DURHAM, N.C. - With energy-filled fans in support, the North Carolina Central University women's basketball team overcame a 13-point second-half deficit to beat the South Carolina State University Lady Bulldogs in an overtime showdown, 56-54, on Saturday, Jan. 10 in McDougald-McLendon Gymnasium.

Sophomore Morgan Jones earned a career-high 21 points in Saturday's battle against the Lady Bulldogs, while leading all scorers. Senior Racquel Davis obtained her sixth double-double of the season, with 13 points and 15 rebounds.

With four steals and seven rebounds, junior Tisha Dixon also played a pivotal part in the Lady Eagles' defense.

NCCU was down by 13 points with 17:48 in regulation. By the 10-minute mark the Lady Eagles' deficit was 45-34.

The Lady Eagles refused to remain silent. With the second-half clock at 9:20, NCCU created a 12-0 run, bringing the game within arm's reach.

Less than seven minutes remained in the game and the Lady Eagles' momentum picked up speed. After a layup from Dixon, followed by a jumper from Nikki Works, NCCU obtained its first major lead of the game at 46-45.

The score was quickly knotted at 46, but a layup from senior Khyra Conerly put the Lady Eagles back on top at 48-47.  

The pressure was on and NCCU could not hold on, as it lost its lead to a pair of Bulldog layups, trailing 51-48, with nearly two minutes remaining in regulation.

Free-throw shooting was key during the final minutes.  A shot from Dixon, coupled with two shots from Davis tied the game at 51. The clock wound down and NCCU headed into overtime.

With the exception of one tie, the Lady Eagles maintained the lead over the Bulldogs during overtime.

A free throw shot by Dixon gave NCCU a three-point lead and SC State gained possession of the ball. The Bulldogs did not make good use of their possession before the clock ticked to zero, and the Lady Eagles came away with the overtime win, 56-54.

SC State senior Kourtney Williams led the Bulldogs with 15 points, and junior Jazzmine Johnson added 10 points with six rebounds.

The Lady Eagles will return to the court in another Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference contest against Savannah State University on Monday, Jan. 12 in McDougald-McLendon Gymnasium in Durham, North Carolina.