NORFOLK, Va. – The North Carolina Central University men's basketball program had a cold start to the game at Norfolk State, and that allowed the Spartans to open up an early lead on the way to a 75-46 final score to level the season series at one win apiece inside Echols Hall on Monday, Feb. 28.
 
NCCU (14-14, 7-5 MEAC) was held to just 17 points in the first half, and NSU (20-6, 11-2 MEAC) shot an impressive 63.3 percent from the field in the first 20 minutes.  The Eagles were able to pick up the pace and outscore the Spartans in the second half, but were unable to overcome the early deficit.
 
Eric Boone (Lexington, Ky.) led the Eagles in scoring for the second consecutive game with 18 points and six rebounds, and Cameron Butler (Chicago, Ill.) pulled down a team-best seven boards.  Marque Maultsby (Raleigh, N.C.) contributed eight points and five caroms for the Eagles.
 
NSU had three players reach double-digits in scoring, led by a double-double from Kris Bankston (Little Rock, Ark.) of 21 points and 11 rebounds.  Dana Tate (Boston, Mass.) followed with 18 points and nine boards, and Jalen Hawkins (Bronx, N.Y.) chipped in 11 points.  Joe Bryant (Norfolk, Va.) had a full game with a game-high seven assists along with eight points and six rebounds.
 
The Eagles will finish the regular season at home on Thursday, March 3 against South Carolina State for Senior Day.
 
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