DURHAM, N.C. – North Carolina Central University senior forward Kris Monroe poured in 22 first-half points to help NCCU sprint to an 85-52 wire-to-wire victory over Coppin State University inside McDougald-McLendon Arena on Monday night.

This is the 240th victory for NCCU head coach LeVelle Moton, passing the legendary two-time Naismith Hall of Fame coach John McLendon, who led the Eagles from 1940-1952 (239-68), for the second spot on NCCU's career wins list. Moton now trails McLendon's successor Floyd Brown, who is NCCU's all-time winningest coach and was at the helm from 1952-1970 (251-194).

The maroon and gray utilized stout defense and efficient offense to generate and hold their lead. CSU shot just 30.6% from the field (15-49) and 26.1% from long range, compared to NCCU's 53.2% (33-62) from the field and 37% (10-27) from deep.

During Monroe's blazing half, he shot 75% from the field (9-12) and hit four of six shots from beyond the arc. He finished the contest with career-highs of 25 points and 16 rebounds, and his contributions helped the Eagles dominate the glass 42-24.

Three additional NCCU players scored in double figures. Senior guard Marque Maultsby tallied 18 points, while hitting eight shots from the field and grabbing eight rebounds.

Center Brendan Medley-Bacon had 17 points, five rebounds, and two blocks, while guard Fred Cleveland Jr. registered 11 points and was one of three Eagles to record two takeaways.

Senior guard Eric Boone and junior guard Justin Wright were NCCU's primary facilitators, combining for 10 of the Eagles' 20 assists.

The Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference's most prolific scorer Sam Sessoms led Coppin State (6-20, 1-8 MEAC) with 18 points.

Up next, NCCU (12-11, 5-4 MEAC) will travel north to battle Delaware State and Maryland Eastern Shore on Saturday, Feb. 18, and Monday, Feb. 20, respectively. 

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