DURHAM, N.C. – After facing a challenging non-conference schedule for two months, North Carolina Central now directs its attention to what matters most – the MEAC slate starting with its conference opener against three-time defending champion Norfolk State at McDougald-McLendon Arena on Saturday, Jan. 3, at 2 p.m.

NCCU is 3-10 overall and Norfolk State is 5-10 overall but both teams, like the rest of the MEAC members, are 0-0 in the league entering Saturday's game which will be livestreamed on ESPN+. What happened in November and December has no bearing going forward as the Eagles begin their quest for a league championship. NCCU is expected to be conference contenders based on its No. 4 ranking in the preseason order of finish.

A non-conference slate including three nationally-ranked teams have prepared the Eagles for their conference opponents. NCCU enters Saturday leading the league in turnovers forced per game and rebounds per game. Its 22.3 forced turnover average ranks 23^rd in the country.

The Eagles have forced 30 or more turnovers in three games including a season-high 40 against Averett in a 111-48 home victory on Tuesday, Dec. 30.

The Eagles are led by forwards Morgan Callahan and Aniya Finger and point guard Najah Lane in addition to a bench that averages 26.8 points per game, which is 46^th best in the nation. Callahan is the Eagles' scoring (11.4 ppg) and rebounding leader (6.8) followed Finger at 10.5 points per game and 5.2 rebounds per game.

Lane leads the MEAC in three categories – free throw percentage (.822), assists per game (4.2) and assist/turnover ratio (1.3). Long distance shooter Aysia Hinton tops the MEAC in three-pointers made per game (1.8).

In addition to opening MEAC play with a victory, the Eagles are seeking to snap a six-game losing skid against the Spartans.

Though losing several key players and the head coach who spurred its three-year championship run, Norfolk State is still considered a formidable foe despite coming into Saturday on a three-game losing streak. The Spartans are picked to finish second in the MEAC.

Norfolk State is paced by transfer guard Jasha Clinton, who tops the team in points, assists and steals. NSU guard Anjanae Richardson, last year's MEAC Sixth Player of the Year, is back as a key contributor.

The Spartans also excel defensively, ranking 20^th in the nation in steals per game.

For more information on NCCU Athletics, visit NCCUEaglePride.com.