PHILADELPHIA – North Carolina A&T faced a disappointing overtime loss to the Drexel Dragons, ending 65-63. This game marked A&T’s second overtime occurrence in just three games, but it didn’t go as well as previous ones. With this defeat, the Aggies’ record is now 11-16 overall and 6-10 in the Coastal Athletic Association (CAA).
Drexel’s Amaris Baker played an outstanding game, scoring 25 points, helping her team improve to 19-8 overall and 12-4 in the league.
A&T junior forward Paris Locke, fresh off a record-setting triple-double, came close to another with nine points, 11 rebounds, and seven assists. Fifth-year senior Chaniya Clark also stood out, logging 17 points and 10 rebounds for her fifth double-double this season.
The Aggies seemed on track to secure a win early on. They had a solid lead of 38-24 in the third quarter, but a brief scoring drought changed the momentum. After leading by 10 points with just over five minutes left in the fourth, A&T went scoreless for nearly five minutes. During this time, Drexel capitalized, scoring 12 straight points to take the lead at 58-56.
Clark managed to tie the game just before it ended, blocking Drexel’s attempt for a last-minute win, pushing the game into overtime.
In the extra period, the Dragons built a five-point lead. A&T’s Jamyia Lindsey made a critical basket to bring it within three. Following another turnover from Drexel, Locke attempted a layup but missed. Clark grabbed the rebound, getting fouled, and managed to score one of her free throws, making it 65-63.
As the clock wound down, a missed shot from Drexel kept A&T’s hopes alive. Unfortunately, a last-ditch pass intended for Clark was intercepted, and time expired on the Aggies’ chance for a comeback.
This loss was disappointing for A&T, who led for most of the game. They turned the ball over 17 times and were heavily outscored in points off those turnovers. The team aims to rebound in their next two home games at Corbett Center.
A&T will face UNC Wilmington on Thursday at 7 p.m., followed by a matchup against CAA champion College of Charleston on Saturday at 2 p.m. The upcoming CAA Women’s Basketball Championship Tournament is set to take place on March 11 at the CareFirst Arena in Washington, D.C.
In related basketball news, teams across the CAA are tightening their standings as we approach tournament time. Analysts emphasize the importance of ball control, noting that teams with fewer turnovers generally see better outcomes in crucial games. This focus on minimizing mistakes could be pivotal for A&T as they prepare for their final matches.
