North Carolina Central Drops Opener At Charlotte

CHARLOTTE, N.C. - North Carolina Central rookies Tisha Dixon and Aja Hoyle combined for 23 points during the Lady Eagles' season-opening 80-31 loss at Charlotte in Halton Arena on Saturday.

Dixon, a native of Kinston, N.C., scored a game-high 13 points on 3-for-5 shooting from the floor and a perfect 7-for-7 from the free throw line, to go along with six rebounds. Hoyle, out of Hickory, N.C., contributed 10 points, six boards and a steal for the Lady Eagles.

NCCU senior Chasidy Williams, a preseason all-conference pick, finished the night with two points on 1-of-3 shooting from the field, two rebounds and two assists.

Charlotte was paced by Amanda Dowe with 12 points and eight rebounds, while Jennifer Hailey posted a double-double with 10 points and 10 rebounds.

NCCU made only 3 of 17 field goal attempts in the first 20 minutes (17.6 percent).

The Lady Eagles nearly tripled their offensive output in the second half with 23 points and improved their shooting to 35.7 percent, but it was not enough to overcome the large first-half deficit and 28 turnovers on opening night.

For the complete story, visit www.nccueaglepride.com

Hawkins Tallies Career-High 28 Points At #6/7 Kentucky

LEXINGTON, Ky. - Forward Tierra Hawkins proved Saturday afternoon that this season would not result in a sophomore slump as she collected a career-high 28 points against a tough Kentucky squad on the Wildcats' home court in Memorial Coliseum.  Despite her point total, the Hornets were routed, 50-90, in their season opener, to the nation's sixth ranked team.

The game also marked the debut of DSU head coach Tamika Louis and her coaching staff.

Hawkins went 9-for-20 from the floor in addition to 10-of-16 from the charity stripe to lead all scorers.  She previously scored 25 points at Morgan State on Feb. 13, 2012.  Her 10 free throws and 16 attempts also constitute career-highs.  The sophomore added six rebounds, one assist, one block and one steal.

The Wildcats (1-0) put their signature pressure defense to work early and often, forcing 32 Hornet turnovers in the game.  The Delaware State (0-1) defense also put in work, forcing 23 UK turnovers.

A'dia Mathies, the Southeastern Conference's Preseason Player of the Year, finished with 16 points, six assists and four steals.  Bria Goss and DeNesha Stallworth also added double figures with 14 and 11 points, respectively.

For the complete story, visit www.dsuhornets.com