2011-12 Women’s Basketball Information Guide / NCCUW at Florida A&M Game Notes

DURHAM, N.C. (www.NCCUEaglePride.com) – On Saturday, Feb. 4, the Lady Eagles of North Carolina Central University break into the second portion of conference play beginning with a 4 p.m., Saturday, Feb. 4 hardwood rematch against the Lady Rattlers of Florida A&M in Tallahassee, Fla., in the Al Lawson Center.

The mighty maroon opened the 2012 calendar year by hosting FAMU on Jan. 7 in Durham, N.C., the Lady Rattlers returned to the Sunshine State with a 78-51 victory and progressed to 4-0 in the all-time series.

In the Saturday afternoon competition, NCCU freshman Kabrina Truesdale and senior Blaire Houston finished in double-figures.  Truesdale finished with 13 points, while Houston dropped 10 points in the loss.  Truesdale also led the Lady Eagles in rebounding with nine rebounds, as sophomore Alesha Jenkins circulated three assists.  Junior Chasidy Williams, who finished with seven points, stole three FAMU possessions.

Since that contest, NCCU has declined to 2-19 on the season and 0-8 in conference play, while FAMU has progressed to 15-5 on the season and 8-0 in the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference.

The maroon and gray enters Rattler territory following a 46-54 loss to the University of Maryland Eastern Shore.  Offensive leader Williams led the squad with a team-high 17 points, as Truesdale came off the bench and netted 15 points for her sixth double-figure outing and Houston finished up with 10 points with her fifth double-figure achievement.  Jenkins circulated three assists, while Houston notched a season-high six steals.

The maroon and gray finished the hardwood matchup at 30 percent from the field on 14-of-46 shooting, 3-of-8 from behind the arc, and 65 percent from the charity stripe, 15-of-23.

On the season, NCCU is 36 percent from the field on 386-of-1077 shooting, 56-of-199 from behind the arc, and 58 percent from the charity stripe, 212-of-363.  Williams guides NCCU with 297 points, 148 rebounds, 49 steals and 14 blocks, while Truesdale leads in assists with 35.

FAMU hosts the Durham, N.C., squad after a 65-51 victory over fellow MEAC Florida foes Bethune-Cookman on Saturday, Jan. 28 in Tallahassee, Fla.  Tameka McKelton, who was the second leading scorer during the initial NCCU versus FAMU meeting, led the Lady Rattlers with 18 points.  Jasmine Grice assisted in the offensive effort with 16 points, while Antonia Bennett netted 12 points, tallied five assists and nine rebounds.

FAMU was 45 percent from the field on 24-of-53, 4-of-13 from the long range, and 81 percent from the free-throw line, 13-of-16.

On the season, Florida A&M is shooting 41 percent from the field on 525-of-1295 shooting, 128-of-391 from the long range and 69 percent from the charity stripe, 264-of-383.  Offensively, NCCU will look have to look out for Bennett, who averages 18.9 points per contest, and McKelton with 13.7 per game.  Bennett will also be a rebounding threat as she has pulled down 195 boards and 51 steals.

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 Chris Hooks will bring live play-by-play action from the Al Lawson Center. 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.