(Durham, N.C.) – Monday afternoon, the Delaware State women's basketball team (3-15, 1-5 MEAC) came up short on the road to the North Carolina Central Eagles (5-15, 3-5 MEAC), 66-59, despite three Hornets scoring in double figures.

With this loss, DSU dropped its fourth in a row, whereas the Eagles recorded their second straight win for the first time this season.

In the first half, despite shooting 40 percent (12-of-30) from the field, the Lady Hornets led the majority of the way, including building an eight-point about midway through the opening stanza. At the half, the Hornets led 29-25, as forward Tierra Hawkins had eight points (4-of-7) to lead all scorers.  The Eagles, meanwhile, shot 50 percent (12-of-24) from the floor, but went 0-for-6 from long distance and 1-for-5 (.200) from the charity stripe.

After intermission, NCCU managed to knot the game at 34 with 16 minutes to play, after forward Kierona Morton drained a free throw to complete an old fashion 3-point play.  About three minutes later, guard Morgan Jones drained back-to-back treys, giving the Eagles a 40-36 lead.

As the half progressed, DSU's N'Kayah Kersey split a pair at the line to make it a 52-49 contest with 4:43 remaining, but North Carolina Central ripped off five unanswered points over the next two minutes to build an eight-point lead.  The rest of the way, NCCU did just enough at the charity stripe to hold on for the victory, despite the Lady Hornets making it a one possession game with under 20 seconds play.

At game's end, NCCU's Raquel Davis, who was named MEAC Defensive Player of the Week earlier in the day, led the way for the Eagles with her second consecutive double-double of 16 points (7-of-11) and a game-high 11 boards. Jones, meanwhile, finished with 14 points (5-of-9) all coming in the second half.

For DSU, forward Amber Bogard finished with a team-high 18 points (7-of-16), eight rebounds and two blocks, while guard Mikah Aldridge poured in 17 points (7-of-17).  Aldridge also extended her streak of hitting a 3-pointer to 13 games with a 3-for-8 (.375) effort.

Coming up, the Columbia Blue & Red will continue their four-game road swing this Saturday (2 p.m.) against South Carolina State.  Earlier in the season, DSU fell at home to the Bulldogs on Jan. 26, 65-60.

Stingers

DSU shot 40 percent (23-of-58) from the field, compared to NCCU's 48 percent (25-of-52) effort… NCCU won the battle on the boards, 42-35… Tierra Hawkins finished with 12 points (6-of-12), six rebounds and three steals… Both teams scored 23 points off turnovers… The Hornets are 4-2 all-time against the Eagles.