The evening contest concluded with the Lady Hornets defeating the Lady Eagles, 69-48.
Both teams began the game with a slow offensive start, with both programs exchanging missed shots until the 17:44 mark. Sophomore J’Mia Pollock placed NCCU on the scoreboard first, earning her two points of the contest, while Deanna Harmon, who was the third-leading scorer with 13 points, netted Delaware States’ first two points.
The Lady Hornets controlled the game from that point on. The visitors lead by as many as 12 points, including a 10-0 run which was ended by layup at the 5:30 mark by Chasidy Williams.
With a three-point shot by senior Shanise Blanks and a layup by Blaire Houston, the Lady Eagles ended the half trailing 26-20.
Following the halftime intermission, NCCU’s first-half flame died down, while Delaware State paced to a final 21-point win.
Along with Williams’ season-high performance, senior Jori Nwachukwu and Houston scored nine points apiece. Nwachukwu paced the rebounding game by grabbing 11 boards. Blanks finished with five points for the Lady Eagles.
The home team grabbed 45 rebounds, blocked four shots (three of which were blocks by Nwachukwu), stole nine Lady Hornet possessions, and forced 21 turnovers.
The Lady Eagles were 31 percent from the field, 25 percent from the long range and 50 percent from the charity stripe.
Delaware State had four student-athletes score in double-figures, including one double-double outing. Brittany Washington led the offense with 17 points and 15 rebounds, followed by Kianna Conner’s 15 points off the bench. Harmon netted 13 points, as Tasia Bristow rounded out the double-figure performances with 10 points. Kianna D’Oliveria followed Washington’s rebounding effort with 14 boards.
Collectively, the Lady Hornets seized 48 rebounds, blocked five shots, stole 17 possessions and forced 30 NCCU turnovers. Delaware State hit 37 percent from the field, 38 percent from behind the arc and 53 percent from the free-throw line.
NCCU will return to action on Monday, Jan. 10, as the Lady Eagles host the University of Maryland Eastern Shore in McDougald-McLendon Gym at 5:30 p.m.
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 McDougald-McLendon Gym. 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.
