were Nick Covington (17 points, six assists), Lester Hudson (17 points), Rasuul Buluu (16 points), and Dee Burchett (11 points).

LADY SALUQIS SPLIT TWO GAMES LAST WEEK, REMAIN IN FIRST PLACE

The Southwest women’s basketball team defeated Jackson State and lost to Columbia State last week. Their record now stands at 16-8 overall and 9-6 in the TJCCAA West Division. With one game remaining (against Vol State at home on February 26), the Lady Saluqis are in first place in the West, one game ahead of Saint Catharine, and have clinched at least a tie for the division title.

On Thursday night at the Verties Sails Gymnasium, the Lady Saluqis defeated Jackson State 72-56 in the College’s Homecoming Game. Three players scored in double figures, led by Kenya Moore’s 18 points. Other top scorers were Mary Brown (13 points) and Ashley Mason (12 points). Imesia Jackson added nine points and a game-high 12 rebounds.

The Southwest women dropped a 72-70 decision to Columbia State on Saturday afternoon in Columbia, Tennessee. Ashley Mason scored 17 points to lead four double figure scorers. Imesia Jackson scored 13 points and also led the team with 13 rebounds. Also in double figures were Lakeisha Jackson (14 points) and Kenya Moore (10 points).