Complete Game Statistics

NORFOLK, Va. (www.NCCUEaglePride.com) - After digging a 10-point first half hole, the Eagles found themselves down 17 at 63-46 with 7:33 to go, but a valiant 21-6 run by North Carolina Central University cut the deficit to one, as missed opportunites down the stretch including a 70-foot heave by C.J. Wilkerson allowed Norfolk State to survive in a 74-71 win at Joseph Echols Hall on Saturday night.

 

In game two of NCCU’s second of four straight on the road, the Eagles allowed the host Spartans to storm out of the gates from the outside as NSU’s Chris McEachin hit four-of-five three-pointers and the team finished the first frame 7-for-12 from the outside, ending the first half 13-of-26 (50.0%) from the field overall. 

 

In fact, the visiting Eagles actually led for the early portion of the first half, holding on to a 12-9 lead following a Dijon Manns layup (Raleigh, N.C.) with 13:31 to go when Norfolk State went on a 21-4 run over a seven minute span to grab its largest lead of the first frame at 30-16 with 6:13 remaining. The Eagles were able to cut the deficit down to 10 at 41-31 heading into the locker room.

 

Junior transfer Landon Clement went a paltry 1-for-4 from the perimeter and was held to five points in the first stanza, while Wilkerson kept the Eagles in the contest with 14 points going 5-for-8 from the field.

 

The second half saw Clement heat up as NCCU kept the contest at single digits until Norfolk State stretched the lead to 17 points following Kyle O’Quinn’s made free throws with a little more than seven minutes remaining.

 

That’s when the resilient Eagles began their run.

 

NCCU (7-9) turned up the pressure and Norfolk State began to crumble going 6-for-12 from the free-throw line and committing five turnovers over the final seven minutes, while NCCU went 11-for-15 down the stretch, led by Wilkerson who went 9-for-10 from the charity stripe and tied a career-high with 30 points, which he attained last season against Newport News Apprentice School in the 2010 B.C. Powder Classic in Durham.

 

Following a C.J. Wilkerson floater with 3:21 to go that cut the deficit to 68-64, Clement stole the ensuing inbounds pass and followed it up with a layup to cut the deficit to two sending the 2,086 fans in attendance in shock. 

 

After a Spartan turnover, Wilkerson was fouled by NSU’s Rodney McCauley giving NCCU a chance to tie the game but Wilkerson made just 1-of-2 cutting the large deficit to one at 68-67 with 1:46 to go. 

 

After NSU’s Rob Hampton made 1-of-2 foul shots to give the Spartans a two-point cushion at 69-67 with 1:17 left. A Clement missed three pointer and a Wilkerson turnover seemed to be the Eagles downfall in the end, but Wilkerson nearly hit a 70-foot heave as time expired that would have sent that game into overtime as the Spartans held on to the 74-71 win.

 

Norfolk State (4-13) finished with four players in double figures led by McEachin’s 18 points tying a season-high, Rob Hampton scored 14 points, Kyle O’Quinn registered his seventh double-double of the season with 13 points and 12 rebounds, and Aleek Pauline added 11 points in the win.

 

For the second consecutive ballgame, both Wilkerson and Clement carried the load for maroon and gray combining for 49 points as Clement scored 14 second half points to finish with 19 in the loss.

 

The Eagles have no time to bask on this tough defeat as they turn their attention to the Aggies of North Carolina A&T as the two square off for meeting no. 136 from the Corbett Sports Center in Greensboro, N.C. Tipoff is set for 8:00 p.m.

 

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