DURHAM, N.C. – Down by 17 points to South Carolina State with 14:14 remaining, North Carolina Central men's basketball attempted a comeback, using a 24-7 run to tie the game with 6:43 left. The Eagles ultimately fell 80–64 on Thursday evening at McDougald-McLendon Arena.

NCCU (12-17, 8-6 MEAC) finished the game 0-for-8 from the field and did not make another field goal after tying the score. Tekao Carpenter led all scorers with 21 points and served as the catalyst during the comeback attempt.

South Carolina State (9-21, 7-7 MEAC) has now defeated NC Central four straight times, dating back to last season in Orangeburg, S.C. Thursday's victory was also the Bulldogs' first win at McDougald-McLendon Arena in the Division I era.

The Bulldogs controlled the first half, leading for 17:30 as the Eagles managed three ties while trying to break SCSU's full-court press. Neither team shot particularly well, but NCCU made just eight field goals in the half, including a 1-of-12 performance from beyond the arc. SCSU went into the break leading 37-26.

South Carolina State opened the second half by extending the lead to 17 within the first five minutes. With 11:38 remaining and the Bulldogs ahead 60-45, the Eagles came to life. Led by Carpenter, NCCU went on a 17-2 run to tie the game at 62.

The Eagles appeared to run out of gas, going the final 6:43 without another field goal. The Bulldogs closed the game on an 18-2 run to secure the victory.

Noah Treadwell finished with 16 points to lead the Bulldogs, who also received 49 points from their bench.

NC Central now awaits official seeding for the MEAC Basketball Tournament as the Eagles look to extend their season. The tournament will take place March 11-14 at Scope Arena in Norfolk, Va.

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