ODU Women’s Basketball Dominates NC Central, Extends Winning Streak
By Harry Minium
Game Overview
The Old Dominion University (ODU) women’s basketball team continued their impressive run, achieving their fifth consecutive victory by overpowering North Carolina Central with a score of 85-48 at Chartway Arena on Sunday.
With this win, ODU improved their season record to 5-1 after suffering their only defeat to UMass in the season opener. Conversely, NC Central fell to 1-5, having just recently put up a close fight against Wake Forest.
Strong Performance
The Monarchs showcased a combination of effective shooting and robust defense throughout the game. ODU achieved 43% shooting accuracy, hitting 27 of 63 shots, and demonstrated their strength from beyond the arc by converting 9 of 24 three-point attempts (38%).
Leading the scoring for ODU was En’Dya Buford, who recorded 12 points and dished out 4 assists, with a standout shooting performance of 4 for 5 from three-point range. Additionally, Kelsey Thompson and Simaru Fields added 11 points each to the scoreline, with Fields contributing 6 rebounds.
Defensive Excellence
ODU’s defensive strategy was instrumental in their victory, as they blocked 10 shots and limited NC Central to just 21% shooting, with the Eagles making only 14 of 66 attempts. Notably, Riley Stack achieved a career-high by blocking 6 shots, highlighting her influence on the game.
Freshman Nakiyah Allen also had a standout performance, scoring a career-high 9 points, while Nisaa Muhammad and Navaeh Scott each chipped in with 8 points.
Coaching Strategies
Head Coach DeLisha Milton-Jones emphasized the importance of aggressive defense and fast transitions leading up to the game. “NC Central is so aggressive attacking the rim,” she noted, explaining that filling defensive gaps forced the Eagles into passing the ball, thereby enhancing ODU’s offense through defense.
Milton-Jones specifically commended Muhammad for her improved performance, stating, “Coach has been telling me to become more aggressive, so that’s what I did,” reflecting Muhammad’s positive outlook on the team’s cohesion and performance.”
Game Dynamics
The Monarchs seized control early, with Buford scoring a three-pointer on the game’s opening possession. ODU quickly built an 11-3 lead within the first three minutes. By the end of the first quarter, a pair of free throws from Muhammad extended their lead to 23-6.
Entering halftime, ODU maintained a solid 40-20 advantage, and they quickly extinguished any hopes of a comeback from NC Central with an 8-0 run to start the third quarter.
Upcoming Challenges
As ODU looks ahead, they brace for a challenging series of games at the Hoopfest Women’s Basketball Challenge in Frisco, Texas. Their upcoming opponents include Texas Tech on Tuesday and Oregon on Thanksgiving Day.
Milton-Jones remarked that the performance against NC Central served as beneficial preparation for the upcoming high-caliber matchups. “If we can build walls and dictate where their shots come from… we have a great opportunity to win games,” she concluded.
Tribute to Dr. Jim Jarrett
Before the game commenced, a moment of silence was observed in memory of Dr. Jim Jarrett, ODU’s former athletics director, who sadly passed away two weeks prior. Jarrett, who served for 40 years, made significant contributions to women’s sports at ODU, leading to multiple national championships.
A celebration of Jarrett’s life is scheduled to take place on December 4 at 11 a.m. in the Big Blue Room of Chartway Arena.
Season Continuation
Following their tournament in Frisco, ODU will return home to host three consecutive games, beginning with Delaware State on December 1. The Monarchs will then face Howard on December 7 and Troy on December 17 in their Sun Belt Conference opener.
Ultimately, ODU will wrap up the 2025 part of their season with two games at the Cherokee Invitational scheduled for December 21-22, taking on Ole Miss and either Michigan State or Indiana State.
