DURHAM, N.C. – North Carolina Central University trailed Norfolk State by 10 points with 12 minutes remaining, but the Eagles mounted a 15-1 run over the final six minutes to pull ahead for an eventual 64-63 win at McDougald-McLendon Arena on Monday, Jan. 8.
 
NCCU (8-8, 2-0 MEAC) dominated the first half and led by as many as 13 on the back of strong defense and 10 points from Raasean Davis (Chicago, Ill.) on his way to a career- and game-high 23 in the contest.  NSU (3-13, 1-1 MEAC) was able to hold firm, however, and the Spartans were able to draw within four at the break with the Eagles still leading 31-27.
 
The Spartans flipped a switch in the second half and charged ahead on a 21-7 run to take a 10-point lead at 48-38 with 12:38 to go, but the Eagles wouldn't go down easily.  NCCU dug deep to reclaim the lead with just under three minutes to go, and made clutch free throws to grab its second consecutive league win, 64-63.
 
Davis shot 8-for-10 from the floor on his way to 23 points and six rebounds, and Pablo Rivas (Colón, Panama) came off the bench for 14 points and eight rebounds in his first game back from injury.  Reggie Gardner, Jr. (Bowie, Md.) put in nine for the Eagles, and Jordan Perkins (Greensboro, N.C.) dished out a game-high seven assists.
 
Derrik Jamerson, Jr. (Detroit, Mich.) led the Spartans with 15 points and five rebounds, and Kyle Williams (Bronx, N.Y.) was close to a double-double with 11 points and nine rebounds.
 
NCCU remains at home this weekend, as the Eagles will host Coppin State on Saturday, Jan. 13.