BALTIMORE, Md. – Coppin State's women's basketball team improved to over .500 in the MEAC with a 56-39 win over visiting South Carolina State on Saturday afternoon at the PEC Arena. The Eagles now stand at 5-14 overall and 4-3 in the MEAC while the Bulldogs fall to 7-12 with a 2-5 mark in conference play.
Genesis Lucas led all scorers with 18 points along with eight rebounds and six assists while
Chance Graham notched another double-double with 17 points and 11 rebounds.
Maraiyah Smith also reached double figures with 14 points with three 3-pointers.
The shorthanded Eagles got behind early after getting into foul trouble but fought back to tie the score at 15 at the end of the first. Lucas recorded six points in the second quarter as Coppin took a 26-24 lead at the half.
Graham and Lucas carried the load for the Eagles in the second half with ten of Lucas' points coming in the second along with all six dimes. Graham posted seven points and six boards in the second half.
Coppin led by eight points after three quarters, scoring the final five points of the period with a triple by Smith and a layup in the closing seconds by Graham. The Eagles were finally able to extend the lead to double figures and outscored South Carolina State, 13-4 in the final five minutes to seal the victory.
Both teams were cold from the floor with Coppin shooting 33.3% but held the Bulldogs to just 22.2% from the floor. The Eagles also made 18-of-24 from the line with Graham sinking 7-of-8 from the stripe.
Kyesha Lewis led the Bulldogs with ten points off the bench.
Maryland Eastern Shore travels to the Charm City on Monday, January 29 for a 5:30 MEAC tipoff.
