Two big defensive plays by Maleia Bracone helped the North Carolina A&T women’s basketball team to a big win.
Bracone’s steal and assist on Jordyn Dorsey’s lay-up and a block of a tying three-point attempt sparked the Lady Aggies to a 56-51 win over UNC-Greensboro Friday night in their Women’s National Invitation Tournament first-round game.
A&T (21-11) trailed 45-44 before two straight low post buckets by center Chaniya Clark gave them the lead for good midway through the final quarter. The Aggies led 52-51 when Bracone came up with a steal and fed Dorsey for a layup with 39 seconds left.
BACK TO BACK💪 pic.twitter.com/I8kOIQMrFB
— N.C. A&T Athletics (@NCATAGGIES) March 23, 2024
The Lady Spartans had a chance to tie, but Bracone blocked Isys Grady’s three-point shot with 20 seconds to play. Dorsey, the game’s leading scorer with 17 points, and D’Mya Tucker each hit a free throw to close out the scoring.
Paris Locke added 10 points for A&T, while Bracone stuffed the stat sheet with 7 points, 3 rebounds, 3 steals, 2 blocks, and two assists. Clark also contributed 8 points for the Lady Aggies.