DURHAM, N.C. – North Carolina Central University battled down the stretch, but Norfolk State University was able to hold the Eagles off for an 88-79 final score from McDougald-McLendon Arena on Saturday, Jan. 16.

NCCU (7-12, 2-3 MEAC) was down by 11 at one point in the first half, but rallied late in the period by outscoring NSU (7-12, 3-1 MEAC) 26-15 over the final nine minutes to be ahead 38-36 at the midway point.  The Eagles closed the half on an 8-0 run, and extended that into a 12-0 run at the onset of the second half.

Dante Holmes (Baltimore, Md.) and Patrick Cole (Newark, N.J.) led the way for NCCU in the first 20 minutes, as they combined for 25 of the Eagles' 38 points.  Holmes chipped in 14 points, and Cole contributed 11 with four assists in the half.

After the intermission NCCU started with a 4-0 run, stretching the lead out to six at 42-36 at the 17:57 mark, the Eagles' largest cushion of the game.  After that, NSU went on a 10-2 run to recapture the lead at 46-44, and the Spartans would keep the advantage over the final 15 minutes.

Cole built on his 30 point outburst at Savannah State with a 26 point performance in this game, along with six assists and four rebounds over 40 minutes of play.  Holmes played the full 40 minutes as well and collected 21 points and four rebounds.

NSU was efficient in both halves of the contest, shooting above 50 percent as a team.  Charles Oliver (Scotch Plains, N.J.) was a big factor with a team-high 20 points, shooting 5-for-9 from the floor while making five of his eight three-pointers.

NCCU challenged the Spartans down the stretch, but free throw shooting proved to be the difference for the visitors as they shot over 80 percent from the free throw line over the course of the game.

The Eagles will welcome Hampton to McDougald-McLendon Arena on Monday, Jan. 16 at 9 p.m. and the game will be featured live on ESPNU.

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