ATHENS, Ga. – The North Carolina Central men's basketball team opened the 2026-27 season at Georgia on Monday evening, falling 78-62 at Stegeman Coliseum. Cristian Sanon led all scorers with 19 points, going 5-of-7 from beyond the arc.
Joining Sanon in double figures were Maurice Vassel and Trey Brown, who finished one rebound shy of a double-double. Darius Kane dished out seven assists.
NCCU's first starting lineup of the season featured Sanon, Brown, Vassel, Kane and Duor Duor. Sanon started the night on fire, opening 3-of-3 from beyond the arc. He finished the first half with 12 points and four rebounds.
The Eagles entered halftime trailing 41-28, shooting 11-of-28 from the field as Georgia applied full-court pressure throughout the half, forcing nine turnovers and converting them into 14 points. There were two ties and six lead changes in the first 20 minutes, with NC Central last holding a lead at 13-12.
NC Central kept the scoring closer in the second half, allowing 37 points from the Bulldogs while scoring 34 of its own. The Eagles pulled within nine after Vassel's hook shot made it 47-38 with 14:30 remaining.
That was the closest the Eagles would come as Georgia did most of its damage from the charity stripe in the second half, going 14-of-17, while also outscoring NCCU 15-8 in points off turnovers. Kanon Catchings, Blue Cain and Marcus Millender combined for 43 points for the Bulldogs.
A bright spot for the Eagles was rebounding. NCCU outrebounded the Bulldogs in the final 20 minutes, 18-15, and finished just one rebound behind Georgia for the full game (37-36).
NCCU heads to Longwood on Saturday, Nov. 7, looking for its first win of the season. The Eagles and Lancers face off at 3 p.m. in the Joan Perry Brock Center.
For more information on NCCU Athletics, visit NCCUEaglePride.com.
