House Resolution 118

A RESOLUTION COMMENDING AND CONGRATULATING THE ALCORN STATE UNIVERSITY MEN'S BASKETBALL TEAM AND COACH LANDON BUSSIE FOR WINNING THE 2022 SOUTHWESTERN ATHLETIC CONFERENCE (SWAC) REGULAR SEASON CHAMPIONSHIP.

WHEREAS, the Alcorn State University Braves Men's Basketball Team clinched the 2021-2022 Southwestern Athletic Conference (SWAC) Regular Season title, for the first time in 20 years, after defeating rival, the University of Arkansas – Pine Bluff (UAPB), 100-77 on March 6, 2022, and breaking the 100-point scoring threshold for the first time since the 2019-2020 season; and

WHEREAS, with five Braves putting up double figures in the contest, Keondre Montgomery, a Jackson native, came off the bench to put up 21 points to lead the Braves in the effort, going for 7-for-10 from the field, including 5-of-6 in three-point range, as well as adding two points at the free throw line and bringing down five boards; and

WHEREAS, with his first double-double of the season, Justin Thomas contributed to the Braves' expansive lead with 11 points and 10 assists, while fellow teammates, Lenell Henry netted 17 points and led the team in rebounding with nine boards, and complimented by Byron Joshua's 15 points and Darrious Agnew's 14 points to round out the Brave's double-digit scoring; and

WHEREAS, making 41 of 63 from the floor, including nine of 17 from beyond the arch, the Braves were shooting 80.6% from the field, with a 75% accuracy from three-point range; and

WHEREAS, a fast-paced run from the first quarter tip-off, saw the Braves dominate UAPB by sinking 90% of their shot attempts, and the combined successes of Montgomery and Henry from behind the arc bolstered the Brave's scoring run, the largest of the contest as Alcorn would lead the Golden Lions by 32 points, with just 2:49 seconds left before the break to enter halftime with a 63-36 advantage; and

WHEREAS, mounting a formidable defense and full-court press on the offense at the onset of the second half, UAPB was able to slowly chip away at the Braves lead within 18 points, 95-77, however, Alcorn's sheer grit and determination to emerge victorious was enough to hold the Golden Lions at bay, not allowing them to score another point, while adding five points to their final tally through the contribution of Thomas, who hit a two-point jumper, followed by Montgomery's skillful landing of a three-pointer during the final minute; and

WHEREAS, it is the policy of the House of Representatives to join the students, faculty and sponsors in recognizing this special group of university student-athletes who reached one of the pinnacles of collegiate basketball excellence and have brought honor to their university, their community and to the State of Mississippi:

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI, That we do hereby commend and congratulate the Alcorn State University Men's Basketball Team and Head Coach Landon Bussie for winning the 2022 SWAC Regular Season Championship, and extend to the athletes and coaches our best wishes for continued success.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That copies of this resolution be furnished to Head Coach Landon Bussie, Interim Athletic Director Cyrus Russ, and President Felecia M. Nave on behalf of the team, to the Board of Trustees of State Institutions of Higher Learning and to the members of the Capitol Press Corps.