BALTIMORE - There was no comeback to be had this time. North Carolina A&T's slow start on Saturday never sped up as Coppin State defeated the Aggies 88-70 at the Physical Education Complex.
"We are just at a low right now," said Eaves, who is 1-4 at Coppin State. "I feel like we have been sluggish since the S.C. State. We have to continue to push until we get out of it."
The Aggies had to rally from a 10-point deficit to beat S.C. State in overtime a week ago. On Monday, the Aggies overcame at 25-point deficit to N.C. Central to force overtime in a 90-84 loss.
The Aggies never mounted much of a challenge against Coppin State. The Eagles shot 50 percent for the game and out-rebounded the Aggies 43-29.
"Right now I can't get my young kids to see the importance of being physical," said Eaves. "It's like coaching young offensive linemen. When they first get to college, it's hard for them to adjust to the physical nature of the game. My young men are in that transition at this point. They will understand the importance of it as time goes on."
Senior center Thomas Coleman led the Aggies with 21 points and eight rebounds. Sophomore R.J. Buck, who was making his first start of the season, added 15 points.
Two Coleman free throws gave the Aggies an 8-5 lead in the first 3 ½ minutes of the game. Coppin State's Tony Gallo tied the game with a three. Freshman Ray Lester gave the Aggies lead after Adrian Powell stole the ball from Akeem Ellis. But Ellis redeemed himself by knocking down a three to give the Eagles an 11-10 lead at the 15:33 mark of the first half.
The Aggies never saw the lead again. They trailed by 14 at the half, and the Eagles' lead ballooned to as many as 20 in the second half. The Aggies never got any closer than nine points over the final 20 minutes of the game.
Gallo and Michael Harper had 18 points apiece for Coppin State (10-9, 5-2). Antonio Williams added 18 rebounds. The Aggies dropped to 9-12 overall and 4-3 in the MEAC.
N.C. A&T will face two-time defending MEAC Champion Morgan State Monday night at 8 in Baltimore. The Bears are coming off of a loss to Norfolk State on Saturday.
