(Greensboro, N.C.) – Saturday afternoon, the Delaware State women's basketball team (3-14, 1-4 MEAC) were no match against the MEAC preseason favorite North Carolina A&T Aggies (10-10, 3-4 MEAC), falling 79-38 to open a four-game road trip.

With this loss, DSU were denied its first win over the Aggies since Feb. 5, 2011, whereas NCAT snapped a two-game skid in conference play.  

From the opening tip, the Aggies controlled the pace leading by as many as 23, headlined by a thunderous 16-0 run over a six-minute span, along guard Debbie Smith pouring in 12 points (5-of-13) as the game's leading scorer at the break.  DSU, meanwhile, were limited to just 12 percent (2-of-17) shooting, in addition to allowing 20 points in the paint, resulting in a 37-16 halftime deficit.   The Aggies also pulled down 30 rebounds, led by center April McCrae registering seven boards and nine points (4-of-8).    

The second stanza, unfortunately for Delaware State, was much of the same with North Carolina A&T scoring 42 points on 53 percent (18-of-34) shooting, whereas the Hornets went 6-for-15 (.400).

At game's end, four Aggies scored in double figures, led by guard Dana Brown's 17 points (7-of-15), including draining a game-high three 3-pointers.  The Aggies also scored 42 points off 23 Delaware State turnovers, along with 40 points in the paint.  For DSU, forwards Tierra Hawkins (16) and Amber Bogard (13) led the squad in scoring, respectively.    

Coming up, the Columbia Blue & Red will head to nearby Durham, N.C. to take on the North Carolina Central Eagles Monday afternoon (4 p.m.).  

Stingers

Delaware State registered season-lows in points (38), field goals made (8) and shooting percent (.250)… Guard Mikah Aldridge has now hit a three in 12 consecutive games… Tierra Hawkins tallied season-highs in free throws made (10) and attempted (12)… NCAT won the battle on the boards, 45-27.