After a long hard fought battle, the Aggies were unable to come out on top but falling short to their rival opponent N.C. Central 62-66 at the Corbett Sports Center on Saturday. “It’s growing pains and it hurts but we’re going to keep working and stay positive and get ready for our next game,” said head coach Cy Alexander.

In the first half, shots were not falling immediately for the Aggies. Within the first couple seconds, senior forward Adrian Powell missed an attempted three point shot which was then followed by senior guard R.J. Buck missing another shot in the next possession. Powell then tried to come back with another three point shot that he also missed. “I really think we were a little tight coming out and I’m trying to break that and keep us relaxed,” said Alexander.

Despite the early calamity, the Aggies still managed to find a rhythm. A few blocked shots and a three point basket knocked down by senior forward Austin Witter allowed the Aggies to tie the game 9-9 five minutes into the half. The Aggies were not able to maintain a lead during this half, but they tied the scored nine times throughout. Freshman forward Bruce Beckford made a layup tying the score 25-25 ending the first half.

In the second half, Powell found his own momentum making important shots and plays increasing the score for the team and also building confidence. “Powell caught fire. He hit some tough shots,” stated LeVelle Moton head coach of N.C. Central. Powell’s shooting streak started out with a jumper which tied the game 27-27. Following, Powell knocked down three 3-point shots which caused the Aggies to only trail by two points 39-41 N.C. Central.

The Aggies got a boost of confidence and played with more intensity once they started to gain a lead over the Eagles. Powell made the lead for the Aggies by knocking down his two free throw shots leaving the score 46-45 with A&T in the lead. Soon after, junior guard Jeremy Underwood stepped up to the line making his own set of free throws which increased the lead to 48-45. Senior forward DaMetrius Upchurch also got the free throw fever by knocking down two of his own which allowed the Aggies to maintain their three point lead over NCCU.

Regardless of the slight comeback, the Aggies were not able to maintain their lead due to foul trouble and the toughness of NCCU. Senior forward Lawrence Smith and junior guard Lamont Middleton both fouled which allowed NCCU junior forward Stanton Kidd and senior guard Ray Willis free shots at the basket which they both made. This mishap allowed N.C. Central to gain their lead back ending the game 66-62.

Dec. 13 the Aggies will face off against the New Jersey Institute of Technology. “It just the first conference game and we still have plenty of games to go. I think we’ll be alright,” said Powell.

• uniqua quillins Contributor