DOVER, Del. – Natalie Jasper scored 14 points to lead three players in double figures for North Carolina Central in a 75-66 MEAC women's basketball loss to Delaware State at Memorial Hall on Saturday.

Tierney Coleman added 13 points, including 2 of 2 from three-point range, and Dianna Blake contributed 11 points for the Eagles, who outscored the Hornets 26-24 in bench points and 28-20 in the paint.

The Hornets countered with 49 percent shooting from the floor, including 45 percent from deep (9 of 20) to take command. Their five-point halftime lead grew as high as 15 points in the second half.

The Eagles pulled within 64-57 on Aniya Finger's jumper with under four minutes left but got no closer. Their free throw shooting ( 21 of 37 for 56.8 percent) thwarted any comeback hopes.

Jasper, who averages 7.0 points per game, has scored in double figures four straight contests and six of the last seven games. Finger chipped in nine points and Morgan Callahan scored eight points for the Eagles, who shot 42 percent overall and was 3 of 4 from long range for 75 percent.

The loss was NCCU's first to Delaware State in the last five meetings. Both teams split the season series as NCCU defeated Delaware State 58-44 at home on Feb. 9.

NEXT UP
The Eagles host South Carolina State on Thursday, March 5, in the regular-season finale. Tipoff is 2 p.m.

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