DURHAM, North Carolina - The Flordia A&M Lady Rattlers (9-5, 2-0 MEAC), soundly defeated the North Carolina Central Lady Eagles (2-13) by 27 points in a 78-51 rout, today in the McDougald-McLendon Gym in Durham, N.C.
The outcome never seemed in doubt as coach LeDawn Gibson played all dressed players in the first half and a significant part of the second half. s actually led by 45 points with 8:10 remaining in the game, but stuck strictly to reserves in order to get more experience for them going into a tough conference game on Monday in Greensboro,N.C. against the North Carolina A&T Aggies.
The Lady Rattlers followed the lead of Qiana Donald to a 44-22 lead at the half. Donald scored 13 points on 5-9 shooting, while adding eight rebounds in the first half. Tameka McKelton and Kimberly Sparkman added seven points each for the Lady Rattlers in the first period.
Gibson displayed her team's depth playing all 13 of her players in the half. As a team, FAMU shot 41 percent (16-39) from the field in the first half. From the three-point line, they shot 25 percent on 4-16 from the arch and 67 percent (8-12) from the free throw line.
Gibson felt there were several reason to let the non-starters play in today's game. "We have a big conference game on Monday against North Carolina A&T, so by playing our reserves for an extended length of time it gave our starters a chance to rest their legs so they can be fresh. It also gave our younger players a chance to get in and feel how it is to play in the MEAC," Gibson said.
Donald would score 20 points for the game, rounding out a double-double with 10 rebounds and one block. McKelton scored 15 points on 7-12 shooting from the field. MEAC leading scorer Antonia Bennett chipped in 11 points, while Jasmine Grice put in 10 points. As a team the Lady Rattlers grabbed 45 rebounds.
FAMU shot 29-68 (42.6%) from the field, 4-18 (22.2) from the three-point line and 16-21(76.2%) from the free throw line.
The Lady Eagles were led by Kabrina Truesdale who scored 13 points. Blaire Houston would be the only other NCCU player in double figures. Truesdale would also lead the team with nine rebounds.
The story of the game was the Lady Rattlers extending their winning streak to six straight with team play. Donald understands this completely. " I was just feeding off of my teammates. They were taking shots and I just tried to play as big as possible in the inside. It's very important for our reserves to understand that everybody has a part to play on this team. We've got the goal of winning a championship, so winning games is just a part of the ultimate goal," Donald said.
Gibson's take on the game had less to do with the win, but the overall mindset of the team going into tough conference play. Gibson said, "Qiana realized that Antonia and Tameka hadn't found their groove in the first half and she stepped up and took over as far as scoring and rebounding. That's what's great about this team, you never know whose coat we need to ride on a particular night. I think she did a good job rebounding and scoring."
The Lady Rattlers head to Greensboro, NC to take on the Aggies of NC A&T on Monday in a 5:30 p.m. tipoff.
By Florida A&M University Sports Information
VISIT: FAMUATHLETICS
VISIT: FLORIDA A&M UNIVERSITY
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