CHICAGO – Three first-time Eagles scored in double-figures for North Carolina Central University, but the Eagles came up short, 65-55 against Illinois-Chicago at the UIC Pavilion on Friday, Nov. 10.
 
NCCU (0-1) scored first in their 2017-18 season as Reginald Gardner, Jr. (Bowie, Md.) finished a fast break with a jam to put the maroon and gray on the board first.  UIC (1-0) was able to take control in the first half and pulled out to an 18-8 lead, but the Eagles outscored the Flames down the stretch in the final seven minutes of the period to draw the score to 29-20 at the intermission.
 
After the break, NCCU bolted out on a 14-7 run over the first 3:31 to close the gap to just two points at 36-34.  The Eagles hung close with UIC, but the Flames were able to open up a lead down the stretch on its wat to a 65-55 decision.
 
Raasean Davis (Chicago, Ill.) had a big game in his hometown as he put up a game-highs with 16 points and nine rebounds as he came one board shy of a season-opening double-double.  Brandon Goldsmith (Raleigh, N.C.) joined freshman teammate Gardner with 13 points for the Eagles, and Goldsmith added six caroms to his stat line as well.
 
UIC also had three players in double-digits with Godwin Boahen (Toronto, Ontario) leading with 15 points.  Tarkus Ferguson (Belleville, Ill.) was behind him with 13 points, and Tai Odiase (Glenwood, Ill.) contributed 10 points with eight rebounds.
 
The Eagles will continue their three-game road swing to open the season by visiting Evansville on Monday, Nov. 13.