Short-Handed NCCU Women’s Basketball Claims Double-Overtime Win Over UMES
DURHAM, NC – Playing with only eight available players, the North Carolina Central University (NCCU) women’s basketball team delivered a gritty performance to edge the University of Maryland Eastern Shore (UMES) 92-86 in a double-overtime thriller on Saturday. The victory, secured at McDougald-McLendon Arena, marked the Eagles’ first Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference (MEAC) win of the season and showcased their resilience despite a thin roster.
Record-Breaking Free Throw Performance
The Eagles’ victory was powered by an unprecedented showing at the free-throw line. NCCU sank 44 of 56 attempts, setting school records for both made and attempted free throws in a game. Sophomore guard Kyla Bryant led the charge, hitting an incredible 20 of 21 from the charity stripe. Her performance, combined with that of Aysia Hinton, who went 9 of 10 from the line, proved critical in a game where every point mattered.
Career Nights for Bryant and Hinton
Bryant and Hinton were instrumental, both logging career-high performances. Bryant tallied 32 points, seven rebounds, and five assists, while Hinton contributed 23 points and 12 rebounds, including clutch plays to force overtime. Graduate forward Morgan Callahan added 18 points and seven rebounds, and Shakiria Foster chipped in 17 points, five rebounds, and three steals.
A Battle of Grit and Determination
UMES dominated early, using their aggressive play to build a 33-25 halftime lead. They out-rebounded NCCU 54-42 and controlled the paint, scoring 46 points inside. However, the Eagles adjusted in the second half, attacking the basket to draw fouls and shift momentum.
Trailing by 11 in the third quarter, NCCU mounted a comeback, tying the game late in regulation. Bryant was fouled on a deep three-point attempt with three seconds remaining and down by three. She calmly sank all three free throws to send the game into the first overtime, tied at 68-68.
In the first overtime, Hinton’s clutch three-pointer tied the score at 77-77 with 29 seconds left, forcing a second overtime. Despite fouling out with 30 seconds left in the second overtime, Bryant’s earlier efforts gave the Eagles enough breathing room to hold on for the win.
“The Elite Eight” Shine Bright
The Eagles, playing with a shorthanded roster due to injuries, earned the nickname “The Elite Eight” for their gutsy performance. Head coach Terrence Baxter praised his team’s fight: “They are learning how to fight for 40 minutes. They have stopped looking at me like they are tired. They know they got to play through it.”
Hinton, a transfer from UMES, described the victory as particularly sweet. “It felt so good, so good,” said the Durham native.
A Promising Future
Despite Saturday’s win, the Eagles remain far from full strength. Talented point guard Tierney Coleman is set to return soon, and Coach Baxter anticipates that her presence will significantly bolster the roster.
NCCU (3-14 overall, 1-2 MEAC) is back in action on Monday, Jan. 13, hosting Delaware State in another MEAC matchup at McDougald-McLendon Arena. Tipoff is at 5:30 p.m., and the game will be streamed live on ESPN+.
Photo: Kevin Dorsey/NCCU Athletics