As N.C. A&T cakewalked its way to an 85-55 victory over S.C.

State, the Aggies’ Nic Simpson became the 27th player in school

history to reach the 1,000-point milestone.

As N.C. A&T cakewalked its way to an 85-55 victory over S.C. State, the Aggies’ Nic Simpson became the 27th player in school history to reach the 1,000-point milestone.

Simpson is the third player under head coach Jerry Eaves to score 1,000 points joining Jason Wills and Thomas Coleman.

“We’re proud of Nic,” said Eaves. “I think it’s great he got his 1,000th point, and it was even better that he played so well…he shot the lights out from three, which was huge for us.”

Simpson scored his 1,000th point on three-pointer in front of the Aggies’ home crowd. When he left the game, he and Eaves shared a hug.

“When I first started here in 08-09 I didn’t really have any goals. I just wanted to play,” Simpson said.

“Then last year all I wanted to do was win…[when] senior year came around…Mr. Holloway let me know I was getting close to 1,000 points. So then it became a goal and worked as a little extra motivation for me.”

Simpson continuously works on condition, shooting and footwork, which he says, are key to being a good shooter and getting a quick shot off from a screen or in the corner.

Simpson scored 17 points against the S.C. State Bulldogs.

While it was a special moment for him and a privilege to receive the recognition Simpson doesn’t take all the credit.

“It was a great accomplishment. It is really just a testament to the three point guards I have played with and all of my other teammates who look for me and find me throughout my career,” he said referring to Tavarus Alston, Marc Hill, and Jeremy Underwood as the three point guards.

“It’s something everyone on the team, and the coaches can be proud of because those are the guys I work with all day and all year.”

The Aggies entered the S.C. State game coming off three consecutive conference losses.

A&T’s players knew it was important to strive for a win on their home court in order to redeem themselves.

“We felt a lot of pressure coming into this game. We need a win to regain confidence in ourselves to finish out the rest of the season strong,” said junior forward Demetrius Upchurch.

Upchurch was in the starting lineup after coming off of a strained hip flexor injury that occurred in the game against Carver College on Jan. 3.

While injured, Upchurch was the biggest cheerleader for his ‘brothers’ when they went on a five game winning streak. During Saturday’s game he was able to be more in sync with the team contributing 15 points.

Eaves said “This team wouldn’t lose a game if they believe as a team.” At the start of the half it seemed as the team was in high belief leading the Bulldogs 43-29.

Along with Upchurch and Simpson, Hill was also one of the high scorers of the night with 13 points.

“The main focus for Monday’s game will be to rebound, not get outworked, and fight the whole game,” said Simpson last Saturday before the Savannah State game.

But the Aggies did not have the same luck against the Tigers.

“Wins help us get our confidence back so we can get back to our winning ways and start winning games going into the MEAC tournament,” said Hill.

Despite Saturday’s blowout win and Simpson’s career achievement, the Aggies lost to the Savannah State Tigers 66-59.

It was a tough game with the Tigers shooting from the three-point range a majority of the night.

There are still four conference games ahead with the next one taking place Saturday against N.C. Central in Corbett Sports Center at 4 p.m.

The last time the Eagles (7-5, 13-12) and the Aggies (6-6, 13-12) met, the Eagles defeated the Aggies 65-46 and the Aggies shot 2-for-18 from three-point range.

If the Aggies come out on top, the two teams will be tied for sixth place in the conference.

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• Symone Kidd, Register Reporter