RADFORD, Va. – The North Carolina Central University men's basketball program overcame a 16-point deficit at Radford but were unable to claim the lead as the Highlanders were victorious 82-74. Sophomore Josh Smith led all Eagles and scorers with 19 points, followed by 17 points and seven rebounds from Po'Boigh King.
Head coach LeVelle Moton used his fifth different starting lineup of the season due to injuries. Seniors Fred Cleveland Jr. and Ja'Darius Harris were ruled out of Saturday's contest. Emmanuel Izunabor did make a return to the floor after missing two games. Smith, King, Keishon Porter, Perry Smith Jr. and Devin Gordon took the court for NCCU to begin the first half.
The game started with two straight Eagle fouls in the first minute of action. Radford struck first with a three-pointer, almost identical to the beginning of the Virginia contest earlier in the week. After trading buckets, the Highlanders went on a 10-0 run that was ended by a two-point jumper from Gordon making the score 19-10.
The fouls continued to pile up as NC Central was in the bonus with just over 13 minutes left in the first half. The Highlanders extended the lead 25-10 before Moton called a timeout.
Sophomore Guy Fauntleroy came into the game and provided instant offense for the Eagles scoring 10 points, all in the first half. Fauntleroy's three-pointer cut the lead to seven points with 3:45 remaining.
Gordon was 4-of-5 from the field in the first 20 minutes. A missed free-throw by Gordon from an and-one layup led to a put back by Perry Smith with NCCU down 39-33. Smith's score would be the last of the half for the Eagles as Radford extended the lead 46-33 scoring seven points in the last 2:30 of the period.
Both teams were almost even on turnovers at the half, but NCCU was out rebounded 21 to 13. Fauntleroy's 10 points lead all NC Central scorers and Gordon added eight points.
North Carolina Central switched gears to begin the second half sparked by an 8-5 run to bring the lead back to 10 points before a Radford timeout. During the huddle, the scoreboard went out at Dedmon Center causing a 5-minute delay before play could resume.
The delay didn't slow down the Eagles with Gordon making a jumper to lower the lead 51-43. After a made free-throw by Radford's Truth Harris, NCCU went on a 7-0 run tying the game 52-52. The run consisted of three consecutive turnovers by Radford leading to a layup by Porter, a three-pointer by Josh Smith and a fast break dunk by King.
An 8-0 run by Radford gave them the 60-52 advantage over NCCU at the 12-minute mark. Soon the Eagles would have to try and close another 10-point gap by the Highlanders. With 3:38 remaining, a slam dunk by Josh Smith brought the score closer 72-69. That was the closest NC Central would get as they outscored Radford 41-36 in the second half but wasn't enough to capture the lead from the Highlanders.
North Carolina Central plays a familiar rival on Tuesday, Dec. 12, traveling to North Carolina A&T for a 7 p.m. matchup.
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