2011-12 Women’s Basketball Information Guide / Game Notes: NCCUW vs. Hampton
 
DURHAM, N.C. (www.NCCUEaglePride.com) – The North Carolina Central University women’s basketball team concludes the 2011-12 regular season with a 5:30 p.m. home contest against the Lady Pirates of Hampton University on Thursday, March 1 in McDougald-McLendon Gymnasium.
 
As NCCU embarks on its 18^th all-time series meeting with the Lady Pirates, this is the first time this season NCCU battles HU on the hardwood since the last meeting on Feb. 7, 2011 in Hampton, Va.
 
During the Tide Water contest NCCU graduate Jori Nwachukwu led the offense with nine points, as junior Chasidy Williams, who was 67 percent from the charity stripe, finished with eight points.  Former Lady Eagle Shanise Blanks also scored eight points, while senior Blaire Houston and sophomore Tenika Neely sinked five points apiece. Nwachukwu pulled down seven rebounds in the loss.
 
NCCU (3-25) hosts HU following a 57-68 loss to South Carolina State University on Monday, Feb. 27 in Orangeburg, S.C.  Sophomore Lakisha Evans notched a career-high 15 points and a career-high eight rebounds, while senior Blaire Houston dropped 13 points and circulated five assists.  Williams tallied nine points and nine boards, as freshman Kabrina Truesdale stole two SCSU possessions.
 
The maroon and gray shot 45 percent from the field on 21-of-47, 22 percent from the long range and a season-high 93 percent from the free-throw line on a 13-of-14 effort. 
 
HU (12-14) travels south following a 54-30 victory over Bethune-Cookman University in Daytona Beach, Fla., on Friday, Feb. 27.  Keira Avant attained a double-double of 12 points and 16 rebounds, while Jericka Jenkins tallied a team-high 17 points and Alyssa Bennett scored 10 points.   
 
The Lady Pirates were 30 percent from the field on 19-of-64 shooting, 4-of-24 from behind the arc, and 86 percent from the free-throw line, 12-of-14.
 
On the season, NCCU is 36 percent from the field on 517-of-1412 shooting, 79-of-272 from behind the arc, and 60 percent from the charity stripe, 301-of-500.  Williams guides NCCU with 401 points, 206 rebounds, 61 steals and 19 blocks, while Houston leads in assists with 54.
 
Hampton is 37 percent from the field on 594-of-1598 shooting, 175-of-528 from the behind the arc, and 74 percent from the free-throw line, 342-of-460.  Choicetta McMillian guides the squad with 366 points and 53 steals, while Jenkins follows closely with 354 points and 194 assists.  On the season, Avant has pulled down 207 rebounds, as Ariel Phelps tallies 33 blocks.
 
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 McDougald-McLendon Gymnasium.
 
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 the 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 5’6” guard from Plainfield, N.J.
Tenika Neely is a 5’6” guard from Charlotte, N.C.
Jasmine Alston is a 5’10” forward from Greensboro, N.C.
Chasidy Williams is a 6’0” forward from Fayetteville, N.C.
Lakisha Evans is a 6’1” forward from Chapel Hill, N.C.