Box Score
DURHAM, N.C. — LaVonna Hailey scored 13 points, and Jennifer Hukill and Latoya Bennett contributed 12 each as North Carolina Central topped Norfolk State 58-44 Wednesday night at the McLendon-McDouglad Gym.
NSU fell to 2-8 on the season, while the Lady Eagles, who are in their first year transitioning to Division I status, improved to 3-17.
Both teams kept it close in the first half, as neither would get more than a three-point advantage in the first 20 minutes. NSU jumped out to a quick 2-0 lead on a layup by Tiffany Gadsden (Columbia, S.C.) with 19:26 left in the first half.
The second of two free throws by Areya Walker (Portsmouth, Va.) at the 3:39 mark broke a 19-all tie, giving the Spartans a 20-19 lead. But a layup by Shakeyma Adams with five seconds left gave the Lady Eagles a 25-23 advantage at half time.
NCCU opened up the second half on a 19-10 run, capped by a Hukill jumper with 8:16 left in the game. NSU got as close as five, 49-44, with 3:21 left after two free throws by Gadsden, but the Lady Eagles scored nine unanswered points to earn the victory.
One positive for NSU was the long-awaited debut of Hampton High School star Raychele Payne (Newport News, Va.). Payne, who was sidelined for the first nine games of the season because of a knee injury, had a quiet outing, recording just two points, two rebounds, and two assists. She did play for 29 minutes, however, which is a signal that her rehab efforts are paying off.
Bennett grabbed a game-high 12 rebounds for NCCU as the Lady Eagles outrebounded NSU 39-36. Hailey added three assists and two steals.
Walker led the Spartan effort with 11 points and nine boards. It is the fourth consecutive game and seventh time this season that she has scored in double figures. Gadsden and Natasha Huntley(Greensboro, N.C.) had eight points apiece. Gadsden added six rebounds, two blocks and two steals.
The Spartans return home for the continuation of their MEAC schedule when they play host to Coppin State at 4 p.m. on Saturday.
