Game Notes: North Carolina A&T State at North Carolina Central
DURHAM, N.C. –On Monday, Feb. 21, at 5:30 p.m., the McDougald-McLendon Gymnasium will hold one the most premier contest this season. The Lady Eagles of North Carolina Central University welcome the Lady Aggies of North Carolina A&T State University to the Eagle’s Nest as they continue their quest for victory.
The maroon and grey have utilized their homestead to turn the season around seizing three straight wins, against Morgan State (60-49), Coppin State (60-50) and Norfolk State (62-56).
As NCCU (5-21) pursues its fourth straight win, facing the Aggies for the second time this season, this game marks the rival’s 29th meeting of all-time. The two teams met on the hardwood on Monday, Jan. 24 in Greensboro, N.C., the Aggies, ranked fourth in the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference, defeated the Lady Eagles 85-49.
Senior Jori Nwachukwu was the lone eagle scoring in double-figures with 17 points, while sophomore J’Mia Pollock pulled down 10 rebounds. Three Lady Aggies played a primary role in the 36-point win, Jaqualya Berry poured in 27 points, Mikala Scott netted 15 points, and Nikia Gorham earned a double-double with 13 points and 13 rebounds.
The Lady Eagles hit the hardwood following Saturday afternoon’s 62-56 win over Norfolk State. Three NCCU student-athletes provided season-high performances in the victory. Freshman Sierra Solomon scored a season-high 11 points, as Pollock obtained a season-high in points (15), rebounds (14) and assists (6). Leading scorer Nwachukwu, obtained her 11th double-double this season with 28 points and 13 rebounds.
North Carolina A&T State (12-12) enters the nest after a 77-71 victory over South Carolina State in Orangeburg, S.C. Leading the Lady Aggies to a six-point win over S,C, State were starters Jaleesa Sams (19) and Berry (12), while Mikala Scott and Tracy King came off the bench to score 16 points apiece.
The mighty maroon is lead by Nwachukwu, the forward pilots the offense at 14.2 points per contest, rebounding 9.2 boards per game and has blocked 34 shots this season. Sophomore Chasidy Williams is the second-double figure scorer at 11.5 points per contest. Senior Shanise Blanks completes the offensive circle averaging 7.1 points per game.
NCCU averages 50.2 points a game, while scoring 33 percent from the field, 21 percent from the long range and 63 percent from the paint.
NCCU fans are encouraged to “Pack the House” for Monday night’s contest to rally the Lady Eagles to another victory.
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.
