PRINCESS ANNE, Md. – It took North Carolina Central University five extra minutes, but the Eagles were able to finally hold off Maryland Eastern Shore, 69-64 on Monday, Jan. 13 at Hytche Arena.
With NCCU (6-11, 2-1 MEAC) prevailing in the extra period, it snapped a three-game overtime losing streak, as the last overtime win was on the road at Jackson State, 67-64, on Dec. 22, 2014.
NCCU and MDES (2-16, 1-2 MEAC) played a tightly-contested first half as both teams stayed within close range with each other, until the Eagles were able to stretch out a 10-point lead. However, the Hawks were able to generate a 7-0 run to close the first half and cut the deficit to three with the Eagles leading 28-25 at the intermission.
MDES was able to make a late comeback in the second half thanks to strong shooting from Ahmad Frost (Cincinnati, Ohio) who scored 11 points, all in the second period along with three three-pointers. Frost was responsible for a driving layup with time winding down in regulation to tie the game at 59.
NCCU outscored MDES 10-5 in the extra period, boosted by a clutch trey by
Deven Palmer (Hyde Park, Mass.) and free throws from
Jordan Perkins (Greensboro, N.C.) and
Mike Melvin (Fayetteville, N.C.).
The Eagles were led by
Jibri Blount (Pittsburgh, Pa.) with 19 points and eight rebounds, stopped just shy of a fourth consecutive game with 20+ points, and a second-straight double-double before being disqualified with five personal fouls. Perkins nearly collected a double-double as well as he dished out nine assists with 10 points.
Nicolas Fennell (Bowie, Md.) was also important for the Eagles in the second half as he scored nine points after the break on his way to a new career-high of 13 points with six rebounds.
AJ Cheeseman (Snellville, Ga.) pushed the Hawks with a double-double of his own, notching 19 points and 10 rebounds, followed by Frost with his 11 points and seven rebounds.
With the win, the Eagles have now defeated MDES 16 consecutive times in the Division I era.
NCCU will remain on the road this weekend, starting with a visit to Bethune-Cookman on Saturday, Jan. 18.
