NORFOLK, Va. – North Carolina Central University led wire-to-wire over Delaware State on the way to a 75-57 win over the Hornets on Thursday, March 14 at Scope Arena to clinch a spot in the semifinal round of the MEAC Tournament for a third consecutive year.
 
NCCU (16-15) was able to create the separation it needed in the first half as it shot 60.7 percent from the floor to take a 44-28 advantage to the break over DSU (6-25).  Part of the spark in the first half for the Eagles came on six three pointers, including one made by John Guerra (Cary, N.C.) who made his first appearance for the maroon and gray in seven games.
 
The Eagles slightly cooled in the second half from the floor, but still went on to finish shooting at a rate of 53.7 percent, NCCU's 13th performance of shooting over 50 percent in a game during the 2018-19 season.  Randy Miller Jr. (Odenton, Md.) led all scorers with 18 points, and Zacarry Douglas (Landover, Md.) came one-point shy of a second consecutive double-double with nine points and a game-high 12 rebounds, and he added on two blocks and a steal as well.
 
Raasean Davis (Chicago, Ill.) put up 10 points with six rebounds, and Jibri Blount (Pittsburgh, Pa.) reached double-digits with 10 points as well.  Jordan Perkins (Greensboro, N.C.) helped to motor the Eagles with a game-high five assists.
 
Kevin Larkin (Georgetown, Del.) led the Hornets with 16 points and five boards, and Saleik Edwards (Winterville, N.C.) followed with 13 points and five caroms as well.
 
The Eagles advance to face second-seeded North Carolina A&T on Friday, March 15 at Scope Arena as the two programs will meet for the third time this season, and the 145th time in the storied rivalry.  Tip-off is scheduled for approximately 8:00 p.m. and the game will be carried live on the NCCU Sports Network, and available to view on FloSports as well.