2011-12 Women’s Basketball Information Guide / Game Notes: NCCU vs. North Carolina A&T

DURHAM, N.C. (www.NCCUEaglePride.com) – The North Carolina Central University women’s basketball team returns to the comforts of the nest to host the Aggies of North Carolina A&T State University at 2:00 p.m. in McDougald-McLendon Gymnasium on Saturday, Dec. 3.

While Saturday’s matchup marks the 30^th meeting between the two long-time rivals, the contest marks the first MEAC competition of the season, as well as NCCU’s first MEAC contest as a full Division I and MEAC member eligible for post-season competition.

The mighty maroon and the blue and gold meet for the 30^th time in school history, with the Aggies leading the series 22-7 and the most recent 82-48 victory going to N.C. A&T on February 21, 2011 in Durham, N.C.
NCCU graduate Jori Nwachukwu and sophomore Sierra Solomon dropped double figures in the loss.  Nwachukwu finished with her 12th double-double outing with 21 points and 11 rebounds, as Solomon netted 10 points.  The Aggies had three student-athletes score in double figures, Jaquayla Berry seized a game-high 24 points, Tracy King scored 14 points and Nikia Gorham finished with a double-double with 10 points and 10 rebounds.

NCCU (1-6) returns to the comforts of the nest after a 64-48 loss to Presbyterian College on Tuesday, Nov. 29 in Clinton, S.C.

Junior Chasidy Williams, who ended the first 20 minutes of play with six points and three rebounds, concluded the night with 22 points and 11 rebounds for her third double-double of the season, as senior Blaire Houston and junior Jasmine Alston, who was 3-of -7 from behind the arc, finished with nine points apiece.  Williams collected the only steals of the night with four, while she and Houston circulated two assists each.  Sophomore Alesha Jenkins pulled down six rebounds, as freshman Jamara Malone attained a career-high three rebounds over four minutes of play.

Statistically, the Lady Eagles were 33 percent from the field on 16-of-49 shooting, 4-of-14 from behind the arc, and 75 percent from the charity stripe, 12-of-16. 

On the season, the maroon and gray is 35 percent from the field on 128-of-368 shooting, 30 percent from the long range, and 61 percent from the free-throw line, 62-of-102.  Junior Chasidy Williams guides the squad in points with 89, rebounds at 50, with 11 assists and steals with 15 on the season.  Williams, junior J’Mia Pollock and sophomore Lakisha Evans lead in blocks at four apiece.

North Carolina A&T (4-2) enters Eagle territory after defeating Siena 67-53 in Greensboro, N.C., on Friday, Nov. 25 and obtaining their fourth straight win.

King led the Aggies with 14 points, while Berry posted a double-double with 12 points and 10 rebounds and Amber Calvin and Mikala Scott dropped 12 points apiece.

This season, N.C. A&T is 40 percent from the field on 150-of-376, 35 percent from behind the arc and 73 percent from the free-throw line, 126-of-172.  King leads the team with 88 points and 38 rebounds, as Berry and Calvin have lobbed 13 assists each and Berry has stolen 19 opponents’ possessions.

NCCU fans can catch all of the action live online at www.NCCUEaglePride.com, where Paul Doherty will bring live play-by-play action from McDougald-McLendon Gymnasium.  Lady Eagle Gameday, the pregame show, will air 15 minutes prior to tip-off.  Along with following Doherty, NCCU fans can view live statistics and a live video feed ($8.95) online at www.NCCUEaglePride.com. 

Lady Eagle supporters can contribute to NCCU head coach Joli Robinson’s “Share the Warmth” campaign, by donating new to gently used outerwear and blankets throughout the first-half of the 2011-12 season.  Donation bins can be found at the main entrances of the gymnasium.

For more information on Lady Eagles Basketball or for up-to-date scores and statistics, visit the official website of NCCU Athletics at www.NCCUEaglePride.com.

Probable Starters...
Blaire Houston is a 5’5” guard from South Plainfield, N.J. 
Tenika Neely is a 5’6” guard from Charlotte, N.C.
Chasidy Williams is a 6’0” forward from Fayetteville, N.C.
Alesha Jenkins is a 6’0” forward from Fort Lauderdale, Fla.
Jasmine Alston is a 6’10” forward from Greensboro, N.C.