Strong Second and Fourth Quarters Lifts Nebraska Past NCCU

LINCOLN, Neb. – Junior guard Monique Whaley-Briggs poured in a career-high 11 points for visiting North Carolina Central University in an 88-47 loss at the University of Nebraska Saturday afternoon in Pinnacle Bank Arena.

The Lady Eagles only trailed 17-15 at the end of the first period and outscored the perennial NCAA Tournament participant in the third quarter, but the Huskers dominated the second quarter, 25-7, and the fourth quarter, 32-8, to pull away for the 41-point victory.

Nebraska (3-0 Overall) is receiving votes in the current USA Today Coaches’ top-25 poll. The Huskers 88 points scored and 41-point margin of victory were actually the squad’s lowest totals thru three games.

NCCU (0-2) received balanced scoring with Whaley-Briggs leading the way with her 11 points on 5 of 9 precision from the floor. Senior Kristen Askew was one point of her career high with nine points, while senior Tisha Dixon, junior Morgan Jones and freshman Dominique Adams all bucketed eight points.

Freshman Jessica Shepard – the No. 1 ranked high school post player in 2014-15 – registered her third consecutive double-double to start her collegiate career at Nebraska. Shepard tallied game-high totals of 20 points and 10 rebounds. Natalie Romeo and Rachel Theriot added 13 points and six assists apiece for the Huskers.

NCCU continues a four-game road swing with a visit to Longwood University on Tuesday at 7 p.m.

For complete story, visit www.nccueaglepride.com

Marshall, Loyola Outduel Roberts and NSU, 75-67

BALTIMORE, Md. - Spartan forward Kayla Roberts turned in her best game of the year with 24 points and 11 rebounds, but visiting Norfolk State could not overcome 28 points from Loyola guard Colleen Marshall as the host Greyhounds pulled out a 75-67 win over the Spartans on Saturday evening at Reitz Arena.

The loss dropped NSU to 0-3 on the season, while Loyola improved to 2-2.

Both teams shot well, with Loyola hitting 48.2 percent from the floor and the Spartans a season-high 47.3 percent. But Loyola hit eight 3-pointers - three apiece by Marshall and Bri Betz White - while NSU only hit a pair in the first-ever matchup between the teams.

The Spartans placed a season-high four players in double figures. Roberts was 10-of-23 from the floor and grabbed 11 boards for her second double-double of the year. Siobhan Beslow scored a season-high 13 points, collected nine rebounds and blocked two shots. Koryn Lawrence finished with 10 points and six assists and Yazmen Hannah scored a career-high 10 points off the bench, including a pair of 3-pointers.

Lisa Mirarchi added 12 points and also hit two 3-pointers for Loyola, which shot 42.1 percent (8-of-19) from long distance.

The Spartans host Oakland University at 6 p.m. Tuesday at Echols Hall.

For complete story, visit www.nsuspartans.com