2011-12 Women’s Basketball Information Guide

DURHAM, N.C. (www.NCCUEaglePride.com) – The Lady Eagles of North Carolina Central University will conclude the non-conference portion of play and the calendar year with a trip to Tar Heel country to face No. 24 North Carolina on Friday, Dec. 30 at 7:00 p.m. in Carmichael Arena.

As the third Atlantic Coast Conference opponent of the season, NCCU (2-11) and UNC (8-2) meet for the fifth time in school history, with the Tar Heels leading the series 4-0.

During last season’s meeting on Jan. 3, 2011, UNC seized a 97-40 victory at home.

In the 57-point loss, senior Blaire Houston seized a season-high 17 points, while juniors Chasidy Williams and J’Mia Pollock pulled down eight rebounds apiece. 

Five Tar Heels netted in the double-figures Krista Gross and Waltiea Rolle lead the squad with 16 points each and achieved double-doubles by pulling down 11 rebounds and 10 rebounds, respectively.  Jessica Breland, Tierra Ruffin-Pratt and Cetera DeGraffenreid finished with 10 points apiece.  With nine points on the night, Laura Broomfield led the rebounding campaign with 12 rebounds.

In the final home contest of 2011 on Wednesday, Dec. 28, NCCU sophomore Tenika Neely, who was a perfect 4-of-4 from the free-throw, and Williams finished the night with 10 points apiece, while Houston ended the contest with nine points.  Sophomore Alesha Jenkins pulled down five rebounds, as Houston and Neely circulated two assists each.

On the night, the maroon and gray was 27 percent from the field on 14-of-52 shooting, 2-of-16 from behind the arc, and 79 percent from the charity stripe, 15-of-19. 

Thus far in the season, the maroon and gray is 36 percent from the field on 250-of-695 shooting, 40-of-145 from behind the arc, and 60 percent from the charity stripe, 123-of-205.
 
During the 2011-12 campaign Williams has been the squad’s soaring eagle in points with 190, rebounds at 98, 29 steals, and blocks with nine, while freshman Kabrina Truesdale leads in assists with 26.
 
The Tar Heels welcome two Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference opponents to Carmichael arena to close out 2011 with Savannah State on Thursday, Dec. 29 followed by the mighty maroon on Friday, Dec. 30.  Thursday’s contest marks the first matchup between SSU and UNC.
 
North Carolina seized its eight victory of the season with a 65-61 victory over East Carolina in Myrtle Beach, S.C., on Tuesday, Dec. 20.

Lady Eagle supporters can continue their contributions 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.

NCCU fans can catch all of the action live online at www.NCCUEaglePride.com, where Chris Hooks will bring live play-by-play action from McDougald-McLendon Gymnasium.  Eagle Gameday built by Dayeco Construction Co. will air 15 minutes prior to tip-off.  

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.
Jasmine Alston is a 5-10 forward from Greensboro, N.C.
Alesha Jenkins is a 6’0” forward from Fort Lauderdale, Fla.