Final Box Score
DURHAM, N.C- Despite three North Carolina Central University student-athletes scoring in double-figures, five lead-changes and 11 scoring ties, the Lady Eagles could not push past the Lady Hawks of Maryland Eastern Shore on Monday, Jan. 10 in McDougald-McLendon Gym. The Lady Eagles suffered a one-point, 48-47 loss.
NCCU sophomore J'Mia Pollock earned a season-high 10 points, fellow sophomore Chasidy Williams netted 12 points, while offensive-leader Jori Nwachukwu earned her fifth double-double with 17 points and 14 rebounds.
Nwachukwu, who has had offensive troubles in the last two contests, began her offensive performance at the 19:52 mark, with a smooth down low pick-and-roll assisted by Pollock.
The second scoring tie (4-4), paced the Lady Hawks on a small three-point run at the 13:26 mark. But Nwachukwu and Pollock quickly answered back with a 12-9 run before UMES created the seventh tie at 20 apiece at the 5:38 mark.
Both teams went point-for-point before the half-time intermission, each team headed to their perspective locker rooms with a score of 24-24.
The second-half of play began in the Lady Hawks favor. Casey Morton, who finished with six points, sparked the UMES offense. The visitors, who led by seven points at the 11:21 mark, went on an 11-4 run. Latoya Buckner, who finished the contest with four points, initiated the run at the 16:27 mark.
With a layup by Pollock, the Lady Eagles began to chisel away at the seven-point lead. In the final seconds of play, Williams who was 10-11 from the charity stripe, hit two free-throws for bring NCCU within one, 48-47.
The Lady Eagles junior Blaire Houston drove to the basketball for the final fight of the game regrettably, her shot would hit tap the front of the rim as the horn blared to end the game.
Along with Pollock’s season-high performance, the Winston-Salem, N.C. native grabbed seven rebounds and distributed a season-high four assists. Williams seized eight boards and stole four UMES possessions.
Collectively, NCCU grabbed 46 rebounds, blocked three shots and forced eight Lady Hawk turnovers. The Lady Eagles hit 65 percent from the free throw line and 33 percent from the field. The visiting defense held the maroon and grey to a season-low zero percent from long range.
The Lady Hawks seized 50 rebounds, blocked three shots and stole 20 NCCU possessions. UMES scored 33 percent from the charity stripe, 30 percent from the field and eight percent from the long range.
NCCU drops to 2-13, while Maryland Eastern Shore advances to 3-10 on the season.
NCCU will hit the road for a four-game road trip. The Lady Eagles will begin their competition in Baltimore, Md. for two contest, Coppin State on Jan. 15 and Morgan State Jan. 17. On Jan. 22 NCCU visitor Norfolk State in Norfolk, Va. The maroon and grey round out their road stint against Greensboro foes North Carolina A&T State on Jan. 24.
Lady Eagles fans can catch all of the action live online at
www.NCCUEaglePride.com, where Paul Doherty and Danielle Johnson-Webb will bring live play-by-play action from Coppin State. Eagle Gameday, the pregame show, will air 15 minutes prior to tip-off.
For more information on Lady Eagles basketball, visit the official website of NCCU Athletics at
www.NCCUEaglePride.com.
