Coppin St Knocks Off NCCU, Advances To Championship

NORFOLK, V.A. – North Carolina Central University’s journey comes to an end as they were defeated by Coppin State 79 to 73. 

The Eagles had won the first two previous meetings, but couldn’t capture a victory this time.

NCCU started the game off attacking the paint, taking advantage of easy opportunities, and playing stellar defense.

They shot 38% from the floor, and 14 points in the paint to end the first half. Going into halftime, the game was all tied at 29 points. 

Unfortunately in the second half, The Maroon and Gray started letting the game slip away. 

Coppin State’s guard, Jesse Zarzuela, dropped an astonishing 27 points on the Eagles. He did it on 61% shooting while knocking down a couple of threes. 

Zarzuela’s other teammate, Nendah Tarke, added 14 points, 3 rebounds, and two assists. 

N.C. Central had four players in double figures, but unfortunately, it wasn’t enough.

Kris Monroe, Senior Forward, dropped 18 points, 7 rebounds, and 1 assist on 63% shooting. 

Justin Wright, Sophomore Guard, handed out 14 points, 7 boards, and dished out 4 assists.

NCCU Guard, Eric Boone, had a busy night adding 12 points, 6 rebounds, and 1 assist. 

Senior Guard, Randy Miller Jr., helped carry the load with 12 points, 1 rebound, and adding 1 assist.

Coppin State held the lead for the majority of the game and even expanded the lead to 15 points, which was the largest lead of the game. 

The seven-seeded Eagles finished the game shooting 43% from the field and made 8 more free throws than NCCU, which was the leading factor in the outcome of the game. 

Coppin State looks to capture their fourth MEAC championship, as they take on 2021 MEAC champions Norfolk State on ESPN+ at 1:00 EST.