CHARLOTTE, N.C. – Morgan Callahan tallied 19 points and 10 rebounds for a double-double and North Carolina Central took charge in the second half for a 61-51 women 's basketball victory over Queens (N.C.) at Curry Arena on Wednesday afternoon.
The Eagles used a decisive 23-12 run starting midway in the third quarter to turn a one-point deficit into a double-digit win in the first-ever meeting between both programs. NCCU gained its biggest lead at 57-43 on Callahan's layup late in the fourth quarter.
NCCU claimed its first non-conference road win over a Division I opponent since defeating Winthrop 76-71 on Dec. 20, 2024.
The double-double was the 22nd of Callahan's collegiate career, including her third this season.
The Eagles (2-9 overall) got a lift from
Najah Lane, who added seven points, seven rebounds, five assists and four steals. The rebounds and steals were season highs for the NCCU guard.
Lane spearheaded the Eagles' pressure defense which limited the Royals to 26.4 percent shooting - a season-low for an Eagles' opponent. Queens (5-5 overall) also committed 27 turnovers which the Eagles converted into 26 points.
Fourteen of Queen's miscues came after halftime as NCCU pulled away in the second half. The Eagles outscored Queens in turnover points 13-0 in the final two quarters.
Victoria Morris added three steals overall and the trio of
Tierney Coleman,
Aysia Hinton and
Nia Young each had two steals for the Eagles, who entered the contest ranked 63
rd in the nation in forcing turnovers.
Coleman also added seven points and Young chipped in six points and six rebounds for the Eagles, who shot 40.6 percent while holding Queens to 25 percent in the second half.
The Eagles controlled most of the game but Queens stayed close until the latter part of the contest. Queens was ahead by one point with seconds left before halftime but
Shakiria Foster swished a buzzer-beating three-pointer for a 30-29 Eagles' lead at the break.
HEAD COACH TERRENCE BAXTER QUOTE
"We came out ready to play and were relentless on defense. It was a great team effort, a great team win. Each player contributed at different moments which is a blessing to coach."
NEXT UP
The Eagles will complete their four-game road stretch at No. 8 Oklahoma on Monday, Dec. 22, at 12 p.m.
For more information on NCCU Athletics, visit NCCUEaglePride.com.
