Box Score

PRINCESS ANNE, Md. - Seeking their first 2-0 start in conference play since the 2009-10 season, the University of Maryland Eastern Shore (UMES) Women's Basketball Team extended their winning streak by defeating North Carolina A&T (NCAT), 58-43, inside the William P. Hytche Athletic Center. UMES secured their fourth consecutive victory while snapping a seven-year skid against the Aggies, dating back to February 2007.

With the win, the Lady Hawks moved to 4-4 overall (2-0 MEAC) whereas NCAT dropped to 6-3 (1-1 MEAC) on the season.

Senior guard Jessica Long (Fort Washington, Md.) spearheaded the Hawk attack, posting a game-high 20 points, six dimes, five boards, and four steals. Junior forward Alexis Udoji (Randolph, Mass.) notched her fourth double-double on the season, recording 14 points and 10 rebounds in the victory.

UMES took a 12-point halftime lead, 32-20, and opened the second period on a 9-0 run, 41-20. North Carolina A&T battled back as they went on a 10-0 spurt to trim the deficit, 41-30, with more than eleven minutes remaining. Long's layup ended UMES' drought and sparked a quick 6-2 run to extend the lead, 47-32. NCAT refused to give up as they cut the deficit as low as ten with more than three minutes left in the contest, 51-41. Maryland Eastern Shore withstood North Carolina A&T's late charge as they held on to knocked off the Aggies, 58-43.

The squad shot nearly 46-percent from the field (20-of-44) while the Aggies were held below 30-percent (16-of-56). Furthermore, the Lady Hawks connected on 40-percent from downtown (4-of-10) whereas NCAT managed 29-percent (2-of-16).

In the first half, Maryland Eastern Shore clamped down on the defensive end by holding the Aggies scoreless for the first eight minutes. UMES opened the contest on a 12-0 run before a layup by NCAT's Adriana Nazario ended their drought. Another layup from the Aggies cut the deficit to single-digits, but Udoji's fast-break layup took the lead back to ten, 14-4. Over the next five minutes, North Carolina A&T kept the game close as they trailed only five, 22-17. A late surge by the Lady Hawks made the difference as they closed out the half on a 10-3 run to take a commanding lead, 32-20.

For the Aggies, Christina Carter had team-highs in points (17) and steals (4). Debbie Smith chipped in 10 points while Eboni Ross added six boards, four points, and two steals in a losing effort.

This Saturday (12/13), the Lady Hawks take their four-game winning streak to Spartanburg, S.C. to take on USC-Upstate in non-conference action. Tip-off is scheduled for 2:00 p.m.

For complete recaps, results and news of Hawk athletics, please visit www.umeshawks.com.