GREENSBORO - After the North Carolina A&T women's basketball team returned from its Baltimore trip last week, assistant coach Lou Hamilton posted a countdown chart toward head coach Patricia Cage-Bibbs' 500th career win.
When Bibbs walked out before the start of Saturday's second half against Maryland Eastern Shore, she smiled and said, "We're going to get it done with these young ones."
Before Saturday's game at Corbett Center, there was nothing about the Aggies' demeanor that said four-game losing streak. Now, there is certainly nothing about the Aggies that says losing streak thanks to a 53-50 win over Maryland Eastern Shore. It was the Aggies eighth straight win over the Hawks.
A&T won despite not having first-team All-MEAC performer JaQuayla Berry, injured starter Tracy King and the Aggies started three first-year players.
"Our young ladies have a lot of heart, they didn't give up, they were determined to win" said Bibbs, who won for the 494th time in her career. "It's such a joy to coach our freshmen. You're going to take your licks coaching freshmen, but it's about the future.
"I know everybody is expecting this 500th victory, but I'm not thinking about that," she added. "I'm just having fun. I'm enjoying these kids because they have a lot of energy. It's a pleasure to work with them."
One of the first-year players Bibbs has enjoyed coaching lately is Tiffanie Adair. Adair, who has won two MEAC Rookie of the Week honors, had another standout performance with 15 points and 10 rebounds. Junior Nikia Gorham added 10 points and seven boards, and rookie Jaylan Bodiford came off the bench to score eight points.
But it was freshman Jessica Lyons' strong play at the point guard position that put the Hawks on the ropes. Redshirt sophomore Amber Calvin delivered the uppercut that gave the Aggies (8-12, 3-4) the win. With the Aggies trailing by two, Lyons's bounce pass into the paint led to Gorham layup that tied the game at 46 with 4:19 to play.
On the Aggies' next possession, Lyons worked the ball deep inside the paint once again. This time, Adair took advantage with a turnaround jumper to put the Aggies ahead by two. The Hawks tied the game at 48 on two Chelsea Sanders free throws with 2:52 play.
"Tiffanie Adair is a monster on the inside," said Bibbs. "Then when you have somebody like Nikia Gorham down there, you want to play to your strengths. Our outside shot hasn't been that good lately, so we wanted to make sure the fours (power forward) and fives (center) would get touches."
The Aggies' outside shooting revolves around Calvin. But the last four games, including Saturday afternoon, have been a struggle for the sharpshooter. Before hitting what was the biggest 3-pointer of the night, Calvin had connected on just 7 of her last 31 3-point attempts.
Despite the cold spell, Calvin is still shooting 40 percent from 3-point range. Therefore, Bibbs had no hesitation in turning to Calvin in the clutch. She delivered.
Lyons, who assisted on the Aggies' final three field goals, found Calvin in the corner for the open three and a 51-48 lead with 2:26 remaining. Kwinnyata Mercer cut the lead to one, but Calvin clinched the win with two free throws.
"Tonight she went 2-for-10, but she hit that three at the right time," said Bibbs about Calvin. "You always know that a shooter will struggle, but she did some other things that were really great, like setting up people so they can score."
Calvin had seven points, six rebounds and five steals. Sanders led UMES with 13. The Aggies return to Corbett on Monday night when they face Delaware State (4-15, 1-5) at 6.
"We believe it's not over," said Bibbs. "We can still have a winning season, and we can still have a winning season in the conference. We're still very excited about our season."
