Final Statistics

DURHAM, N.C. – Monday night’s contest did not have the outcome the North Carolina Central University Lady Eagles battled for. But it was the freshmen class of the maroon and grey, led by a season-high outing by Sierra Solomon, that made the difference.

 

Even through a 28-point second-half surge, the defending 2009-10 Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference Champion Lady Pirates earned their fifth straight win by taking a 79-44 victory on Monday, Feb. 7 in the HU Convocation Center.

 

“The freshmen provided their best performance this season,” said NCCU head coach Joli Robinson. “Tonight they showed confidence by shooting with confidence and effectively running offensive plays. They took the pressure off of other players and opened shots in the paint.”

 

NCCU’s Solomon netted a season-high seven points, including a first-half three-pointer over 22 minutes of play. Freshmen Tenika Neely hit the hardwood for 28 minutes scoring five points.

 

“As the freshmen demonstrate more confidence, they are playing more minutes,” said Robinson. “This is beneficial in creating a balance in our offense, like we did tonight.”

 

Lady Eagle upperclassmen sophomore Chasidy Williams and senior Jori Nwachukwu netted the first four points of the contest to earn the only lead of the contest, which Lady Pirate game-leader Kieara Avant quickly snapped with two long range shots. 

 

To end the half with a score of 42-16, the Lady Pirates netted six three-pointers, scored 68 percent from the free-throw line and went on two double-digit scoring runs. Including an 11-3 Hampton run at the 5:31 mark to the end of the first-half of play.

 

The Lady Eagles entered the second-half of play with an offensive sense of urgency, passing their first-half scoring outing by 12 points. 

 

Creating the smallest margin of the half, NCCU went on a 16-10 run at the 15:20 mark. Nwachukwu netted a two-point jumper to pace the run, followed by two consecutive three-point baskets by senior Shanise Blanks.

 

At the 4:00 mark with a score of 70-38, Hampton laid the foundation to their 35-point win.

 

Nwachukwu lead the NCCU offense with nine points, as Williams, who was 67 percent from the charity stripe, finished with eight points.  Blanks also scored eight points, while junior Blaire Houston and freshman Neely sinked five points apiece. Nwachukwu pulled down seven rebounds in the loss.

 

The host team’s offense was paced by three student-athletes: Avant (17 points), Jericka Jenkins (17 points) and Nicole Hamilton (10 points). Jenkins, who kicked up the offense heat in the second-half, circulated 11 assists. 

 

In terms of total team performance, NCCU grabbed 30 rebounds and stole six possessions, while netting 59 percent from the free-throw line, 38 percent from the behind the arc and 28 percent from the field. Hampton seized 53 rebounds, distributed 19 assists, blocked five shots and stole six possessions, while scoring 68 percent from the charity stripe, 45 percent from the field and 25 percent from the long range.

 

NCCU falls to 2-21 on the season, as Hampton rises to 17-6.

 

The Lady Eagles will enjoy a four-game homestead, beginning with a Saturday afternoon matchup against Morgan State on Feb. 12 at 2 p.m.

 

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.