Jan. 13, 2009

Final Stats PHOTO GALLERY

DURHAM, N.C. - North Carolina Central University extended its home win streak to four with a 67-59 victory over the Lancers of Longwood University, Tuesday night in McLendon-McDougald Gym. Jori Nwachukwu led the game with 27 points and seven rebounds.

NCCU (5-13) gained advantage of the first half that had one lead changes and two ties by scoring 24 points in the paint and 11 off of turnovers. With a lead that would not get any higher than eight points, the Lady Eagles led at the half 32-27.

The Lady Eagles are 3-0 when wearing pink. NCCU participated in the Women's Basketball Coaches Association's (WBCA) 2009 Pink Zone initiative, the fight for Breast Cancer.

In the first minute of play in the second half, NCCU doubled its lead and maintain a safe cushion until the 6:51 mark. By then, a string of turnovers helped the Lancers come within three 50-47. Down by five, LU sent the Lady Eagles to the line eight times. Shooting 60 percent from the charity stripe, NCCU completed 18 of 30 attempts to secure the win.

In addition to the 27 points by Nwachukwu, Chasidy Williams muscled in 10 points along with LaVonna Hailey who had a double-double, 10 points and 10 assists. NCCU shot 50 percent from the floor. They out-rebounded the Lancers 35-30 and committed 21 turnovers.

Longwood (5-11) ruined its chances of a comeback by mishandling the ball 23 times. The Lancers was lead by Anna Steg with a team-high of 13 points. LU shot 44 percent from the field and made 10 of 20 free throws for 50 percent percentage.