PRINCESS ANNE, Md. – The North Carolina Central University men's basketball team used stout defense and size advantage to earn its fourth consecutive victory with a 68-63 win over the University of Maryland Eastern Shore inside Hytche Arena on Monday night.

In the final two minutes of the game turnovers and missed free throws allowed UMES to cut a 12-point deficit (58-46) to as close as three. However, senior forward Nicolas Fennell and junior guard Ja'Darius Harris combined for seven made free throws down the stretch to put the game on ice.

The maroon and gray defense set the tone in the first 20 minutes, generating eight steals, and forcing 13 turnovers to help NCCU lead 30-23 at the break. Additionally, the Eagles held a 16-9 advantage on the glass as well as an 18-6 points in the paint lead in the first half.

The size and tenacity of the Eagles continued to be too much for the Hawks to handle as NCCU finished the contest with advantages in rebounds (39-20), and points in the paint (40-28), while allowing UMES to shoot just 42% for the game.

Junior guard Justin Wright spearheaded the Eagles' offense hitting eight of 15 shots from the field including one triple and two shots from the foul line to net 19 points. He also added seven rebounds, two assists, and two steals to his stat line.

Current MEAC Defensive Player of the Week Graduate student Brendan Medley-Bacon was productive on both ends of the floor for the Eagles. He registered 16 points, snagged six boards, and swatted four shots.

Senior guard Eric Boone stuffed the stat sheet with seven points, nine rebounds, and 12 assists. He also had a career-high seven takeaways.

Fennell finished the contest with 10 points and seven rebounds, while Harris added nine points and three rebounds.

For the Hawks, Zion Styles poured in a game-high 22 points, Da'Shawn Phillip scored 13, and Chace Davis added 10.

Up next, NCCU (14-11, 7-4 MEAC) will close out the month of February with two home games at McDougald-McLendon Arena. First, they will welcome Howard on Saturday, Feb. 25 at 4 p.m. and then face Norfolk State on Monday, Feb. 27 at 7:30 p.m.

For more information about NCCU Athletics, visit NCCUEaglePride.com or download the NCCU Eagles Athletics app.