Lady Pirates Get First Win Of Season Against Lady Aggies
November 26, 2003 | Women's Basketball
GREENVILLE, N.C. ? The East Carolina women's basketball team recorded its first victory of the season as they beat in-state foe N.C. A&T, 72-54, Wednesday night inside Williams Arena at Minges Coliseum.
The Lady Pirates (1-1) had three players in double figures led by senior Courtney Willis, who recorded 15 points and 13 rebounds, her first double-double of the season. Jennifer Jackson posted 12 points and four rebounds, while fellow junior guard Samantha Pankey added 10 points and seven assists.
For the second consecutive game of the season, the Lady Pirates out rebounded their opponent, pulling down a 51-40 advantage which led to 34 points in the paint.
"In the first half we missed a lot of easy shots that we would normally hit," said head coach Sharon Baldwin-Tener. "We have to concentrate and take care of those misses"
ECU jumped out to a 17-2 lead in the first 7:35 of the game behind a pair of Willis layups and Jackson jumpers. The Lady Aggies (0-2) cut the lead to eight, 17-9, on a pair of three-pointers by Camile Aiken and Yanumbe Sherman. ECU held A&T to 21.4 percent shooting in the first half and had a 34-17 lead at intermission.
In the second half the Lady Aggies tried to cut into the Lady Pirate lead and got it to 11 points with 7:07 left to play, but a pair of three-point baskets by Alisha Bishop put the lead back to 17, and the ECU cruised to a 72-54 victory.
"Alisha was able to hit some threes late in the game for us," said Baldwin-Tener. "We were able to hold our composure and get some stops on the other end, which was crucial. I thought that we came out ready to play tonight and it showed in the first couple of minutes of the game. They got away with a couple of threes in the first half because of miscommunication on our part. I thought that we did a very good job defensively in the first half."
ECU returns to action Friday, Nov. 28 as it hosts the Lady Pirate Invitational. The first game between Eastern Washington and Ball State will tip-off at 1 p.m., with the Lady Pirates scheduled to start at 3 p.m. against Cleveland State.
East Carolina vs. N.C. A&T
Nov. 26, 2003
Postgame Notes
