DURHAM, N.C. – North Carolina Central University junior forward Kyle Benton (Long Beach, Calif.) recorded his first career double-double with 17 points and 11 rebounds as the Eagles earned a 78-70 victory over Johnson & Wales University at McDougald-McLendon Arena on Wednesday, Jan. 6, 2016.

NCCU (6-10) led for the majority of the first half, but JWU (5-8) kept stride with the Eagles and eventually managed to pull in front 27-26 at the 7:35 mark on the back of a 6-0 run.  That run was bookended by Rickey Porter (Charlotte, N.C.) who was the game's joint-leading scorer with 18 points.

The Eagles recaptured the lead momentarily before the Wildcats strung together another 6-0 run to pull ahead 33-29 with 5:09 remaining in the first half.  NCCU then rattled off a 12-4 run over the final 4:39 of the first 20 minutes, with a 7-0 run to close the period with a 41-37 cushion.

Rashaun Madison (Norfolk, Va.) motored the Eagles along in the first half by knocking down his first three treys, and picked up 14 points over the first half.

The Eagles made adjustments at the break and swelled the lead to as many as 11 late in the contest.  Benton stole the show for NCCU in the second half as he made all five of his shots and knocked in 11 points with eight boards over 18 minutes.

Dante Holmes (Baltimore, Md.) had a great night as well with a career-high six assists to accompany 12 points and eight rebounds.  Jeremiah Ingram (Detroit, Mich.) led NCCU in scoring with a game-high 18 points and five boards.

NCCU will finish the regular season by playing only conference opponents, beginning with South Carolina State University this Saturday, Jan. 9 in Orangeburg, South Carolina.

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