DURHAM, N.C. – The North Carolina Central University men's basketball team ended a three-game losing streak in the Nest winning 72-68 over Howard University on Saturday evening in McDougald-McLendon Arena. The Eagles had three players in double figures, including junior forward Perry Smith Jr. who earned a double-double in three of the last four games.

Junior guard Po'Boigh King had a team-high 20 points. Smith scored 18 points and grabbed 10 rebounds while junior guard Dionte Johnson also finished with 18 points combined with five rebounds and four assists.

NC Central is now 12-17 overall with a 5-7 Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference record.

Before the game, five players from the men's basketball team were honored for senior night. Chris Daniels, Keishon Porter, Isaac Parson, Aquan Smart and Timmy Adedire were all presented with framed jerseys before warm-ups began.

Once the ball tipped, both squads kept it close. The largest lead that the Bison had in the first half was seven points on three different occasions.

By the end of the first half, Howard was up 35-34. King ended the first 20 minutes with 13 points on 6-of-13 shooting.

After the Eagles took a slim lead and tied up the game multiple times in the second half, Howard went up by three with 9:36 remaining. A layup from Smith and a three-pointer by Smart put NC Central ahead as the Bison were unable to regain the lead.

Paint points helped steer the 72-68 victory for the Eagles as NCCU had a 36-24 advantage. Swarming defense from NC Central beyond the arc led to an 8-of-30 (26.7 percent) performance from deep by the Bison.

Howard's leading scorer was Blake Harper with 23 points.

The Eagles will prepare to host Norfolk State University on Monday, March 3 at 7:30 p.m.

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