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DURHAM, N.C. – North Carolina Central University’s women’s basketball team is set to conclude its regular-season road schedule with a pair of crucial Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference (MEAC) contests this week. The Eagles will face Maryland Eastern Shore (UMES) on Thursday at 6 p.m., followed by a Saturday matchup against Delaware State at 2 p.m. Securing victories in both games would significantly bolster NCCU’s standing in the MEAC, where they currently hold a 4-7 conference record and an overall record of 8-17.
The Eagles (4-7 MEAC, 8-17) are looking to build on recent momentum, having won five of their last eight games. Their trip to Princess Anne, Maryland, to face the Hawks will be a test, as NCCU hasn’t secured a win at UMES since 2007, a span of 13 games. The Hawks (8-3 MEAC, 15-13) are currently in third place in the MEAC standings. NCCU previously defeated UMES 69-62 on February 2nd, handing the Hawks their first conference loss of the season and marking the Eagles’ first MEAC win of the year.
North Carolina Central will rely heavily on the inside play of Aniya Finger and Morgan Callahan against Maryland Eastern Shore. In their first meeting, Finger delivered a career-high performance with 30 points, 12 rebounds, and six steals, although Callahan contributed 14 points, eight rebounds, and two steals. The Eagles will aim to replicate that success on Thursday.
Following the Thursday game, the Eagles will travel to Dover, Delaware, to seize on Delaware State. NCCU currently holds a 9-1 record against the Hornets (2-9 MEAC, 5-21) in the last ten meetings, including a 58-44 victory at home on February 9th. In that earlier contest, Finger recorded a double-double with 16 points and 10 rebounds, while Natalie Jasper added 13 points.
Jasper has emerged as a key offensive threat for the Eagles, averaging 6.4 points per game. She has scored in double figures in four of the last five games, averaging 17 points on 50% shooting and a perfect 16-for-16 from the free-throw line during that stretch. In her most recent outing against Howard, Jasper scored a career-high 18 points, converting all 10 of her free-throw attempts and adding three steals.
A significant factor in the Eagles’ success has been their defensive pressure, which ranks first in the MEAC and 13th nationally, forcing an average of 22.52 turnovers per game. UMES committed a season-high 34 turnovers in their first meeting with NCCU, while Delaware State turned the ball over 20 times. The Eagles will look to capitalize on these defensive opportunities in both upcoming games.
The MEAC standings as of February 26, 2026, show Howard leading with an 8-3 conference record, followed by Morgan State and UMES both at 8-3. Norfolk State is fourth at 7-4, with North Carolina Central in fifth at 4-7. South Carolina State, Coppin State, Maryland Eastern Shore, and Delaware State round out the standings.
Fans can find more information on NCCU Athletics at NCCUEaglePride.com.
The Eagles will look to finish the road portion of their schedule strong and position themselves favorably heading into the MEAC Tournament. The outcomes of these two games will be critical in determining their seeding and potential for a deep tournament run.
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