DURHAM, N.C. – Aniya Finger scored 17 points to lead five double-figure scorers and North Carolina Central forced 40 turnovers in a 111-48 women's basketball triumph over Averett at McDougald-McLendon Arena on Tuesday.

Averett's 40 turnovers are the most by an Eagles' opponent since Mid-Atlantic Christian totaled 53 turnovers in 2023.

Morgan Callahan added 16 points and seven rebounds and Najah Lane totaled 12 points and seven assists. Shakiria Foster matched Lane with 12 points and Victoria Morris registered 11 points.

NCCU surpassed the century mark for the first time since accomplishing the feat twice in 2023-24 season, including a 132-22 rout over Mid-Atlantic Christian which set the single-game scoring record in the program's Division I history. NCCU has scored over 100 points five times in the Division I era including three times under Head Coach Terrence Baxter, and the 111 points are the second-most for the Eagles as a Division I program.

The Eagles subbed freely as all 13 players saw action and 12 scored. Bothered by NCCU's pressure defense from the outset, the Cougars (4-6 overall) coughed up the ball 22 times in the first half to fall behind 58-25 at the break.

NCCU widened the lead in the second half. The Eagles reached triple digits in the fourth quarter on Madjiguene Pene's layup for a 101-41 lead.

The Eagles (3-10 overall) cashed in on Averett's miscues, outscoring their opponent by a whopping 54-7 margin in turnover points and 34-8 in fast break points. The Eagles dominated inside with 80 points in the paint and a 54-29 rebounding advantage.

Dianna Blake contributed nine points and seven rebounds while Amaya Harris and Pene each added eight points. Nia Young led the Eagles with nine rebounds and Aaliyah Grant tallied six points and six rebounds.

Tierney Coleman collected a team-high five steals to go along with four assists. Aysia Hinton added four steals and Morris and Harris both had three steals for the Eagles, which amassed 22 steals.

The Eagles, which shot 51.7 percent, improved their Division I record to 5-0 against Division III teams. It was the perfect tune-up entering MEAC play after a non-conference slate in 2025 that included three nationally-ranked teams.

HEAD COACH TERRENCE BAXTER QUOTE
"This team needed this. We scheduled this game at the right time to get the rust off the Christmas break before we start the MEAC season. We will always play a tough non-conference schedule to prepare us for the MEAC."

NEXT UP
The Eagles will start MEAC play against Norfolk State at home on Saturday, Jan. 3, 2026, at 2 p.m.

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