DURHAM, N.C. (Interstat) — In a sloppy, turnover-filled contest at McLendon-McDougald Gymnasium on Thursday, the North Carolina Central Eagles capitalized on a staggering number of UNC Asheville miscues to secure a 66-53 victory in nonconference women’s basketball.

The Eagles evened their season record at 1-2 by forcing 31 Bulldogs turnovers, converting them into 27 points. UNC Asheville, which also fell to 1-2, struggled to find any offensive rhythm, shooting just 28 percent from the floor and 64.6 points per 100 possessions.

North Carolina Central never trailed after the opening minutes, methodically building a lead despite its own offensive struggles. The Eagles led 13-9 after a disjointed first quarter and extended the advantage to 26-20 by halftime. While the Bulldogs managed to tie the game briefly in the third quarter, the Eagles closed the period on a 7-0 run to reestablish control and then pulled away in the fourth.

The Eagles’ victory was anchored by a dominant performance from Morgan Callahan. The 6-foot junior from Beach Park, Illinois, recorded a double-double with 13 points and 10 rebounds while also tallying a game-high five steals, consistently disrupting the Bulldogs’ offense.

She was complemented by fellow double-double performer Aniya Finger. The 5-11 sophomore from Charlotte, North Carolina, was a force inside, scoring a game-high 17 points and grabbing 10 rebounds. Point guard Najah Lane, a 5-5 freshman from Charlotte, facilitated the offense with a game-high seven assists and added eight points.

For UNC Asheville, Jamaria Freeman provided a bright spot, leading the team with 16 points. Journee McDaniel of New Bern, North Carolina, just missed a double-double with 10 points and eight rebounds, while also contributing three blocks.

The statistical sheet underscored the game’s nature. Both teams shot poorly from three-point range, with North Carolina Central making just 2 of 14 and UNC Asheville connecting on 3 of 11. The game was ultimately decided at the free-throw line and on the defensive end. The Eagles attempted 39 free throws, making 28, while the Bulldogs went 24 for 38 from the stripe. North Carolina Central also held a significant advantage in points in the paint, outscoring UNC Asheville 30-18, and dished out 14 assists to the Bulldogs’ nine.

An announced crowd of 963 watched as the Eagles improved to 1-0 at home this season. UNC Asheville will look to rebound on the road against Western Carolina on Nov. 19. North Carolina Central returns to action at home against the College of Charleston on Nov. 18.