Lady Eagles Stumble on Senior Day as Second-Quarter Struggles Lead to Loss Against Howard

DURHAM, N.C. – North Carolina Central University (NCCU) held its own for three quarters against Howard, but a disastrous second quarter proved costly, leading to a 74-51 defeat on Senior Day at McDougald-McLendon Arena on Saturday.

Before tip-off, seniors Janiah Jones, Nijah Cunningham, and Tierney Coleman were honored in an emotional pregame ceremony, but the celebration was dampened as Howard took control in the second quarter.

With the game tied 10-10 after the first quarter, the Bison erupted with a 25-5 run in the second, capitalizing on NCCU’s 1-for-12 shooting slump and 32 total turnovers. The Eagles didn’t make a field goal in the quarter until Kyla Bryant’s jumper with 18 seconds left in the half, and Howard went into the break leading 35-15.

“One quarter beat us,” said NCCU Head Coach Terrence Baxter. “We lost that quarter by 20 and pretty much played [Howard] even the rest of the way. We had great, great looks but didn’t knock ’em down today. Against good teams, you can’t afford that.”

Despite the loss, Bryant led the way for NCCU with 14 points and eight rebounds. Morgan Callahan was a force inside with 15 rebounds, four blocks, and three steals, while Jada Tiggett swatted six shots.

Howard’s Destiny Howell scored 21 points, including five three-pointers, and the Bison took full advantage of their 34-9 edge in points off turnovers and 30-12 dominance in the paint.

The Eagles (8-19, 5-7 MEAC) will look to bounce back against two-time defending MEAC champion Norfolk State in their home finale on Monday, March 3, at 5:30 p.m. The game will be live streamed on ESPN+.

For more updates, visit NCCUEaglePride.com or download the NCCU Eagles Athletics app.

Photo: NCCU Athletics/Doug Burt