Rock Hill, S.C. — NC Central Eagles Claim First Win in Nail-Biter Against William & Mary
The North Carolina Central University (NCCU) men’s basketball team achieved a thrilling victory by defeating the College of William & Mary with a score of 78-76 on November 16, 2024. This game, part of the Rock Hill Classic, marks NCCU’s first win of the season, improving their record to 1-4.
A Game of Momentum
The game was a back-and-forth struggle, particularly in the first half, where lead changes were common. After the first media timeout, the William & Mary Tribe held a 22-15 lead with just under ten minutes left in the opening half. However, the Eagles refused to back down, with junior Po’Boigh King and senior Keishon Porter coming alive. They hit two critical three-pointers that brought the deficit down to one point.
As the first half progressed, the Tribe remained competitive, controlling the lead until the final stretch. The Eagles managed to reclaim the lead just seconds before the halftime buzzer, finishing the first twenty minutes on top with a score of 37-35. Porter led the charge for NCCU, finishing the half with 10 points.
Strong Second Half Performance
The second half saw a rejuvenated Eagles squad. They found their rhythm early on, running various offensive sets that created ample scoring opportunities. Junior guard Dionte Johnson joined King and Porter in showcasing their shooting skills, as they knocked down several shots from beyond the three-point arc. With 11:26 remaining in the game, NCCU held a solid lead at 57-49.
Nevertheless, the Tribe mounted a comeback and tied the score at 61 with just under seven minutes remaining. In a decisive moment, Johnson responded by draining two consecutive three-pointers, giving the Eagles a slight edge once more. King contributed as well with a timely three-pointer shortly thereafter.
A Thrilling Finale
As the game approached its final moments, the Tribe exhibited resilience, regaining the lead for the first time since the first half with just over two minutes remaining, bringing the score to 73-72. Yet, King was not about to let the victory slip away. He hit a critical jumper that allowed the Eagles to retake the advantage.
With only 33 seconds left in the game, junior forward Perry Smith Jr. added a layup, extending NCCU’s lead to three points. Free throws played a crucial role in the concluding moments of the match. With 13 seconds on the clock, William & Mary’s Kyle Pulliam made two free throws, narrowing the gap to 76-75.
On the other end, senior guard Isaac Parson sealed the game for NCCU by hitting two free throws, pushing the score to 78-75. In a final effort, Pulliam returned to the charity stripe but made only one of two attempts, resulting in the Eagles narrowly securing a 78-76 victory.
Impressive Statistics
King led the Eagles with an astonishing 22 points, complemented by Porter’s 14 points. Smith Jr. contributed significantly as well, recording seven points and seven rebounds. NCCU achieved a shooting percentage of 47.4% from the field, including 10 three-pointers. They also excelled at the free-throw line, going 14-19 while securing seven steals and scoring 12 points off turnovers.
Looking Ahead
The Eagles are set to wrap up their participation in the Rock Hill Classic on Sunday, November 17, where they face off against the host team, Winthrop University. The game is scheduled to begin at 2:30 p.m. in the Rock Hill Sports & Events Center.
For ongoing updates and information about NCCU Athletics, fans are encouraged to visit the official athletics website or download the NCCU Eagles Athletics app.
