FARMVILLE, Va. – Darius Kane and Tyler Mason led North Carolina Central's offensive charge, but the Eagles couldn't hold onto a late lead in regulation before falling 80-75 in overtime at Longwood on Saturday afternoon at the Joan Perry Brock Center.
NCCU (0-2) struggled offensively in the first half, shooting just 11-of-29 from the field and 2-of-11 from beyond the arc. The Eagles' only lead of the opening 20 minutes came on the game's first basket as they trailed 35-27 at halftime.
Kane and Mason helped spark the NC Central offense after the break. Kane scored seven of the Eagles' first 13 points in the second half to tie the game at 40 with 16:20 remaining. Mason made his presence felt in the paint as the duo combined for 42 points.
Duor Duor also made an impact on the defensive end, finishing with five blocks and eight rebounds. NCCU built a 50-42 lead with 13:04 remaining in regulation.
However, Longwood (2-1) outscored the Eagles 26-18 the rest of the way to force overtime. NCCU held a 68-65 advantage with 47 seconds remaining after Kane converted both free throws. With 10 seconds left, Longwood's Jaylen Benard converted an and-one layup and the additional free throw to tie the game.
Overtime featured three lead changes, with the Eagles taking a 75-71 lead with under three minutes remaining. Despite the advantage, NCCU couldn't find another basket as Longwood closed the game on a 9-0 run to secure the 80-75 victory.
Kane led all scorers with 22 points, while Mason followed with 20.
NCCU returns to Virginia to face VMI on Wednesday, Nov. 11, at 6 p.m. inside Cameron Hall.
For more information on NCCU Athletics, visit NCCUEaglePride.com.
