North Carolina A&T Aggies defeated Morgan State Bears 68-60 on Feb. 28 in Corbett Sports Center at 7 p.m. This was the last home game for the Aggies.

The Bears started the game with a quick lead.  Guard Tola Lawal made one file shot, which put the Bears up 3-0 with 18:08 on the clock. The Aggies soon picked up speed and their defense began to hustle more, which allowed them to get back in the game.

After two minutes, forward Ray Lester made a layup, which tied the game at 5-5.

Aggie center Thomas Coleman made another layup, putting the Aggies in the lead; they would hold the lead for the rest of the game. A&T continued to score points and gain leverage over the Bears. With 10:38 left in the first half, the Aggies were up 28-17. By the end of the first half, the Aggies had a 34-29 lead.

The Aggies started the second half strong and continued to pull away from Morgan State. Aggie guard Marc Hill hit a three pointer making the score 37-29.

Over the next couple of minutes, Aggies continued to separate themselves from the Bears. With 12:00 minutes on the clock, the score was 48-38. Minutes later, Dewayne Jackson from the Bears was injured, but quickly recovered.

With 4:30 on the clock, the Bears began to pull within the Aggies, who led 56-49, but Kevin Thompson was injured and fouled out. He was escorted off the court. The Bears were unsuccessful and the Aggies won the game 68-60.

Aggie head coach, Jerry Eaves believes that this victory was a learning experience for the Aggies.

“What we are pushing to do right now is to secure the fifth seat,” said Eaves. “I know the boys felt under pressure and their anxiety was high in the second half.

But, this was an opportunity for them to learn how to play in a tournament.”

A&T’s game against Morgan State was the last home game for senior Coleman.

“The time went very fast. I can’t believe four years went by this quick,” said Eaves. “Thomas Coleman is the best player. We are really going to miss him, no question.”

Coleman ended the game with 21 points and eight rebounds and was named MEAC player of the week.  Nic Simpson added 12 points and Hill contributed 11 points in the Aggie victory.

Rodney Stokes who recorded 18 points and eight rebounds led the Bears in the loss. Aric Brooks added 13 points and eight rebounds for the Bears.

Prior to the game against the Bears the Aggies faced off against the Eagles of Coppin State. On Feb 26 the Aggies defeated Coppin state 76-72 in Corbett Sports Center.

This game also served as Senior Night for the Men’s and Women’s Basketball teams. Thomas Coleman was honored as being the front man for Aggie Basketball.

The Aggies played the Eagles earlier this season in Baltimore, MD on Jan. 29 and were defeated 88-70.

Coppin started the first half of the game with 6-4 lead, but the Aggies soon caught up.  Coppin continued to pull away, but a three pointer by guard Jeremy

Underwood with 12 minutes left to play in the half gave the Aggies a 14-10. Over the next six minutes, the lead changed and Coppin came back and gained 20-19 lead. Guard Michael Harper shot two and helped close the first half with a 43-28 lead.

The Aggie defense started back strong in the second half. Layups by Coleman kept the Aggies in the game and by the 15:57 mark, the Aggies were within 10 points.

The Aggies continued to gain leverage and with a minute left on the clock the score was 71-72.

With a two point shot by Coleman, the Aggies finally gained the lead back. The Eagles attempted to gain the lead back, but missed a two-point opportunity.

With free throws by Aggie guard R.J. Buck and Aggie forward Adrian Powell, the Aggies secured their victory.

Tonight was also Senior Night for the Men’s and Women’s Basketball teams. The Aggies center, Thomas Coleman, was honored as being the front man for the team.

Coleman led the Aggies to victory with 24 points and 12 rebounds; Nic Simpson had 12 points; Underwood recorded 8 points and forward Powell had 7 points and 6 rebounds.

This helped give the Aggies their victory.  

Forward Akeem Ellis led the Eagles with 27 points and 9 rebounds. Guard Michael Harper added 20 points and Gallo had 19 points.

The Aggies are now 15-15 and 9-6 in the MEAC. A&T is back in action against Norfolk State University on Thursday March 3 in Norfolk, V.A., at 7 p.m.

• Necole Jackson