Thursday, March 19, 2015

Hampton U. women refocused for WNIT opportunity

HAMPTON, Virginia  -- When Hampton University women's basketball coach David Six addressed his players earlier this week in preparation for the Women's NIT, he invoked one of the Pirates' men's players.

Not leading scorer and rebounder Dwight Meikle. Not MEAC tournament MVP Deron Powers or kinetic wing Quinton Chievous. He brought up senior forward Emmanuel Okoroba.

"I thought Emmanuel Okoroba played a great championship game," Six said. "I told them he played like it was his last game, and we have to do the same thing, because it could be our last game."

Indeed, Okoroba was a key contributor in the Pirates' run to the MEAC title. Despite seeing his playing time reduced through the course of the season, he was critical in the semifinals and final. He played double-figure minutes versus both Norfolk State and Delaware State, in Meikle's absence, and totaled 14 points and six rebounds, and provided a defensive presence around the basket.

Six said that he and the players moved on from last week's disappointing MEAC tournament quarterfinal loss to Maryland Eastern Shore. Thursday's NIT game at Drexel (7 p.m.), and the entire tournament, are chances to extend their season.

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