NORFOLK, Va. – The Old Dominion University women’s basketball team took down North Carolina Central, 68-44, on Sunday afternoon at the Ted Constant Convocation Center. The Lady Monarchs finish non-conference play with a 7-7 overall record, while the Lady Eagles fall to 5-7 on the season.
Freshman Odegua Oigbokie went off for her career high in points (11), as well as her highest total for rebounds (7) of her young collegiate career. Junior co-captain recorded her team-high ninth double-double of the season in a 12 point, 11 rebound, four steal and 3 assist performance.
At the 9:47 mark of the first half, the Lady Monarchs were holding onto a 19-15 lead until Old Dominion closed the half on a 23-5 run, taking a 42-20 advantage into the locker room. ODU never looked back on their way to victory by their largest lead of the game, 24, in their 68-44 triumph.
The Lady Monarchs also got key contributions from Galaisha Goodhope (four rebounds and three assists), Tiffany Minor (four rebounds, three assists and three steals) and from seniors Stephanie Gardner and Shakeva Richards, who all tallied eight points apiece. For Richards, eight points is a season high on 3-4 shooting from the floor.
UNCW transfer, Jessica Freeman, led the way for NCCU on Sunday, recording 18 points, four steals and three assists in the losing effort. The Lady Eagles also received 12 points and eight rebounds from Racquel Davis.
For the game, Old Dominion shot 47.5% (29-61) from the field, 16.7% (3-18) from three and 87.5% (7-8) from the free-throw line. NCCU was held to 33.3% (18-54) shooting form the floor, 40% (4-10) from downtown and 50% (4-8) from the charity stripe.
The Lady Monarchs held advantages in bench points (23-9), points in the paint (46-28) and fast break points (18-6).
First Half Notes
Both co-captains, Shae Kelley (6 rebounds, 3 assists) and Stephanie Gardner scored eight points apiece in the first 20 minutes. Odegua Oigbokie went for seven points and three rebounds, while senior Shakeva Richards went 2-2 from the field and 2-2 from the FT line, giving her six first half points.
As a team, the Lady Monarchs shot a blistering 58.1% (18-31) from the field and a perfect 4-4 from the charity stripe. North Carolina Central shot 25.9% (7-27) from the floor in the opening half. The Lady Eagles were led by 11 points from Jessica Freeman.
Old Dominion finished the contest with advantages in bench points (18-2), points in the paint (28-8) and fast break points (12-2).
Looking Ahead for the Lady Monarchs
The Lady Monarchs will open up conference play (for the first time in the C-USA) on Wed., Jan. 8, at Charlotte for a 7:00 p.m. tipoff.
Next Karen Barefoot Coach’s Show
The next Coach’s Show will be Monday, Jan. 6, at 7 p.m. at YNot in the University Village.
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