2011-12 Women’s Basketball Information Guide / Game Notes: NCCUW at Coppin State

DURHAM, N.C. (www.NCCUEaglePride.com) – The North Carolina Central University women’s basketball team returns to road action with a Saturday, Jan. 21 hardwood matchup against the Lady Eagles of Coppin State in Baltimore, Md.

Saturday’s contest marks the fourth “Battle of Eagles” with Coppin State leading the series 2-1.  NCCU clutched its first 60-50 series win on Monday, Feb. 14, 2011 in McDougald-McLendon Gymnasium.  In the victory, Lady Eagle graduate Jori Nwachukwu lead the squad with a double-double of 19 points and 12 rebounds.  Senior Blaire Houston netted 12 points, as junior Chasidy Williams and NCCU graduate Shanise Blanks finished with 10 points apiece.  Maroon and gray forward J’Mia Pollock circulate three assists, while Houston gathered four steals.

NCCU returns to the Physical Education Complex following a 26-67 loss to Howard on Monday, Jan. 16 in Washington, D.C.

Lady Eagle senior Blaire Houston topped the team with nine points, while junior Chasidy Williams followed with six points.  Sophomore Tenika Neely distributed two assists, as Williams stole three possessions and sophomore Alesha Jenkins pulled down six rebounds.

The maroon and gray finished the night at 24 percent from the field on 9-of-38 shooting, 2-of-8 from behind the arc, and 40 percent from the charity stripe, 6-of-15.

On the season, the maroon and gray is 35 percent from the field on 308-of-876 shooting, 28 percent from the long range, and 60 percent from the free-throw line, 173-of-288.  Williams guides NCCU with 243 points, 117 rebounds, 44 steals and 10 blocks, while Truesdale leads in assists with 31.

Coppin State welcomes NCCU after a 67-62 loss to Norfolk State on Monday, Jan. 16 at home for a Mid-Eastern Conference record of 3-2.  Four Lady Eagles scored in double figures.  Jeanine Manley dropped a team-high 16 points, as Ashle Craig and Shawntee Payne netted 13 points each and Leola Spotwood dropped 10 points.  CSU’s Crystal Whittington pulled down 10 rebounds and circulated five assists, as Manley blocked two shots.

Thus far on the season, CSU is 38 percent from the field on 381-of-1011 shooting, 29 percent from the long range and 63 percent from the free-throw line, 267-of-427.

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 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 the Physical Education Complex in Baltimore, Md.  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.
Alesha Jenkins is a 6’0” forward from Fort Lauderdale, Fla.
Tiffany Gary is a 6’1’ forward from Delray Beach, Fla.