Eagles Fly Away from Blue Bears Grasp in Overtime

Salisbury, NC - North Carolina Central University (13-9, 8-3 CIAA) escaped out of New Trent Gymnasium with an 84-81 win over Livingstone College (5-14, 0-10 CIAA). The Eagles were able to prevail in overtime, out scoring the Blue Bears 11-8.

At the half, NCCU held a slim 38-36 lead over LC. In the second half, the Eagles quickly jumped out to a six-point lead, but Blue Bears clawed its way back to a 45-44 lead on a 3-point jumper by J.C. Henry. From this point, both teams traded baskets throughout the half ending regulation with a 73-73 tie.

In overtime, NCCU quickly scored on a 3-point jumper by Michael Noel as the Eagles took a commanding lead for good. The Blue Bears had a chance with 5.6 seconds, but time ran out before Henry’s 3-pointer was released.

All-CIAA nominee guard Jerome LaGrange ignited the Livingstone offense scoring 22 of his season high 34 points in the 1st half. He also contributed 5 rebounds and 4 assists. LaGrange shot (13-19) from the field for his maestro performance as the Blue Bears fell short in the end. LaGrange scored from all angles and corners of the court forcing overtime on a lay-up between two Eagle defenders. Olufemi Abiodun chipped in with 19 points for the Blue Bears.

Shawn Ray scored a NCCU team high 26 points as four Eagles scored in double figures.

The Blue Bears will be in action again as they host the Rams of Winston-Salem State University on February 11, 2003 at 7:30 p.m.