North Carolina A&T’s men’s and women’s basketball teams are headed to Durham, N.C. to faceoff against historic rivals, the North Carolina Central University Eagles, Wednesday, Jan. 22.
Last season, the men’s team fell to NCCU 47-51. The main reason for the loss was the player’s inability to deliver at the foul line, shooting 31 percent versus NCCU’s 90 percent. Another factor that played in last year’s loss was the hectic atmosphere.
Even though the Aggies were not able to pull off a win against NCCU in regular conference play last season, they were able to claim a victory during the 2013 Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference playoffs. The men’s team has only been able to pull off one victory at NCCU, which came during the 2010-11 season.
This time around, head coach Cy Alexander says the Aggies are going to try and play hard, smart, together, and play with confidence. “We’re going to try and utilize the same game plan we utilized in the Mid-Eastern Athletic tournament,” said Alexander.
According to Alexander, he is not worried about the atmosphere that comes with this game because the team has already played in tough environments this season against teams like Ole Miss, Georgia Tech, St. Louis University and Rhode Island. “Everybody has got to play their best game in order to pull off a W,” said Alexander.
According to senior guard, Jeremy Underwood, this is the last time he will be playing NCCU in their territory, so he is ready to lay it all on the line. He also says that even though there are only five veterans on the team, he thinks the young team will handle the pressure of playing in a rivalry game of this magnitude because the team has already played through a lot of adverse situations.
“I think the whole team is ready to step up and perform and get the W. It’s a big game,” said Underwood. Facing NCCU, Underwood also says the team needs to work on closing out games instead of letting teams catch up after the Aggies have gained a 20-point lead.
Currently, the men’s team is 1-1 in the MEAC conference and 4-12 overall. NCCU’s men’s basketball team is also 1-1 in conference and 10-5 overall.
The Lady Aggies dominated the NCCU women’s team last season beating them 60-33. During the game, the Lady Aggies relied heavily on their defense and returning sophomore, Eboni Ross, who led the defensive effort having 10 rebounds, three blocks and three steals.
According to head coach Tarrell Robinson, he is looking for Eboni Ross to impact the game the way she did last year. Robinson said the second time the Lady Aggies played NCCU during the regular season she was more mature and more confident. “Hopefully with her having a year under her belt, we’ll get the same effort this year,” said Robinson.
According to Robinson, his plan of attack for the upcoming Central game is to get people in foul trouble so the Lady Aggies can make plays at the foul line. In the case of a hectic atmosphere from the Central crowd, Robinson hopes the teams gets off to a great start defensively and does not allow the Eagles of NCCU to score. Once the defensive end is under control, Robinson says executing on offense is the following goal. “Our girls are excited about this rivalry, so we’ll be ready,” said Robinson.
Going into the NCCU game, senior guard, Tracy King, says the team needs to prepare and focus to come away with a victory.
“Because we’re rivals everybody is going to bring their best game,” said King. According to King, her role in this game is to keep the team together because she is not completely sure what to expect physically coming back to the line-up off an injury. “As long as we stay together as a team and everybody contributes, we will be alright because the main thing is to stay together as a team and come ready to play,” said King.
Currently, the Lady Aggies are 1-1 in the MEAC conference and 11-3 overall. NCCU’s women’s team is also 1-1 in the conference and 6-9 overall.
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- Uniqua Quillins, Register Reporter