DURHAM, N.C. – The North Carolina Central University men's basketball team looks to return to the win column with two opportunities at home. NCCU will host the University of Maryland Eastern Shore on Saturday, Feb. 24 and Delaware State University on Monday, Feb. 26. The NC Central seniors will be honored before Saturday's game.
Full Game Notes: Game 23 vs UMES
(Updated game notes for the Delaware State game will be posted before Monday's game.)
Week 16 vs. Maryland Eastern Shore & Delaware State
2023-24 Regular Season
North Carolina Central (13-11, 5-4 MEAC)
vs
Maryland Eastern Shore (8-15, 3-6 MEAC)
Saturday, Feb. 24, 2024 – 4:00 p.m.
McDougald-McLendon Arena – Durham, N.C.
Watch: NCCUSN
Tickets: Purchase HERE
Follow: Live Stats
vs
Delaware State (12-13, 5-4 MEAC)
Monday, Feb. 26, 2024 – 7:30 p.m.
McDougald-McLendon Arena – Durham, N.C.
Watch: NCCUSN
Tickets: Purchase HERE
Follow: Live Stats
NC CENTRAL BENCH
NCCU is coming off an 80-74 loss at Norfolk State University in a tough contest. Sophomore Po'Boigh King led the Eagles in scoring going 5-of-7 from the field for 18 points. Seniors Fred Cleveland Jr. and Ja'Darius Harris along with sophomore Josh Smith were in double figures as well.
The Eagles lead the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference in points per game (75.3), scoring margin (+7.1) and three-point defense percentage (27.1 percent).
NCCU is second in the nation in three-point defense percentage and 12th in fastbreak points per game (15.38).
NC Central is currently in a five-way second-place tie in the MEAC standings with Delaware State, Howard, South Carolina State and Morgan State.
MARYLAND EASTERN SHORE BENCH
The last time the Hawks were on the court was in a home victory against Coppin State University, 75-67. UMES was led by three double figure scorers. Junior Troy Hupstead led his team with 22 points. Elijah Wilson and Toby Nnadozie had 19 and 10 points, respectively.
UMES is tied for second in the conference in team rebounds (35.8 per game). Hupstead leads the MEAC in rebounding at 8.7 per game.
The Hawks fell to NC Central on Jan. 27 in a 75-67 defeat in Princess Anne, Md. NCCU has won two games in a row against UMES, leading the series 21-3.
DELAWARE STATE BENCH
Delaware State won two games in a row, most recently winning at home against Morgan State University, 80-58. Freshman Deywilk Tavarez led all scorers with 21 points in 24 minutes. The MEAC's third leading scorer, Martaz Robinson, had 16 points and 10 rebounds. Alston Andrews also had a double-double performance of 11 points and 11 rebounds.
The Hornets are in the top-25 in two different categories in the nation. DSU is 17th in turnovers forced per game (15.44) and 25th in fastbreak points per game (14.28). Delaware State is second in the conference in both categories.
When NCCU played at Delaware State earlier in the season the Eagles defeated the Hornets 69-66. NC Central has won nine consecutive games against DSU, leading the series 18-6.
For more information on NCCU Athletics, visit NCCUEaglePride.com, or download the NCCU Eagles Athletics app.
