Final Game Statistics Postgame Video Interview
DURHAM, N.C. – In recent matchups, the three-point arc has not been the most favorable shooting point for North Carolina Central University. But in Monday night’s contest against Bethune-Cookman University in McDougald-McLendon Gymnasium, senior Shanise Blanks thrived from the long range.
Despite Blanks’ leading the Lady Eagles with season-high17 points, 15 from behind three-point arc, and a ninth double-double performance from Jori Nwachukwu, the Lady Wildcats were able to secure an 11-point win over NCCU, 64-53.
The Lady Eagles began the contest with a six-point lead, Blanks came off the bench sinking her first long range basket at the 15:24 mark. Within a matter of minutes, B-CU took its first lead of the game.
Kiara Redmon, who finished with six points, provided the first-tying shot for the Lady Wildcats at the 13:00 from the free-throw line. Along with a jumper at the 9:46 point, supplying the first largest deficit of the night for a score of 21-14.
NCCU freshman Alesha Jenkins and Blanks’ three-point success delivered the second tie of the first-half, 24-24. Nonetheless, B-CU offensive leader Sarah Bolden paced the visitors on a 10-0 run to end the half at 34-24.
Still feeling the vigor from the final minutes of the first-half, the Lady Wildcats began the second-half pacing to a 16-point lead just inside of four minutes. Blanks quickly revived the NCCU offense, with yet another behind-the-arc basket.
From the 14:15 mark to the 7:14 point, the Wildcats maintained a double-digit lead. With Blanks’ final three pointer of the night, and a steal and layup by freshman Sierra Solomon, NCCU cut the contest to an eight-point deficit.
Bethune-Cookman’s Jasmine Daniels, who was a perfect 4-for-4 from the charity stripe, sealed the Lady Wildcats win in the final minute of the contest at the free-throw line.
Along with Blanks’ season-high performance, Nwachukwu scored 11 points and seized 11 boards. Junior Blaire Houston and Chasidy Williams delivered seven points apiece for the Lady Eagles, while sophomore J’Mia Pollock blocked three Lady Wildcat shots.
NCCU hit 68 percent from the free-throw line, with gratitude to Blanks the maroon and grey netted 43 percent from behind the arc and scored 28 percent from the field.
Four Bethune-Cookman student-athletes scored in double-figures, Bolden led with 22 points, Amanda Hairston sinked 14 point, while Daniels and Jasmine Elum hit 10 points apiece. Daniels also guided the offense with seven assists.
The visitors stole 15 NCCU possessions, scored 74 percent from the charity stripe, netted 38 percent from the field and hit 18 percent from the long range.
NCCU drops to 2-19 this season, Bethune-Cookman advances to 11-9.
The Lady Eagles hit the road for a two-game road swing in the Washington, D.C. and Virginia area. NCCU will face Howard on Saturday, Feb. 5 at 2p.m. in Washington, D.C. Then travel to Hampton, Va., to battle Hampton University on Monday, Feb. 7 at 6 p.m.
