King’s 25 Points Propel NCCU to Victory Over SC State

DURHAM, NC – The North Carolina Central University (NCCU) men’s basketball team secured a thrilling 82-77 victory over South Carolina State University (SCSU) in a tightly contested matchup on Saturday evening at McDougald-McLendon Arena.

Junior guard Po’Boigh King led the charge for the Eagles, posting a game-high 25 points and six rebounds. King’s efficient performance included shooting 6-of-10 from the field and an impressive 11-of-13 from the free-throw line. Senior Keishon Porter contributed 17 points, while junior Perry Smith Jr. added 16 to help NCCU notch its third consecutive Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference (MEAC) win.

The Eagles (10-12, 3-2 MEAC) overcame a tough challenge from the Bulldogs. Head coach LeVelle Moton acknowledged the intensity of the game, saying, “South Carolina State is a really good basketball team. This was going to be a battle of attrition, and the tougher team would prevail.”

NCCU trailed 39-38 at halftime despite King already racking up 16 points in the first half. The second half featured nine lead changes and six ties, with the teams locked at 52-52 with 11:56 remaining. After briefly falling behind by three points, the Eagles rallied and regained the lead with 8:11 left in regulation, holding on for the remainder of the game.

“We made significant plays at critical times down the stretch,” Moton said. “We secured key rebounds and hit crucial free throws.”

NCCU’s late-game composure at the free-throw line proved decisive, as the team went 8-of-10 in the final two minutes. King, Smith, and junior Jaqai Murray all contributed critical points from the charity stripe, with King sinking the final four free throws to seal the victory.

SCSU (9-11, 3-2 MEAC) saw four players score double figures, led by Mitchell Taylor with 16 points. However, the Bulldogs’ efforts were hampered by foul trouble, as Drayton Jones and Florian Tenebay fouled out in the closing minutes.

The Eagles now turn their focus to Norfolk State University, preparing for a highly anticipated matchup on the road at Echols Hall on Feb. 3. The game will be broadcast live on ESPNU at 7:30 p.m.

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