BALTIMORE –
Bria Harris went out in style by notching a double-double in her final home game as a member of the Coppin State women's basketball team.
Playing in the Physical Education Center for the last time, Harris scored a team-high 18 points and pulled down 10 rebounds to help Coppin State defeat Delaware State, 79-51, in the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference (MEAC) regular season finale for both teams Thursday night.
"This was my last game here so I had to give all I got," Harris said.
In recording her third career double-double, Harris led four Coppin State (6-21 overall, 5-11 MEAC) players in double figures. Harris was one of two CSU players to record double-doubles on the festive night. Junior guard
Amber Griffin flirted with a triple-double as she was phenomenal against the Lady Hornets scoring 12 points, grabbing a career-best 11 rebounds, handing out seven assists and collecting three steals. It was her first collegiate double-double.
With 289 career assists, Griffin moved past Seaslie Johnson and into third-place on Coppin State's all-time women's basketball assist chart. She needed two entering the game. It was the fourth time in five games that she has put up double figures and 11th time this season.
Junior
Janelle Lane enjoyed a perfect night shooting from the field, making all seven of her shots to finish with 17 points, the 14th time this season she has notched double digits in scoring.
Jordan Swails contributed 11 points.
Genesis Lucas was a factor as well scoring eight points and delivering six assists.
Overall, Coppin State handed out a season-best 21 assists on its 32 baskets, outrebounded Delaware State, 53-29, and scored 20 points off 14 Lady Hornet turnovers.
The night belonged to Harris, who was a little emotional before the game because her parents weren't able to attend the game. While they were there in spirit, Harris' second family, specifically Griffin, helped Harris get through the pre-game ceremony in which she was presented with a bouquet of colorful flowers, a framed black jersey and photo detailing her career accomplishments.
"I feel like I grew up with Bria," Griffin said. "It's bittersweet that this was her last home game. I love her as a person. I am happy that we got this win for her tonight. I know she was feeling kind of down about her parents not being able to come because of the snow. I always feel like if I can show her that she's loved by us then that's what I try to do."
Griffin walked with Harris out to center court where she was met by head coach
Derek Brown.
"It was really special to have her walk me out there because she's my little sister," Harris said. "I love her to death and she has grown a lot. I really consider her as family. Coach Wilson was on my right arm and Amber was on my left arm. I am appreciate everyone who was there for me since I got here."
Harris has helped Coppin State make deep runs in each of the last three MEAC Tournaments. This season, she stepped in to a leadership role and provided guidance to a young team that will continue to get better. Harris led the Eagles in rebounding (7.3 per game). During her career, Harris has 16 double-figure scoring efforts and nine double-digit rebound performances.
A criminal justice major, Harris will graduate in May, which is the biggest achievement.
"Coppin really helped me to grow and mature as a young woman," Harris said. "We all make mistakes at times, but it's really about how you pick yourself after you make them. I learned that I always can't be down, I have to be able to get through the failure. That makes character and I really learned that here. I love all my coaches. They've always been there for me, supported me and molded me into the senior they wanted me to become."
Amber Bogard (19 points) and Tierra Hawkins (11 points, 10 rebounds) led Delaware State (5-24, 3-16) offensively.
Both teams will compete in next week's MEAC Tournament against an opponent and time to be determined either on Monday or Tuesday. The MEAC is scheduled to release its official tournament bracket sometime Friday morning. Check back to www.coppinstatesports.com for all the details on Coppin State's opening round game.
