AGGIES FIGHT HARD IN LOSS TO MAINE

Box Score
CORAL GABLES, FLA., December 28, 2005 – After nine non-conference games, first-year N.C. A&T women’s basketball coach believes she’s close.

 The Aggies dropped a 78-68 decision to Maine in the consolation game of the Hurricane Holiday Tournament hosted by the University of Miami. But in the loss, Bibbs saw some positives and a rotation she can take into the Aggies conference season, which starts after January 4 at UMES. 

 “I told them they can now either go 18-9 or 17-10,” said Bibbs, taking into account the Aggies have a tall order on New Year’s Day when they play third ranked LSU in Baton Rouge. “We’ve got what it takes to win this conference; my young ladies just have to believe that. I saw some things tonight. When you’re coming in here for your first season, it’s a learning process and I’m starting to see what makes us go. This is the reason why you play these types of games – to find out what type of things can win you the conference.”  

 What the Aggies discovered Thursday and what has been the norm thus far this season is that they have three talented seniors who have to take on the leadership and scoring roles, and they have some role players who have to embrace their roles.

 Senior forward Bianca Johnson, who was moved to the small forward position on Thursday, was able to face the basket and benefited by finishing with 20 points on 9-for-22 shooting. Fellow senior Kira Tillman led the way with 21 points and seven rebounds, while preseason first-team All-MEAC performer Shareka Glover finished with nine points and five assists.

Glover earned All-Tournament honors by averaging 21.0 points, 5.0 assists, 3.0 steals and shout 44.4 percent from 3-point range throughout the tournament. But on Thursday, it was Tillman and Johnson who were putting the ball in the basket.

The Aggies took the lead midway through the first half on a Tillman layup that put the Aggies up 17-14. Maine responded with a 10-2 run fueled by transition baskets by the Black Bears. The Black Bears increased their lead to as many as nine in the first half before a LaKeisha Williams 3-pointer with six seconds remaining to cut the Black Bears lead to 34-28 at the half.

 The Aggies cut the lead to four on a Tillman layup to start the second half. It would be as close as the Aggies would get the rest of the night. With 17:41 remaining and the Black Bears leading 37-32, Maine’s Ashley Underwood ignited a 9-1 run. Underwood had six points in the run and Black Bears took a 46-33 lead.

 Their lead grew to as many as 25 before the Aggies made a run at earning their first win of the season. Glover’s 3-pointer with 1:05 to play cut the lead to 12, 75-63 and an Ahmad Williams 3-point play trimmed the lead to nine. The Black Bears were able to hit their free throws to hold off the Aggies run.

 “I’m proud of the way we fought,’’ said Bibbs. “I liked the way our small lineup looked tonight, and I’m proud of the way my seniors came to play. We can build on that.”

 The Aggies fell to 0-9 on the season. They return home on Jan. 14 to play Bethune-Cookman at 2 p.m., after playing two MEAC road games.