Box Score NORFOLK, VA – Brittany Drumgoole tossed in a game-high 18 points to lead four South Carolina State players in double figures, however, it was not enough as the 13^th-seeded Lady Bulldogs were edged 65-62 by 4^th- seeded Florida A&M Monday in opening round action of the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference Tournament at The Scope.

Coach Doug Robertson's team, which upset the number one and number two seeds a year ago before falling in the semifinals, could not duplicate that magic this year. The Lady Bulldogs ended the campaign 5-23 (2-14 MEAC)

FAMU, which was led by Alicia McCray with 11 points, earned a trip to Thursday's quarterfinals against 5^th-seeded Norfolk State, a 60-40 winner over 12^th-seeded Delaware State. The Lady Rattlers improved to 12-18.

SC State, which lost 81-61 at home to the Lady Rattlers on Feb. 15, was much more competitive against FAMU this time but was inconsistent on offense at crucial times and gave up too many offensive rebounds (official rebounds were not available due to a computer failure).

"We played a lot better against them than we did a week or so ago," said Robertson, "but inconsistency on offense, including missing a lot of layups, prevented us from taking control of the game. We put in some new high-low action and it worked at times enabling us to score, but we didn't take advantage of it at other times. And, we didn't rebound the ball well all game."

The Lady Bulldogs, after falling behind 10-0 with just under six minutes left in the opening quarter, battled back to close the gap to 20-16 after one. SC State went on to lead 38-36 at the half.

Florida A&M opened the third quarter with a 12-4 run to build a 48-42 edge with 5:49 left in the period and was ahead 56-51 to start the final period. The Lady Rattlers built a 59-51 advantage on a three-point play by reserve Ny'Asis Davis with 6:18 left but a 7-2 SC State run, including four points by Drumgoole, pulled SC State to within 61-58 with 3:50 on the clock, however Robertson's team could get no closer as the two teams closed out the game with four points each.

Following Drumgoole in scoring for SC State were Jahmia Bradley, Bryeasha Blair and Dashanique Peterson, all with 10 points.

Also in double figures for Florida A&M were Ecenur Yurdakul and Florence Quattara with 10 points each.
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