LAS VEGAS – North Carolina Central University head coach LeVelle Moton didn't get the win for his 200th game, but the 201st was the charm as the Eagles broke their losing streak with a 57-52 win over Eastern Illinois in the consolation bracket of the Global Sports Classic in Las Vegas.

NCCU (4-8, 1-1 MEAC) had lost its last four games, and hadn't won since Dec. 5 against Maryland Eastern Shore at McDougald-McLendon Arena.  This win for the Eagles is also their first win away from Durham.

Jeremiah Ingram (Detroit, Mich.) put in another strong performance with 13 points and nine rebounds, followed by Pat Cole (Newark, N.J.) who contributed 12 points, and Enoch Hood (Norfolk, Va.) who picked up seven points and five boards.

While the Eagles had a the strong start in the game against Southern, this time it was EIU (2-9) that stepped up to a 5-0 lead in the opening minutes.  The Eagles worked their way back into the game and the lead traveled back and forth seven different times during the first half.

A layup from Dajuan Graf (Charlotte, N.C.) put NCCU in front 15-13 with 10:08 left in the first twenty minutes, and the Eagles stayed in front for the rest of the period.  EIU kept challenging the Eagles drawing within one point multiple times, but NCCU stretched the margin out to as many as five before taking a 27-24 cushion to the locker room.

The Panthers kept the game tight after the intermission as well, keeping the Eagles within striking distance before knotting the game at 37 by way of a three-pointer from A.J. Riley (Peoria, Ill.) with 12:12 to go.

After that, the Eagles and Panthers took turns getting their nose in front of the other before Cole hit a pair of free throws to move NCCU in front to stay at 42-41 with 9:26 left.  EIU refused to relent down the stretch, and didn't let the lead get above six before halving it on a three-pointer from Demetrius McReynolds (Louisville, Ky.) to make the score 53-50 with 3:59 remaining.

Through the closing moments, NCCU forced three turnovers from the Panthers and only allowed one attempted field goal, a missed three-pointer.  In fact, EIU only made two of four free throws in the stretch run.

NCCU returns to McDougald-McLendon Arena to host Montreat on Dec. 29 at 7:00 p.m.

For more information on NCCU Athletics, visit NCCUEaglePride.com.