HOUSTON – North Carolina Central University used a run at the end of the first half to lead University of Houston at the break, but clutch shooting by the Cougars in the final minutes helped them past the Eagles 73-65 on Wednesday, Dec. 16 at Hofheinz Pavilion.

NCCU (3-7, 1-1 MEAC) was down by nine, 51-60 with 4:32 to go trying to fight its way back into the lead, but Houston (7-1) made its final three shots from the floor – all threes – to pull away with the win.

Just like the game at Marshall, the first half was tight with Houston holding the largest lead at six points.  The Cougars held that lead at 12-6 with 13:42 to play in the half.  From there, The Eagles outscored Houston 25-16 to take a 31-28 lead at the half.

Kyle Benton (Long Beach, Calif.) was a factor for the Eagles' scoring in the first half, as he scored all of his nine points in 11 minutes with six rebounds. 

The second half started with a bang as Jeremiah Ingram (Detroit, Mich.) blocked Houston's first shot attempt and started a fast break that Jamal Ferguson (Norfolk, Va.) jammed in on the assist from Dante Holmes (Baltimore, Md.).

Ingram had a fantastic night for NCCU, recording his third double-double of the year with 13 points and 11 rebounds.

NCCU led by as many as six in the second half, but Houston then went on a 16-9 run over eight minutes to take the lead at 46-45 with 10:40 left in the second half, and the Cougars would hold on to the lead from there.

Houston led 60-49 with 6:26 left, and then NCCU stormed back with a 14-6 run to pull within three at 66-63 with only 1:38 to go, but a three on Houston's next possession helped it close out the game.

Dajuan Graf (Charlotte, N.C.) finished the game perfect from the field with 12 points, making all five of his field goal attempts, including two three-pointers.  Pat Cole (Newark, N.J.) also built on his strong debut with an effort of 17 points and seven rebounds.

NCCU travels to Las Vegas for the final rounds of the Global Sports Classic next, playing Southern on Monday, Dec. 21.