After 18 long years the Men’s Basketball team, led by first year head coach Cy Alexander, are MEAC champions and will be making their tenth appearance in the NCAA tournament.

After 18 long years the Men’s Basketball team, led by first year head coach Cy Alexander, are MEAC champions and will be making their tenth appearance in the NCAA tournament.

N.C. A&T now has 16 MEAC Championships, which is more than any other university in the MEAC. This year’s MEAC title marks Alexander’s sixth as a head coach, but his first with A&T. The Aggies are 19-16, which is the most wins they have had in a single season since the 1987-88 season where the team went 26-3 and won the MEAC trophy.

The Aggies credit their hard work on the defensive side of the ball, as the reason they have made it this far. “We took pride in that [defense] night after night and we got it done this year,” said junior guard Lamont Middleton.

The Aggies had to face four teams they had already played in the regular season to win the MEAC title. First was Florida A&M University who they defeated 65-54. In the second game, the Aggies took on their rival N.C. Central in an impressive 55-42 victory. The third match up was against Delaware State where they defeated the Hornets 84-78. Finally, the Aggies went head to head against the Bears of Morgan State for the MEAC Championship where they showed their resilience in a 57-54 victory.

Throughout the season, the Aggies struggled with consistency. They mustered a two game winning streak, but were never able to further their win streak. However, during the MEAC tournament, the Aggies were not only able to overcome inconsistent play, but went on to gain a four game winning steak, ultimately to be named champions. “[Getting over that hump] gave us momentum, the confidence to just continue to play hard and collect victories throughout the tournament,” said Middleton.

Going into the MEAC tournament, the Aggies were not expected to do well because of their sub par play during the regular season. “Nobody believed in us and we made it,” said senior forward Adrian Powell. Despite disbelief, current Aggies, Aggie Alum and the administrative staff continued to show their support for the team in the tournament. “I really appreciate the fans and the administration coming out to support the young men the way they have,” said Alexander.

At the conclusion of the championship game, Powell had 14 points and two rebounds. Powell made two clutch free throws that determined the outcome of the game.

Lamont Middleton scored 13 points, while senior forward and conference defensive player of the year Austin Witter finished with 11 points, nine rebounds and five blocks. “I thought those guys were consistent and that really helped us throughout the four games in the tournament,” said Alexander.

Adrian Powell was named the MEAC tournament MVP. “He deserves everything, and it’s a great opportunity for him,” said Alexander. Powell believes he owes all of his MVP recognition to his teammates. “Without them, I couldn’t get the ball and knock down shots like I do,” said Powell.

Alexander hopes to continue to keep Aggie Pride growing at A&T through the basketball program. “I hope you all are satisfied with the job that we’ve done this year and hope to continue Aggie Pride in a big way over the next decade or so,” said Alexander.

In support of the MEAC Champs, the Office of Student Activities hosted a NCAA watch party.

In the NCAA tournament opener last night, the Aggies faced the Liberty Flames of Lynchburg, Va. in the University of Dayton Arena.

They put their nationally ranked defense to the test and were able to defeat the Flames 73-72. In the first half, the Aggies played with great intensity and confidence but had some trouble at the foul line.

“I think we missed way too many free throws this first half,” said Alexander. Despite that minor set back, the Aggies were still able to execute on both ends of the court and finished the first half 40-33. The Aggies also shot 50 percent from beyond the arch in the first half.

In the second half, Liberty came out with more intensity and was able to lessen the seven-point lead of the Aggies. However, the Aggies did not allow Liberty to tie the game. It was in the second half where the Aggies were able to gain their highest lead of 10 points with a three point shot from Powell, with eight minutes left in regulation. Although the Aggies did not keep their 10-point lead very long, they were still able to come away with the victory.

The leading scorer of last night’s game was junior guard Jeremy Underwood who had 19 points from the bench. Following him was freshman forward Bruce Beckford who racked up 16 points and 9 rebounds. Lamont Middleton was also a key factor in the Aggies’ victory providing 14 points and five rebounds.

The Aggies will go on to face the, number one seed, Louisville Cardinals tomorrow Thursday, March 21 at 6:50PM in Lexington, Ky. “We feel very good. On to see what we can do with Louisville,” said Alexander.

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Kameron James contributed to this story.

• Uniqua Quillins, Register Reporter