Feb. 22, 2005

Perry Named GCAC Player of the Week As Men Move Up Two Spots In National Poll

MOBILE, Ala. – It was another banner week for UM men’s basketball as Tramaine Perry was named GCAC Player of the Week in helping the Rams move up two spots to No. 4 in the latest NAIA national polls after going 3-0 for the week ending February 20. It was also a solid week for the women as well, who despite defeating GCAC top-ranked Xavier University, remained at No. 18 in the national polls.

The men amassed victories over Tougaloo College (78-70), Belhaven College (89-75) and Xavier University (86-82) as they moved up two spots in the national polls. With a 73-72 LSU-Shreveport loss to Loyola University last Saturday, the Rams now find themselves in sole possession of the top-spot in the GCAC rankings. Should they win their final two games against SUNO and Spring Hill College, Mobile will claim the GCAC regular season title for the second year in a row.

Perry, who averaged more than 19 points a game last week, took over as the program’s all-time leading scorer after a 23-point outing against Belhaven College Thursday night. The previous mark of 2,040 by two-time NAIA 1st Team All-American Rene Antee was set in 2000. Three solid performances by the Hammond, Louisiana native earned him conference Player of the Week honors.

For the women, it was another solid week as they went 2-1 including an 85-81 upset win over then 11th-ranked Xavier University. Crystal Coston’s 31-point performance that night allowed her to take over as UM women’s basketball all-time leading scorer as she currently sits with 1,471 points. The former mark of 1,460 held by Olivia Crawford was set in 2000.

Both teams will play in their final home game of the season Thursday, Feb. 24, as they host Southern University-New Orleans. The women tip-off at 5:30 p.m. with the men at 7:30 p.m. Lambert’s Café will be in Pharr Gymnasium throwing rolls that night and five lucky contestants will compete for hundreds of dollars in cash with a three-point roll toss.

Both teams will be dining at Outback Steakhouse on Friday, Feb. 25, at 5:30 p.m. as UM basketball is partnering with Outback Steakhouse for “Meet The Rams” night. Fans will have a chance to meet the two nationally-ranked teams as the players will also be celebrating the stellar seasons they find themselves currently enjoying.

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