RUSTON, La. – North Carolina Central University made seven consecutive field goals at the tail end of the contest at Louisiana Tech, but couldn't overcome the deficit as the Bulldogs claimed a 69-60 win on Tuesday, Dec. 17 at the Thomas Assembly Center.
 
NCCU (3-10) was hot from the perimeter early, and started the game on a 12-3 run with help from treys by Ty Graves (Greensboro, N.C.) and Mike Melvin (Fayetteville, N.C.).  LA Tech (8-3) didn't let the Eagles get too far away, but NCCU was able to keep its advantage for a 30-28 lead at the break.
 
Both teams continued to be scorching hot from the floor in the second half as the Eagles shot 59.1 percent from the floor, and the hosts shot an even 50 percent.  The Eagles also shot 57.1 percent from the perimeter with four made triples in the second period, but the difference came at the free throw line as LA Tech went 14-for-18 after the intermission, while the Eagles did not attempt a single free throw.
 
NCCU mounted a late comeback, and finished the game by making seven consecutive field goals – including three treys – before missing its final shot of the contest, but LA Tech was able to hold on for a 69-60 win.
 
Jibri Blount (Pittsburgh, Pa.) led the Eagles with 18 points and six rebounds, and Graves collected four three-pointers to finish with 14 points for the maroon and gray.  Melvin dished out a game-high six assists with 11 points, and C.J. Keyser (Baltimore, Md.) was the fourth Eagle to score 10 or more, as he contributed 11 points with three boards.
 
LA Tech had three players reach double-digits, as both Derric Jean (Miami, Fla.) and Kalob Ledoux (Port Barre, La.) scored 15, and Mubarak Muhammed (Suleja, Nigeria) chipped in 14 points with eight caroms.
 
The Eagles will rest during the holiday break, and will return home on Monday, Dec. 30 to host Mid-Atlantic Christian inside McDougald-McLendon Arena before starting Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference play against Florida A&M on Saturday, Jan. 4.