The Game
The Delaware State women's basketball team (4-12, 0-5 MEAC) will aim for its first conference win of the season Monday afternoon (4 p.m.) on the road against the North Carolina A&T Aggies (11-3, 1-1 MEAC).
Media Coverage
» Live Stats: http://www.nmnathletics.com/liveStats/liveStats.dbml?DB_OEM_ID=24500&DB_OEM_ID=24500&DB_LANG=&IN_SUBSCRIBER_CONTENT=
» Live Broadcast (Free): http://www.ncataggies.com/liveEvents/liveEvents.dbml
» Twitter: @DSUwbb - @ DSUAthletics
The Opponent
» North Carolina A&T Aggies (11-3, 1-1 MEAC)
The Aggies enter Monday's contest coming off a 55-51 loss at Florida A&M on Jan. 13, which snapped a four-game winning streak. Earlier in the season, after dropping its season opener to Quinnipiac, A&T ripped off seven straight wins before falling at George Washington.
As a team, the Aggies are limiting their opponents to a MEAC-best 57 points per game, while sitting second (67.1 ppg) behind Hampton in scoring offense. Spearheading A&T's balanced offensive attack is guard/forward Tracy King (12.7 ppg) and guard Christina Carter (11.6 ppg), whereas four other players averaging at least seven points per contest.
» The Head Coach: Tarrell Robinson is in his second season with the North Carolina A&T women's basketball program. Last season, the Aggies posted a 22-9 overall record, including a 13-3 finish in MEAC play.
» The Series: Delaware State is 34-28 all-time against the Aggies. In 2012-13, the Lady Hornets fell 75-53 at home in the lone matchup.
A Win Would Mean…
» DSU's second road victory of the season, its first in conference play.
» The Hornets' first victory over A&T since Feb. 5, 2011 with DSU winning at home, 75-67.
» Delaware State would avoid its first 0-6 start in MEAC play for the first time in team history.
Last Time Out…
The Lady Hornets fell 75-61 at North Carolina Central this past Saturday. Despite the loss, DSU shot 40 percent (26-of-65) with forward Tierra Hawkins tallying a game-high 26 points (12-of-17) and a team-high eight rebounds. Coming off the bench for the second consecutive game, guard Raven Bankston chipped in with 13 points (5-of-18), whereas starter Jade Washington recorded a game-high six assists and three steals, to go along with eight points (4-of-5). Collectively, the Lady Hornets managed just 11 turnovers, compared to 17 by NCCU, but lost the battle on the boards (40-29).
Road Woes
In nine road games this season, DSU is 1-8 and being outscored, 82-61. Offensively, the Lady Hornets are shooting 38 percent from field, including 20 percent from beyond the arc, while also dishing out 105 assists, compared to 160 by their oppositions. Additionally, opposing squads are shooting 46 percent, along with owning the rebounding advantage (389-314). Dating back to last season, the Lady Hornets have dropped 12 out of their last 13 road games.
Rough Stretch
After starting 3-3, DSU has dropped nine out of its last 10 games. During this stretch, the Lady Hornets have been outscored, 77-56, while shooting 34 percent from the floor and 18 percent from beyond the arc. Defensively, teams are shooting 45 percent from the field, including 38 percent from long distance. Delaware State has also struggled to take care of the ball by totaling 188 turnovers, compared to 96 assists.
Can't Shake the Injury Bug
Throughout the season, the Lady Hornets have been hit hard on the injury front. Before playing a game, center Janay Carter and guard Aaliyah Davis both suffered season-ending knee injuries, whereas guard Raine Bankston also went down with a season-ending knee injury after starting five games.
Later in the year, leading scorer and rebounder Tierra Hawkins missed two games after suffering a shoulder injury in the first half against Coppin State, whereas guard Diamond Williams (ankle) recently returned to action against NCCU after missing three games.
Moving Up the Career List, Record Watch
With her 26-point effort at NCCU, junior Tierra Hawkins is now eighth (1,269) all-time on DSU's scoring list. Heading into Monday's game, she needs three blocks (51) to pass RoShunda Fobbs (1997-99) on the program's all-time blocks list to become 10th.
At this Point Last Season…
The Lady Hornets were 5-11 and 2-1 MEAC action, coming off a 72-63 win at UMES.
Coming Up Next…
DSU will stay in North Carolina to face the North Carolina A&T Aggies on Monday (6 p.m.).
