Box Score
PULLMAN, Wash., December 28, 2007 – The North Carolina A&T men’s basketball team is happy to be rid itself of playing undefeated top 25 teams. Out of the eight remaining undefeated teams in the nation, the Aggies have played three with the latest being No. 4 Washington State on Friday night.

The Cougars held the Aggies to just 25.5 percent shooting to defeat the Aggies 67-34 at Friel Court. The Aggies’ 34 points was their lowest scoring output since the shot clock was implemented in 1986. The Aggies 25.5 shooting percentage was their lowest since shooting 21.2 percent against Charlotte in 2002.

“I don’t know too many teams in the country who have played a schedule like ours,’’ said head coach Jerry Eaves. “How many teams can say they’ve played three top 25 undefeated teams? We also played Tennessee who is a top 10 team. That can wear on any team. We’re looking forward to having a chance to play in our conference.”

The Aggies, who have No. 19 Miami, No. 6 Pittsburgh and No. 11 Tennessee on their previous opponents list this season, will two weeks to get over playing some of the best teams in the nation. The Aggies do not return to action until January 12 when they host Morgan State at Corbett Sports Center at 4 p.m.

On Friday, Steven Rush scored eight points to lead N.C. A&T (5-8), which has lost six of its last seven. The game was decided early before a small and quiet Christmas week crowd. The Cougars, who came in to the game leading the nation with 51 points allowed per game, went on an early 12-0 run for a 17-5 lead. They extended that to 33-12 at halftime.

Washington State opened the second half by making its first nine shots in a 20-4 run for a 53-16 lead.

North Carolina A&T has lost all 34 times it has played a ranked opponent, and Washington State gave them little hope of pulling off an upset.

After the Aggies tied the game at 5, they endured a 15-minute stretch of the first in which they made just two baskets.

The Cougars weren't exactly hot, making just 40 percent of their first half shots, and just 3-of-13 from 3-point range. But the 12 points they allowed in the first half was their best showing of the season. Derrick Low led the way for the Cougars with 19 points on 7-for-11 shooting. Aron Baynes added 10 points and eight boards.