Starting out the second half trailing by 13, the Lady Eagles of N.C. Central University forced 10 second-half turnovers in order to defeat the 17th ranked Francis Marion University Lady Patriots 62-50 in McLendon-McDougald Gymnasium on Dec. 4.

The Lady Eagles scored the first four points of the second half in order to cut the FMU (6-2) lead down to just nine with over 18 minutes remaining.

That run was quickly halted by FMU’s Christy Thomas, as she sank two free-throws in order to extend the lead back to 11 for the Lady Patriots.

Later, NCCU (4-3) forward Shenika Worthy made her mark as she scored six points over one minute 47 seconds to bring the Lady Eagles closer to FMU.

Then Thomas hit a three-pointer to add to the Lady Patriots lead.

That’s when Amba Kongolo, and the relentless NCCU defense took control of the contest.

With 8:22 remaining, Kongolo hit a pair of free-throws to cut the lead to a one-point at 40-39.

Then Lady Eagles started to press and trap more and forced FMU into countless turnovers. The Lady Patriots looked as if they had not played against a press all year.

Kongolo rolled off nine straight points for the Lady Eagles to give them a 50-43 lead with 4:27 remaining in the contest.

FMU coach Lee Buchanan could only watch as his nationally ranked Lady Patriots fell apart in front of his very eyes. In the end, he gave credit to where it was due—Kongolo and theLady Eagle defense.

“We had not seen much pressure defense against them [NCCU] before, and therefore we did not expect it,” said Buchanan.

“Their a good team, and when they have Amba going…they just get better.”

Francis Marion would try to make a run as they cut the lead to four, but behind the free-throw shooting of Zakia VanHoose and Ivana

Bailey, NCCU pushed the lead to 12, 62-50 to seal the victory.

After the game, NCCU Coach Joli Robinson commented on her team’s poise and second-half pressure.

“I told the kids not to think about the score or the time on the clock,” said Robinson.

The major factor in the game was steals. VanHoose finished the game with eight steals, and Bailey amassed six.

The leading scorer for NCCU was Worthy with 20 points, nine rebounds, and three steals. Behind her was Kongolo with 17 points, seven rebounds, and three blocked shots.

For the FMU Lady Patriots, the leading scorers were Johnson with 14 points and Gioscia with 11.

This win now gives NCCU their first careerwin in history against Francis Marion and also makes Coach Robinson the winningest head coach in NCCU women’s basketball history.

The Lady Eagles also continue their home game winning streak, which is now at 14 games, dating back to last February.