North Carolina Central University

WOMEN'S BASKETBALL

    DURHAM, NC -- The North Carolina Central University Lady Eagles showed some encouraging signs while defeating the Lady Trojans of Virginia State University, 44-36, in their exhibition opener played at McLendon-McDougald Gymnasium on Saturday afternoon in Durham, N.C.

VSU held an 8-2 lead at the 13:39 mark, but the Lady Eagles went on an 18-2 run to take a 20-10 advantage on a three-pointer by Jennifer Hukill with 2:43 left in the first half. NCCU took a 24-12 cushion into the locker room at halftime.  

NCCU shot only 37 percent in the first half, but improved to 47 percent after intermission. 

In the second half, VSU cut a 24-point Lady Eagle lead (36-12, 12:10) down to seven (43-36) with 1:22 left in the game, but it was not enough for the visitors.

NCCU was led by sophomore Jori Nwachukwu, who scored nine points and grabbed nine rebounds, while Hukill had eight points and seven boards for the afternoon. 

VSU had a balanced scoring attack, led by Katania Walker's 10 points.  Taneisha White had an eight-point afternoon.

NCCU will travel to Winston-Salem, N.C. to take on the Deacons of Wake Forest University on Wednesday, Nov. 7.  Game time is 7 p.m.