DURHAM, N.C. – The North Carolina Central University men's basketball team hosts Gardner-Webb University in its home opener on Friday, Nov. 8 at 1 p.m. This is the second game of the year for the Eagles after opening the season on the road at George Mason University.
Full Game Notes: Game 02 vs Gardner-Webb
Week 1 – Game 2 vs. Gardner-Webb University
2024-25 Regular Season
North Carolina Central (0-1, 0-0 MEAC)
vs
Gardner-Webb (0-1, 0-0 Big South)
Friday, Nov. 8, 2024 – 1:00 p.m.
McDougald-McLendon Arena – Durham, N.C.
Tickets: Purchase HERE
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NC CENTRAL BENCH
NCCU started the season on the road facing George Mason in the EagleBank Arena on Monday. The Eagles fell 75-58 after dealing with foul trouble throughout the contest.
Redshirt senior Isaac Parson and junior Josh Smith combined for 27 points to lead the Eagles. The majority of their points came from the charity stripe with Parson going a perfect 10-for-10 in his NC Central debut.
The starters for the first game of the season were juniors Po'Boigh King, Kelechi Okworogwo, Dionte Johnson, Perry Smith Jr. and senior Keishon Porter.
Along with Parson, Johnson and Okworogwo, there are five more new faces in the Maroon and Gray. Floyd Rideau Jr., Anthony Peoples Jr., Jaqai Murray and Aquan Smart are all transfers while Camren Daniels is a true freshman from Durham.
The Eagles and Runnin' Bulldogs are tied up 2-2 in head-to-head matchups in the past. The last time the two teams met was in 2022 with NCCU falling short 72-70 in Boiling Springs, N.C.
GARDNER-WEBB BENCH
The Runnin' Bulldogs started the season at the University of Tennessee on Nov. 4 falling 80-64. Darryl Simmons II led Gardner-Webb and all other scorers with 22 points. Isaiah Richards led GWU in rebounds with eight.
Head coach Jeremy Luther was an assistant for 11 seasons before being hired as the head coach this season. Prior to GWU, Luther coached at Newberry, Armstrong Atlantic, and Mercer. He played for Robert Morris, Liberty and Covenant College from 1992-96.
Gardner-Webb brings back 11 players to this year's roster, but none include the team's top five scorers. Senior Ademide Badmus returns after averaging 5.6 points and 4.5 rebounds a game last season.
The Runnin' Bulldogs will be playing a home-and-home series this season as the Eagles play in Boiling Springs on Dec. 7. Gardner-Webb is one of four Big South Conference teams that NCCU faces during non-conference action.
For more information on NCCU Athletics, visit NCCUEaglePride.com, or download the NCCU Eagles Athletics app.
