The N.C. A&T Lady Aggies’ early defensive struggles in the first half helped advance the Miami Hurricanes to the fourth round in their 84-77 victory in the Women’s National Invitational Tournament. 

Miami hit 10 3-pointers for the game and expanded the lead to as much as 15 points shooting over 80 percent in the first half.

A&T did cut the deficit to five points on multiple occasions in the second half, but had trouble stopping Miami’s transition break in the final minutes.

The Hurricanes held standout freshman, Amber Calvin, to just 13 points on a 4-17 shooting performance for the game.

Calvin left the game in the final minutes with a knee injury.

Jaleesa Sams led all Aggies with 20 points and nine rebounds.

The loss marked the end of a historic 2-game postseason winning streak, which is the longest for any historically black college in NCAA Division I postseason.

It also brought two stellar careers to an end with Ta’Wuana Cook and Lamona Smalley both finishing among the school leaders in points and rebounds respectively.

The other seniors playing in their final game included Tyronnica Alford and Shantar Waddell.

A&T seasons ends at 23-11.

• Daniel Henderson