RADFORD, Va. - North Carolina Central University erased a 17-point second half deficit to take a five-point lead over Radford University with less than two minutes left, but a flagrant foul call against the Eagles changed the game, as the host Highlander held on for a dramatic 80-78 men's basketball win on Thursday night. 

NCCU senior Kris Monroe led all scorers with 23 points, including a sizzling 6-of-8 shooting from long distance, while adding a game-high 11 rebounds for his fourth career double-double. Junior Justin Wright registered 14 points and senior Dan Oladapo chipped in 12 points for the Eagles.

NCCU, riding a four-game win streak, trailed 49-32 at the 17:51 mark of the second half. The Eagles, playing without the services of starting point guard Eric Boone and in significant foul trouble, outscored Radford 46-24 in the next 16 minutes to take a 78-73 lead with 1:38 remaining. Monroe netted 16 points during the improbable run.

Radford hit a huge triple and made one of two free throws to trim the gap to one point with 51 second left. That's when NCCU center Brendan Medley-Bacon was whistled for a flagrant foul after the made free throw, giving the Highlanders two more free throws and possession.

Now trailing 79-78 with less than 30 seconds to go, NCCU had possession with the chance to regain the lead, but Oladapo was called for an offensive foul on a screen.

The Eagles had one more opportunity with fewer than 10 seconds on the clock, but a 3-point try missed the mark.

NCCU (4-4) returns to McDougald-McLendon Arena on Saturday, Dec. 3, to host St. Andrews University at 3:30 p.m. 

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