BALTIMORE - Monday's game could be just what the regular-season champs needed. After clinching its third straight regular-season crown, the North Carolina A&T women's basketball team was reminded there is still a lot of season to be played with the upcoming MEAC Tournament.

Morgan State's Erin Hawkins hit a big 3-pointer late to lead the Bears to a 73-69 win over the Aggies at Hill Field House. With the loss, two of the top three teams in the league have wins over N.C. A&T.

"This time of the year, teams are going to play these type of games against us,'' said Bibbs. "That's why it's hard to repeat. We have to be focused to win these types of games. This could have been a game in the tournament, and we would have been out."

Ta'Wuana "Tweet" Cook, who was named MEAC Player of the Week on Monday, led the Aggies with 27 points on 9-for-15 shooting. Jaleesa Sams and Amber Calvin had 11 points apiece with Sams adding nine rebounds.

After Hawkins' three gave the Bears a 71-69 lead with 58 seconds remaining. On the Aggies next possession, Calvin was called for an offensive foul as she tried to make a play with the shot clock running down. An Alford foul put Hawkins on the line.

Hawkins made one of two free throws to put the Bears up three with 19 seconds. The Aggies turned to their leading scorer in Cook. Cook was fouled on her 3-point attempt and was sent to the line for three free throws.

Cook missed all three free throws to secure Morgan State's first win over N.C. A&T since 2006.

"This is tough on Tweet because it came down to her free throws,'' said Bibbs. "She has meant so much for this program, and this is the type of thing that will motivate Tweet as we go into the tournament."

The Aggies dropped to 20-9 overall and 13-2 in the MEAC. The Bears are 16-12 overall and 11-4 in the MEAC. Hawkins led the Bears with 23 points. Corrin Adams added 18 points, seven assists and eight steals.