Game Notes: Norfolk State at North Carolina Central
DURHAM, N.C. – Returning to the nest this February has been the remedy for success for the North Carolina Central University women’s basketball team. On Saturday, Feb. 19, the Lady Eagles look to extend their two game win streak to three against the Lady Spartans of Norfolk State University in McDougald-McLendon Gymnasium.
The Lady Eagles welcome the Virginia neighbors after obtaining their second consecutive win on Monday, Feb. 14, defeating Coppin State 60-50 in Durham, N.C. For the first time this season, four NCCU student-athletes scored in double figures in the win.
NCCU (4-21) collected a total 51 points from its upperclassmen leadership. Obtaining her 11th double-double this season, senior Jori Nwachukwu poured in 19 points and pulled down 12 rebounds. Junior Blaire Houston tallied 12 points. Senior Shanise Blanks and sophomore Chasidy Williams matched in scoring and rebounding, each sinking 10 points and three boards.
Norfolk State University (8-14) has lost six straight games following their 66-49 loss to Howard at home on Monday. NSU’s Sarah Daily led the Lady Spartans with 10 points as the only Spartan to score in double figures.
The mighty maroon are 5-16 all-time against NSU. The two programs last met on Jan. 22 of this season, NSU seized a 10-point 66-55 win in Norfolk, Va. Nwachukwu reached her eighth double-double during the contest, netting a season-high 20 points and 12 rebounds. Williams poured in 15 points, while Houston scored 10 points in the loss.
As her senior season reaches the end, Nwachukwu continues to lead her fellow Lady Eagles in scoring, rebounding and blocks. The power forward will enter Saturday’s contest averaging 13.6 points, seizing 9.0 rebounds per game and 33 total blocks. Adding to the offensive effort is Williams, the Fayetteville, N.C., native averages 11.5 points per game. With six double-figure outings from the behind the arc under her belt, Blanks rounds out the leading scorer at 7.2 points per contest. The sharp shooter also leads in assists at 40 and steals with 37 on the season. Collectively, the Lady Eagles average 49.7 points a game, while giving up 67.4 points per game.
Whitney Long leads the Lady Spartans’ offense with 10.5 points per contest. Rae Corbo follows at 9.6 points per game, while distributing 60 assists and stealing 34 possessions this season. Sarah Daily tops the leading scorers at 9.2 points per contest. As a team, NSU averages 59.1, while netting 39 percent from the field, 34 percent from the three-point arc and 62 percent from free throw.
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. 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.
