NCCU Drops Double Overtime Thriller at Morgan State
Baltimore, Md. – The North Carolina Central University (NCCU) men’s basketball team battled through a grueling double-overtime match-up against Morgan State University on Tuesday evening, ultimately falling 102-98 after a thrilling back-and-forth contest at the Hill Field House.
The Eagles were led by standout performances, including a 19-point, 12-rebound double-double from junior forward Perry Smith Jr. and redshirt senior guard Isaac Parson, who scored 19 points, including clutch baskets to extend the game in regulation and overtime. Junior Jaqai Murray added 16 points, while junior Po’Boigh King and senior Timmy Adedire contributed 15 and 10 points, respectively.
The game was a nail-biter from start to finish, featuring 16 ties and 22 lead changes.
Key Moments:
- Regulation Thriller: The Eagles held a 77-74 lead late in regulation, but Morgan State’s Kameron Hobbs hit critical free throws to tie the game at 79-79, forcing overtime.
- First Overtime Drama: With seconds left in the first overtime and the Eagles trailing, Parson hit a clutch three-pointer with 1.6 seconds remaining to tie the game at 88-88 and send it into a second overtime.
- Second Overtime Battle: The Eagles briefly led 89-88 early in the second overtime. However, Morgan State’s Hobbs sealed the Bears’ victory with a three-pointer in the final seconds, finishing the game with a stellar 40-point performance.
Despite the loss, NCCU led in several key statistical categories, including rebounds (47-43), assists (17-10), and points off turnovers (20-15). However, the Eagles struggled from the free-throw line, leaving 15 points on the table, shooting just 21-of-36.
Up Next:
The Eagles (7-12, 0-2 MEAC) return home to McDougald-McLendon Arena for their first home MEAC game of the season. NCCU will face the University of Maryland Eastern Shore on Saturday, Jan. 11, at 4 p.m.
For more information on NCCU Athletics, visit NCCUEaglePride.com or download the NCCU Eagles Athletics app.
Photo: Kevin L. Dorsey