DURHAM, N.C. – Senior Fred Cleveland Jr. of the North Carolina Central University men's basketball team scored a team-high 27 points in Monday's contest at Morgan State University. The Eagles would fall 88-79 to the Bears for their second loss of the season to MSU.
After scoring a quick layup in the first possession, NCCU went close to five minutes without scoring as Morgan State's Amahrie Simpkins went on a 7-0 run by himself.
The Eagles went to work and the two teams traded shots throughout the first half. Junior Keishon Porter, sophomore Perry Smith Jr. and senior Emmanuel Izunabor brought the energy, each slamming home dunks. Sophomore Po'Boigh King also got into the action knocking down a couple of mid-range jumpers.
With under five minutes remaining, the Eagles saw a one-point lead grow to six as the Bears were up 30-24 with three minutes left in the first half.
Sophomore Josh Smith and Cleveland combined to score the final 11 points of the half for NC Central putting their team ahead 35-32. The duo led NCCU in scoring through the first 20 minutes with 11 and eight, respectively.
Both the Eagles and Bears were even in rebounding (15-15) and in paint points (18-18) heading into the second half.
Morgan State (10-19, 6-7 MEAC) came out of halftime and sparked a 13-0 run through the first four minutes.
Cleveland's three-pointer would end the run right before the first media timeout.
MSU's Will Thomas and Simpkins helped steer the Bears as Thomas exploded for 24 in the second half finishing with 30, while Simpkins scored 20 on 7-of-8 shooting.
A ten-point lead from Morgan State extended to 16 points both at the seven-minute mark and with two minutes remaining.
Senior Terrance Crawford would knock down nine points in seven minutes of action, but the Eagles weren't able to tie the game or regain the lead again.
Cleveland dished out six assists and pulled down five rebounds on the night. Junior Timmy Adedire matched Cleveland's team-high in rebounds as well.
Porter and King were also in double figures finishing with 11 and 10, respectively.
NCCU (16-12, 8-5 MEAC) has a short turnaround as the team prepares to host South Carolina State University on Thursday, March 7 at 7:30 p.m. in McDougald-McLendon Arena.
For more information on NCCU Athletics, visit NCCUEaglePride.com, or download the NCCU Eagles Athletics app.
