DURHAM, N.C. – After North Carolina Central University went on a 5-0 run to pull within two with three minutes to play, East Tennessee State University responded with a 6-1 run in just 47 seconds on its way to a 72-68 win at McDougald-McLendon Arena on Monday, Jan. 4.

A late technical foul turned the tide as ETSU (8-6) made four free throws at the line to wipe away the run from NCCU (5-10).

The entire game was tightly contested, with neither team able to make more headway than four points during the first half.  After starting cold at Mississippi State last time out, NCCU made five of its first nine attempts, and made all three of its opening three-pointers.

Dante Holmes (Baltimore, Md.) was a major contributor with 10 points in the first eight minutes of the contest, as he made his first two three-pointers and three of six shots along with a pair of free throws.

Not to be outdone, Isaac Banks (New Orleans, La.) was a perfect four-for-four in the first half with eight points and seven rebounds to help ETSU grab a 30-28 lead at the break.  Banks finished the game with 12 points and 12 rebounds to record a double-double.

Patrick Cole (Newark, N.J.) jumped into action for NCCU in the second half scoring five-straight points in a 7-0 run that put the Eagles into the lead, 45-41 midway through the period.  He knocked in a layup shortly after that run to be responsible for seven straight points for NCCU, and would score seven straight points later in the half as well.

Cole notched 18 of his game high 22 after the intermission, followed by Holmes with 18 points and nine rebounds.  Dajuan Graf (Charlotte, N.C.) had a strong night for the Eagles as well with a game-high five assists to accompany 10 points.

NCCU will look for its first win of the new year against Johnson & Wales on Wednesday, Jan. 6 at 7:00 p.m. at McDougald-McLendon Arena.

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