GREENSBORO, N.C. – The North Carolina Central University women's basketball team utilized defensive pressure to force a season-high 37 turnovers, but in-state rival North Carolina A&T State University was able to rally in the fourth quarter to win a narrow 60-55 showdown Saturday afternoon in the Corbett Center.
The Eagles had five different individuals record multiple steals. Seniors
Ashlyn Lockard and
Necole Hope each had two steals, while sophomores
Paris McBride and
Taylor Williams combined for seven takeaways. Freshman guard
Nia Ford added 3 steals.
Offensively, NCCU was led by Hope, who finished the game with a team-high 13 points. It was her fifth straight game scoring in double digits.
McBride ended the game with a season-high 11 points and a team-best five steals, including a huge shot to close out a 21-7 third quarter in favor of the Eagles that provided NCCU a 45-36 advantage going into the fourth quarter. However, the Aggies then used a 22-10 final quarter to complete the comeback victory.
N.C. A&T was led sophomore D'Mya Tucker, who finished the contest with a game-high 21 points, while shooting a perfect 8-for-8 from the field. Fifth-year senior Chanin Scott recorded 16 points along with seven rebounds, helping the Aggies win the battle on the boards 43-28.
NC Central (0-8) will next finally make its home debut, when the Eagles host Johnson & Wales University on Monday, Dec. 20 at 3 p.m.
