Event Preview
Overview
On Saturday, December 6, 2025, at 9:00 AM EEST, the Coppin State Eagles will face the Sacred Heart Pioneers in a non-conference women's basketball matchup. The game will take place at Sacred Heart University's Pitt Center in Fairfield, Connecticut. This contest is significant for both teams as they continue to prepare for their respective conference schedules.
Season Snapshot
Coppin State Eagles
The Eagles concluded the 2024–25 season with a 19–15 overall record, including an 8–6 mark in the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference (MEAC), placing them third in the conference standings. Their season featured a notable run to the second round of the Women's National Invitation Tournament (WNIT), where they secured a victory over Colgate before falling to Cleveland State. (sports-reference.com)
Sacred Heart Pioneers
Under the leadership of head coach Jessica Mannetti, the Pioneers achieved a 24–10 overall record during the 2023–24 season, including a 15–1 record in the Northeast Conference (NEC), earning them both the regular-season and tournament championships. This success marked their second consecutive NCAA Tournament appearance. The team was led by Ny'Ceara Pryor, who earned her second straight NEC Player of the Year honor. (static.ionagaels.com)
Recent Form
Coppin State Eagles
In their most recent game on December 4, 2025, the Eagles faced a challenging matchup against West Virginia, resulting in a 91–49 loss. Despite an early 9–0 run, Coppin State struggled to maintain momentum after head coach Larry Stewart was ejected following two technical fouls. The team was led by Laila Lawrence, who scored 30 points and grabbed 17 rebounds in a 65–45 victory over Morgan State on March 7, 2024. (reuters.com)
Sacred Heart Pioneers
The Pioneers' most recent game was a 79–57 victory over Morgan State on December 5, 2024. In that matchup, Ny'Ceara Pryor led the team with 23 points, eight rebounds, five steals, and three assists. Earlier in the season, on November 24, 2024, Sacred Heart faced Coppin State at home, suffering a 59–47 defeat. Pryor again led the team with 23 points, eight rebounds, five steals, and three assists in that game. (sacredheartpioneers.com)
Talking Points
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Coaching Leadership: Both teams are guided by experienced coaches—Jermaine Woods for Coppin State and Jessica Mannetti for Sacred Heart—who have demonstrated success in their respective conferences.
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Player Matchups: The performance of key players, particularly Ny'Ceara Pryor for Sacred Heart and Laila Lawrence for Coppin State, will be crucial in determining the game's outcome.
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Defensive Strategies: Both teams have shown vulnerabilities in their recent games, suggesting that defensive adjustments will be key to securing a win.
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Home-Court Advantage: Sacred Heart's home-court advantage at the Pitt Center could play a significant role in the game's dynamics.
Players to Watch
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Ny'Ceara Pryor (Sacred Heart): As the reigning NEC Player of the Year, Pryor's leadership and scoring ability are pivotal for the Pioneers.
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Laila Lawrence (Coppin State): Lawrence's standout performance against Morgan State, where she scored 30 points and grabbed 17 rebounds, highlights her impact on the court. (morganstatebears.com)
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Carmen Williams (Sacred Heart): Williams' contributions, including a career-high eight rebounds in the game against Coppin State, add depth to the Pioneers' lineup. (sacredheartpioneers.com)
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Amelia Wood (Sacred Heart): Wood's shooting accuracy and defensive presence are assets for the Pioneers, as seen in her performance against Coppin State. (sacredheartpioneers.com)
Key Matchups & Storylines
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Pryor vs. Lawrence: The head-to-head battle between Pryor and Lawrence will be a focal point, as both players are central to their teams' offensive strategies.
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Defensive Adjustments: Both teams have experienced challenges in recent games, indicating that defensive strategies will be crucial in this matchup.
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Home-Court Dynamics: Sacred Heart's home advantage at the Pitt Center could influence the game's tempo and energy.
Fun Facts
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Sacred Heart's 2023–24 season marked their second consecutive NCAA Tournament appearance. (static.ionagaels.com)
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Coppin State's Laila Lawrence recorded a double-double with 30 points and 17 rebounds against Morgan State on March 7, 2024. (morganstatebears.com)
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The game on December 4, 2025, was the first meeting between Coppin State and West Virginia in women's basketball. (reuters.com)
Things to Chirp About
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"Can Pryor lead Sacred Heart to a home victory over Coppin State?"
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"Will Lawrence's scoring prowess be enough to overcome Sacred Heart's defense?"
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"How will Coppin State adjust after their recent loss to West Virginia?"
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"Is Sacred Heart's home-court advantage a game-changer in this matchup?"
Prediction
While both teams have shown flashes of brilliance, Sacred Heart's home-court advantage and the leadership of Ny'Ceara Pryor may give them the edge in this matchup. However, Coppin State's resilience and the scoring ability of Laila Lawrence suggest that the game could be closely contested. Fans can expect an exciting and competitive game as both teams look to build momentum for their upcoming conference schedules.