DURHAM, N.C. – North Carolina Central University had one of its best defensive performances in a Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference game as they held Howard University to the second-fewest points allowed since rejoining the league in a 74-39 victory at McDougald-McLendon Arena on Monday, Jan. 23.
 
NCCU's (13-6, 4-1 MEAC) performance goes into the history books next to another 39 points allowed (Dec. 7, 2014) and 36 points allowed (Jan. 21, 2013), both also against Howard (5-15, 2-3 MEAC).
 
NCCU set the tone of the game by making its first four shots from the floor and its first two free throws on the way to leading wire-to-wire.  NCCU led Howard 51-19 after the first half, led by three separate Eagles who broke into double-figures.
 
Patrick Cole (Newark, N.J.) led the maroon and gray triumvirate with 16 points before the first 20 minutes expired, on his way to a game-high 24 with seven rebounds and a game-high five assists.  Cole was joined by Dajuan Graf (Charlotte, N.C.) who scored 15 in the first frame, and Del'vin Dickerson (Houston, Texas) who nailed a couple of treys on his way to 17 points.
 
Kyle Benton (Long Beach, Calif.) continued to make a strong impact when called upon after returning from his injury as he once again came close to a double-double with eight points and game-high 10 rebounds.
 
Jalen Jones (Raleigh, N.C.) was the standout player for the Bison with 12 points and seven rebounds, and he was a perfect 5-for-5 from the floor while making both of his free throw attempts.
 
Among other notable stats, the Eagles held Howard to just 6.3 percent shooting from the perimeter, which is the lowest this season, and also held the Bison to the fewest assists allowed this campaign with four.
 
The Eagles will now gear up for a blackout game against North Carolina A&T on Saturday, Jan. 28 at McDougald-McLendon Arena at 4:00 p.m.  For more information and tickets, visit NCCUEaglePride.com.