GREENSBORO, N.C. – In one of the most electrifying battles in recent memory, the North Carolina A&T women’s basketball team edged out Northeastern 89-86 in a grueling triple-overtime showdown at Corbett Sports Center on Friday night, etching a new chapter in Lady Aggies lore.
Paris Locke’s Record-Breaking Triple-Double
At the heart of the victory was junior forward Paris Locke, who etched her name in program history by posting the very first triple-double for an A&T woman. She tallied 22 points, a career-best 13 assists, and 12 rebounds—all without a single turnover across a staggering 51 minutes on the floor. Remarkably, Locke locked up the triple-double before the extra periods even tipped off, showcasing her all-around dominance from start to finish.
“I have full faith in my teammates,” Locke shared afterward. “I know they’ll knock down those open looks. I’m just thankful for the chance to shine like this tonight.”
Chaniya Clark’s Go-Ahead Dagger
That faith culminated in the game’s defining sequence. With triple overtime winding down and 11 seconds on the clock, Locke delivered a pinpoint pass to fifth-year senior Chaniya Clark, who was camped out beyond the arc. Clark drained the go-ahead 3-pointer with ice in her veins, posing confidently as the ball swished through for an 89-86 advantage. Northeastern got two solid opportunities from deep in the dying moments, but both shots clanged off the rim, handing the Aggies their hard-fought triumph.
Clark’s heroics ended a night of sheer pandemonium. Earlier, at the end of regulation with the score knotted, Locke’s inbound attempt deflected off a Huskies defender’s leg, sparking a scramble. Clark dove for the loose ball in the corner, shook free from Northeastern’s Justice Tramble despite tight defense, and fired an off-balance 3 that kissed the glass and dropped with 2.2 seconds left, putting A&T up 70-68. The Huskies countered instantly: Camryn Collins caught a bounce pass on the inbound and banked home a twisting 15-footer from the baseline to force overtime at 70-all.
Overtime Madness Unfolds
The extra sessions only amplified the drama. First overtime saw A&T’s Jamyia Lindsey thread a pass to D’Mya Tucker for a twisting bucket that evened things at 74-74 late. Northeastern’s timeout gamble backfired when a post-break scrum ended with Morgan Matthews’ apparent buzzer-beater ruled invalid after review—the shot clock had beaten the game clock by a hair. Clark’s desperation heave from downtown bricked, pushing play to a second OT.
There, Tramble—Northeastern’s rebounding machine with 18 points and 21 boards (12 offensive)—nudged her team ahead 79-78. Tucker answered with a free throw after drawing contact, tying it once more. Jessup’s buzzer 3 missed, teeing up the third overtime decider.
A&T coach Tarrell Robinson, coaching the longest game of his career, marveled at his squad’s grit. “I’ve never seen anything like it,” he admitted. “You’re just riding the wave, pushing them to stay tough. Resilience defined us out there.”
Balanced Attack Seals the Win
Five Aggies reached double figures in scoring. Clark exploded for a personal-best 22 points, highlighted by that dagger 3. Tucker contributed 15, Jessup sparked the bench with 11, and Anaya Karriem added 10. The win halted a three-game skid, boosting A&T to 10-15 overall (5-9 CAA). Northeastern slipped to 7-17 (3-11 league).
Friday’s epic—marking A&T’s first triple-OT victory since 1989 and their second marathon against these foes this year (after a double-OT win in Boston)—tested every ounce of endurance. Even lighter moments emerged, like Robinson noting Tucker’s mid-game bathroom break amid the chaos. “We had to rotate for breathers,” he quipped. “This was wild, exhausting, but an absolute blast.”
The Aggies now enjoy a week’s rest before hitting the road to battle Monmouth in West Long Branch, N.J., on Friday at 7 p.m., carrying momentum from a night that Lady Aggie fans won’t soon forget.
