Nov. 16, 2009

Final Stats

BALTIMORE, Md. - Brittany Myatt and Latoya Bennett combined for 20 points to lead the North Carolina Central University Lady Eagles (0-2), but it wasn't enough to push NCCU past Morgan State University (1-1) Monday night, falling 75-38 in Talmadge Hill Field House.

Myatt and Bennett not only tied with a team-high 10 points apiece, but they each grabbed seven rebounds to lead the Lady Eagles on the boards. Bennett earned six of her 10 points from the free throw line, shooting a perfect 6-for-6 from the stripe. Myatt added one assist, one block and one steal to her stat line.

NCCU had only five assists, which was led by Joanna Miller, who also was the leader in blocks, with two assists and two blocks. Defensively, the Lady Eagles recorded nine steals, three coming from both Blaire Houston and Shanise Blanks. NCCU's defense forced 12 turnovers and held the Lady Bears' offense to below 50 percent.

Morgan State forced 32 turnovers, which proved to be costly for the Lady Eagles, who had trouble getting the ball through the net. NCCU shot 26.1 percent from the field and 22.2 percent from behind the arc. Blanks had the only two 3-pointers of the night, making her the second leading scorer with six points.

The Lady Bears had three student-athletes put on double-figure scoring performances. Georgien Williams recorded her first double-double of the season with a game-high 21 points and 11 rebounds. Corin Adams added 14 points, while Erin Hawkins collected 12 and shot 6-for-6 from the foul line.

As a team, Morgan State shot 43.9 percent from the field and 33.3 percent from behind the arc. From the foul line, the Lady Bears shot 83.3 percent, going 10-for-13. NCCU had more opportunities at the foul line than Morgan State, but didn't quite capitalize on them, shooting 12-for-20.

Morgan State jumped out in front from the tip, leading 9-4 at the 16:29 mark. Back-to-back foul shots from Bennett, followed by a free throw by Miller put the Lady Eagles within two. A layup by Myatt tied the game at nine, the first tie of the game. NCCU earned their first lead at the 11:02 mark off a 3-pointer from the corner by Blanks, but the Lady Bears quickly responded with a three of their own to jump back out in front.

The Lady Eagles' were down 16-14 with 9:54 left in the first half. Blanks answered once more with another 3-pointer to give NCCU their second and final lead of the game, up 17-16. From that point on, Morgan State took control, going on an 18-2 run into halftime. NCCU scored one basket in about eight minutes to go into intermission down, 34-19.

In the second half, it was all about Morgan State. A 15-point deficit at the 19:17 mark was the closest NCCU came. The Lady Bears continued to extend their lead, ahead by as many as 41 at the 6:45 mark. The Lady Eagles continued to battle, never giving up. They managed to cut the lead to 34, but didn't quite have enough time. Morgan State claimed the win, 75-38.

NCCU dropped to 0-2 on the season, while Morgan State improved to .500 at 1-1 on the season.

NCCU will return home for a pair of home games. They will take on Campbell in a doubleheader with the men's team on Wednesday, Nov. 18 at 5:30 p.m. It will be NCCU's home-opener. Campbell has the advantage in the series, claiming a 7-2 lead in the series. The Lady Eagles look to earn their first win of the season and continue their dominance on their home court.

For more information on Eagles basketball, visit the official website of NCCU Athletics at www.NCCUEaglePride.com.