DURHAM, N.C. – North Carolina Central University shot 57.6 percent from the floor and 61.5 percent from the perimeter to run away with an 80-65 win over Howard on Monday, Feb. 24 at McDougald-McLendon Arena. 
 
NCCU (14-13, 10-3 MEAC) found itself behind early as Howard (2-26, 0-13 MEAC) raced out to a 15-4 lead to open the game.  After that point the Eagles rattled off a 20-4 run that included 14 unanswered points over eight minutes of play to take a 24-19 lead, and NCCU made that stand for the rest of the game.
 
The Eagles put together another lengthy defensive run in the second period as the hosts went on a 12-0 run that lasted six minutes on the way to closing out an 80-65 victory.  With the win, the Eagles have now won 14 consecutive games at home.
 
Jibri Blount (Pittsburgh, Pa.) collected his 12th double-double of the season with a team-best 20 points and 11 rebounds, and Mike Melvin (Fayetteville, N.C.) dished out a career-high 10 assists with seven points.  A total of five Eagles scored in double-digits, as C.J. Keyser (Baltimore, Md.) picked up 12 points with five assists, and Deven Palmer (Hyde Park, Mass.) added on 15 points with four made three-pointers.  Evan Clayborne (Dayton, Ohio) had a strong game inside with 11 points and nine rebounds including a few highlight-reel dunks.
 
Howard was spearheaded by Charles Williams (Richmond, Va.) who scored a game-high 22 points, and Wayne Bristol Jr. (Upper Marlboro, Md.) contributed 11 points with six boards.
 
NCCU will play its final road game of the regular season on Saturday, Feb. 29 at South Carolina State at 4:00 p.m., following the women's basketball game at 2:00 p.m.