DURHAM, N.C. – The senior duo of Fred Cleveland Jr. and Ja'Darius Harris both scored over 20 points to help the North Carolina Central University men's basketball team to a 73-54 victory against Howard. Cleveland led all scorers with 24 points and seven assists while Harris netted 21 points and grabbed seven rebounds. Junior Timmy Adedire earned his first career double-double off the bench for the Eagles.

There was a slow start to the game for both sides before NCCU went up 15-8 before the second media timeout. Howard's Dom Campbell closed the gap to one point after an offensive rebound led to second chance points.

Harris, Cleveland and Adedire would combine to score the 13 of the next 17 points for the Eagles heading into halftime with a 35-25 lead over Howard. Harris was the top scorer with 12 through the first 20 minutes. The Eagles held the Bison to 18.2 percent (2-of-11) shooting from beyond the arc in the first half. NCCU made six three and was 13-of-27 from the field in the first period.

Howard opened the second half on a 10-0 run to tie the game 35-35. The largest deficit that the Eagles would face after HU's run was two points as the Bison led 40-38. NCCU regained the lead and never looked back as Harris, Cleveland, Adedire and Po'Boigh King finished in double figures in Saturday's 19-point victory.

NC Central caused 15 turnovers leading to 15 points. The Eagles also held a two-point advantage in both paint and second chance points.

Bryce Harris of Howard lead his team in scoring with 21 points on the afternoon and grabbed 10 boards for a double-double. Campbell netted 18 points for the Bison.

NCCU returns to McDougald-McLendon Arena on Monday, Jan. 8 at 7:30 p.m. hosting Norfolk State.

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