GREENSBORO –
The North Carolina A&T women's basketball ball team has been faced with
a challenge to its first-place grip in the MEAC four times in the last
three seasons. Each time, the Aggies have responded with a double-digit
victory over their second-place rival.
On Monday, Morgan State became the latest victim. The Aggies used the
combination of senior Lamona Smalley and freshman Nikia Gorham to
rebound their way to a 67-56 win over Morgan State Monday night at
Corbett Sports Center. Smalley finished with 12 points and 14 rebounds
for her 13th career double-double. Gorham added 14 points and
10 boards as the Aggies outrebounded the Bears 54-39.
“I told them last night after we beat Coppin State that the key to
winning a championship is to rebound the basketball,'' said N.C. A&T
head coach Patricia Cage-Bibbs. “So I guess the same thing applied
tonight. I'm glad to see that our legs were still fresh after playing
last night because we know that's how the tournament will be.”
Due to inclement weather, the Aggies had to postpone their game Saturday
against Coppin State, and had to play the Eagles Sunday. Despite that,
freshman point guard Amber Calvin still delivered a strong performance
with 20 points, seven rebounds and six assists.
The Aggies improved to 14-7 overall and 8-0 in the MEAC after winning
their eighth straight game. It was their 22nd straight
victory over a conference opponent at home even though the Bears, who
also played on Sunday, never let the Aggies relax.
On three occasions over the first 10 minutes of the second half, the
Aggies took a double-digit lead. Each time, the Bears found a way to cut
the Aggies lead to six. With 7:41 to play, two Mahala Thomas free throws
cut the Aggies lead to 51-45.
Three offensive rebounds on the Aggies next possession, eventually led
to a Tweet Cook 3-pointer to put the Aggies ahead nine. Theresa Davis
answered with a layup before the Aggies took command of the game. A
Calvin layup and 3-pointer put the Aggies ahead by double figures with
6:07 remaining. The Bears never got any closer than eight the rest of
the way.
“I'm glad she got six assists because that is the first thing she looks
for,'' said Bibbs. “She loves to give the ball up so others can score. I
know my post players like Lamona Smalley and Nikia Gorham love her
because if you're open she'll find you.”
Morgan State fell to 10-10 overall and 6-2 in the MEAC. Corin Adams
scored 16 points, but was just 6-for-20 from the floor. The Aggies
return home to play Delaware State Saturday afternoon at 2 before
playing a nationally-televised game on ESPNU Monday, February 8 at 4:30
p.m.
