DOVER, Del., -- It wasn't so much the fact that the North Carolina A&T women's basketball team was missing three of its key players. Saturday night's 73-67 loss to Delaware State at Memorial Hall had more to do with the Aggies missing out on the details.
Whether it was a missed assignment on a block out or not executing a double screen properly, the Aggies youth and experience was on display. It is what Aggies head coach Patricia Cage-Bibbs anticipated. On Saturday, her team consisted of two seniors, one first-year player and five freshmen.
"I saw us play good basketball in spurts today," said Bibbs. "Our kids tried tonight. I can honestly say they tried hard. But they're young. They have to grow up under fire. But 20 games in, there are no excuses. We're going to have to get it done."
The Aggies most glaring problem on Saturday was allowing offensive put backs. They were playing without three of their top rebounders in Jaquayla Berry, Nikia Gorham and Sabre Proctor. The Aggies matched Delaware State offensive board for offensive board, but the major difference was Delaware State scored on its offensive boards.
Delaware State outscored the Aggies 17-7 in second chance points.
"You can't give up second opportunities," said Bibbs. "We practice boxing out every day. We out-rebounded them, but they got the put backs.
Despite their youthful discretions, the Aggies still had an excellent opportunity to pick up a needed road victory. Freshman Mikala Scott used a pump fake to free herself for a 15-footer that tied the game at 67 with 1:58 to play. The Hornets missed their next shot, but Tonya Clark put back the offensive rebound to give the Hornets a two-point lead.
Senior Jaleesa Sams tried to give the Aggies the lead, but her 3-pointer fell short. Delaware State's Alexis Johnson put the game away with a 3-point play that gave the Hornets a 72-67 lead with 24 seconds remaining.
"Sometimes in this game this is what really happens," said Bibbs, referring to the number of games players have missed this season. "It's hard to function when you don't have all your players. However, we are giving other people a chance to learn and grow."
Scott led the Aggies with 19 points. Sams added 14 points and 10 rebounds. The Aggies return to action Monday night at 5:30 when they face Maryland Eastern Shore in Princess Anne, Md.
