DURHAM, N.C. – It took five extra minutes to decide a winner, and North Carolina Central University was outlasted by North Carolina A&T State University in the added period for a 67-63 final tally from McDougald-McLendon Arena on Saturday, Feb. 6.
Rashaun Madison (Norfolk, Va.) hit a clutch three-pointer with 1:20 to go in regulation to force overtime with both sides level at 61.
NC A&T (7-18, 4-6 MEAC) jumped on top early on a 9-0 run to open the contest and was up by its largest lead of 10 points just five minutes in at 14-4. From that point, NCCU (8-15, 3-6 MEAC) put together its own run to draw level starting with a 10-2 run that stretched into an 18-8 run over eight minutes to level the game at 20.
NC A&T regained control of the scoreboard shortly after that run, but the Eagles battled to stay close and were down by two in the closing seconds of the half.
Dante Holmes (Baltimore, Md.) fired a trey from the corner as time was winding down and was fouled in the act of shooting with just four-tenths of a second remaining. He knocked down all three free throws, and NCCU went to the break ahead 30-29.
Holmes was a major factor for the maroon and gray as he finished the first half with 12 points on his way to a game-high 22.
The Aggies crashed back in front right after the pause by way of a three-pointer from Ahmad Abdullah (Raleigh, N.C.), who led the squad with 21 points. A triple in response from Holmes moved the Eagles back into the front seat, and NCCU held the lead for the next 14 minutes of play.
A layup from Ede Egharveba (Queens, N.Y.) brought NC A&T square with the Eagles at 55 with 5:24 to play in regulation. The Eagles would tie the game three more times, but the Aggies did not trail again after that.
Kyle Benton led all players with a career-high 13 rebounds along with nine points in the contest. Madison finished with eight points, and
Patrick Cole (Newark, N.J.) put in seven points and five rebounds, with three assists.
The Eagles will ready for their next conference game at home against Bethune-Cookman on Saturday, Feb. 13.
For more information on NCCU Athletics, visit NCCUEaglePride.com.
