EL PASO, Texas – North Carolina Central University couldn't quite find the same hot shooting it had in its last two contests, and fell, 68-51, to Sam Houston State in the final round of the Don Haskins Sun Bowl Invitational at the Don Haskins Center.
 
Strong defense by SHSU (5-8) held NCCU (6-9) in check in the first half, as the Bearkats held the Eagles below 30 percent from the field in the first 20 minutes.  SHSU built up a 36-21 lead at the break, and held that advantage for the rest of the game.
 
The Eagles improved from the floor in the second period, and shot 45.8 percent with four treys, but were unable to close the gap.
 
Ja'Darius Harris (Trenton, Tenn.) poured in a season-high 15 points for the Eagles, and Randy Miller Jr. (Odenton, Md.) provided steady scoring with 10 points.  Marque Maultsby (Raleigh, N.C.) pulled down a season-high tying eight boards with five points as well for the maroon and gray.
 
Savion Flagg (Alvin, Texas) scored a game-high 17 points with nine caroms for the Bearkats, and Jaden Ray (Midwest City, Okla.) was right behind him with 13 points and seven assists.  Kian Scroggins (Raymore, Mo.) also contributed 10 points for SHSU.
 
NCCU will now rest up and get ready to face Mid-Atlantic Christian to open the new year on Jan. 5 at home inside McDougald-McLendon Arena.