GREENSBORO, N.C. (Interstat) — William & Mary built a commanding early lead and weathered a late push from North Carolina A&T to secure a 60-49 victory in a nonconference women’s basketball game Friday night at Corbett Sports Center.

The Tribe (8-4) seized control from the opening tip, using a stifling defensive effort to hold the Aggies (5-7) to just 16 points in the first half. William & Mary led 17-9 after the first quarter and extended its advantage to 37-16 by halftime, capitalizing on a 20-point second quarter.

North Carolina A&T, which entered the game as a significant favorite according to advanced metrics, found its offensive rhythm after the break. The Aggies outscored the Tribe 33-23 in the second half, including a 20-point fourth quarter, but could never overcome the massive early deficit.

The most important part of the game was William & Mary’s dominant first-half defensive performance, which established an insurmountable cushion. The Tribe forced 10 first-half turnovers and held the Aggies to 7-of-30 shooting from the field before halftime. This early stretch, where William & Mary outscored North Carolina A&T 37-16, defined the contest and allowed the visitors to manage the Aggies’ subsequent rallies.

Cassidy Geddes led William & Mary with 11 points, four assists and two blocks. Dynasti Pierce added a game-high 14 points, while Monet Dance facilitated the offense with eight assists. The Tribe shot 46.3% from the field and connected on 8 of 20 three-point attempts.

North Carolina A&T was paced by D’Mya Tucker’s 14 points. Paris Locke contributed eight points and three assists. The Aggies struggled offensively all night, shooting just 30% overall and 5 of 21 from beyond the arc. Despite a 21-11 advantage in offensive rebounds, they could not convert those extra chances efficiently.

William & Mary’s defense was the story, recording 13 steals and six blocks while holding North Carolina A&T to an offensive rating of 78.2 points per 100 possessions. The Tribe also committed 17 turnovers but matched that by forcing 17 from the Aggies.

The announced attendance was 654.

William & Mary returns to action Sunday at home against Stony Brook. North Carolina A&T hosts Monmouth on Sunday.