DURHAM, N.C. – North Carolina Central University’s women’s basketball team secured a 58-44 victory over Delaware State University on , marking the start of a three-game homestand for the Eagles. The win at McDougald-McLendon Arena was characterized by a significant defensive shift and a strong performance from several key players, setting the stage for upcoming matches against Morgan State and Coppin State.
The Eagles initially struggled to find their rhythm, but a decisive 18-1 run spanning the second and third quarters proved pivotal in overcoming the Hornets. This surge was initiated by a three-pointer from Aysia Hinton, who recently set a program record for three-pointers in a single game, and culminated with a layup from Aniya Finger.
“We got off to a slow start but we eased our way right into the way we want to play,” said NCCU Head Coach Terrence Baxter. “I’m proud of my ladies for getting this win and we got two more to get this week.”
The defensive pressure during this run stifled Delaware State, forcing four missed shots and five turnovers. The Eagles extended their lead to 55-32 early in the fourth quarter, demonstrating a sustained momentum shift.
Aniya Finger delivered a standout performance, scoring 16 points and securing 10 rebounds, achieving her third consecutive double-double in MEAC conference games. Her effectiveness was particularly notable against Delaware State’s taller frontline. Baxter highlighted Finger’s impact, explaining the strategic decision to bring her off the bench to avoid early foul trouble.
“Aniya has been picking us up big time,” Baxter stated. “We bring Aniya off the bench so she can’t get in early foul trouble.”
Natalie Jasper also contributed significantly, achieving a career-high of 13 points while shooting 4 of 7 from the field. Baxter praised Jasper’s recent form, noting a return to her previous level of performance after a less impactful showing in the prior game.
“Natalie has been big for us right before Christmas break until now,” Baxter said. “When she stops thinking, she is tough to guard and she is a great defender as well.”
Jasper herself acknowledged the need to regain her form. “Going into this game, I felt like I had to sort of get my get-back,” she said. “I felt like last game, I didn’t show up. I wasn’t my same self offensively and defensively. I told Coach Bax that is not going to happen again.”
Aysia Hinton added eight points, including two three-pointers, and five rebounds, while Dianna Blake contributed six points, five rebounds, and three blocks, matching her career high. Baxter emphasized Blake’s defensive importance, highlighting her role in controlling the paint.
“We set the tone on defense with Dianna,” Baxter said. “Dianna is going to always defend and rebound. That is what she specializes in. She controls the middle. That’s what she has been doing all year.”
The Eagles’ interior presence, featuring Finger, Blake, and Morgan Callahan, dominated the rebounding battle, securing 46 rebounds compared to Delaware State’s 36, despite facing a frontcourt with two players standing 6-2 and 6-3. Blake emphasized the team’s strategy of preventing the Hornets from establishing position close to the basket.
“We realized we had to push them off the block,” Blake said. “They weren’t really shooting the ball so as long as they weren’t close to the basket, we were good.”
North Carolina Central’s defensive efforts limited Delaware State to 30.2 percent shooting and forced 20 turnovers. While the Eagles’ own shooting percentage was 32.1 percent, they capitalized on their opportunities at the free-throw line, converting 17 of 24 attempts for a 70.8 percent success rate.
“Our defense and rebounding set the tone for the rest of the day,” Baxter concluded.
NEXT UP
The Eagles will continue their homestand on , hosting Morgan State at 6:30 p.m. This game presents an opportunity for North Carolina Central to avenge a narrow 64-63 loss to Morgan State in Baltimore last month. The matchup is anticipated to be a challenging contest, with both teams vying for position within the MEAC standings. Morgan State is scheduled to visit Coppin State on .
