Holmes' clutch three lifts Eagles past Jackson State
JACKSON, Miss. – After North Carolina Central University struggled mightily from the free throw line, junior Dante Holmes saved the day for NCCU by nailing a three-pointer with 32 seconds left in regulation to send the game into overtime, where the Eagles held on to beat Jackson State 67-64.
While Holmes wore the hero mask in the clutch, NCCU senior point guard Nimrod Hilliard was the man that kept the Eagles close throughout the game, scoring a season-high 25 points for the Eagles. His previous high was 14 points.
The win is the third in-a-row by NCCU (9-5), including eight victories in the last 10 games, with the only losses during that time coming at No. 19 Maryland and at Memphis.
NCCU takes a week off before returning to the McDougald-McLendon Gymnasium hardwood on Dec. 29 to host IUPUI.
For complete story, visit www.nccueaglepride.com
Fuentes’ Late Score, Short’s Career Night Give NSU 74-71 OT Win over JMU
HARRISONBURG, Va. – James Madison erased a six-point lead in the last few minutes of the game, but a career night from junior Jeff Short and some late heroics by senior Jamel Fuentes in overtime gave the Norfolk State men’s basketball team a 74-71 win on Monday night at the JMU Convocation Center.
The Spartans held a 38-29 edge on the boards, out blocked JMU by a 9-1 margin and outscored the Dukes 36-24 in points in the paint.
JMU finished the game 21-of-57 overall (36.8 percent), including 8-of-22 from 3-point range.
Short scored the most points by an NSU player since Malcolm Hawkins had 31 against North Carolina Central on March 6, 2014.
Following the holiday break, NSU will travel out to Texas to play at Baylor on Dec. 30.
For complete story, visit www.nsuspartans.com
Coppin State falls on the road to Michigan
ANN ARBOR, Mich. – Playing its first game in eight days, the Coppin State men’s basketball team dropped a 72-56 decision to the University of Michigan at Crisler Arena Monday night.
Three Coppin State players reached double figures led by senior Taariq Cephas and junior Sterling Smith, who had 11 points each. Senior Daquan Brickhouse added 10 points for Coppin State (1-10 overall). Cephas, who handed out five assists, crammed all of his points into the final eight minutes.
Coppin State made nine three-pointers as a team. Cephas led the Eagles with three triples. Senior Arnold Fripp had nine points and senior Dallas Gary finished with eight points.
Leading Michigan was freshman Ricky Doyle (16 points) and Zak Irvin (13).
Coppin State returns to action Tuesday night when it visits Eastern Michigan at 6:00 p.m.
For complete story, visit www.coppinstatesports.com
HAWKS SOAR TO NEW HEIGHTS WITH HUGE ROAD WIN
PRINCESS ANNE, Md. – The University of Maryland Eastern Shore men’s basketball team notched an impressive road victory at St. Bonaventure on Monday night, one of the best wins for the program in years. UMES (6-8) submitted a complete performance in every facet of the game to knock off the Bonnies on their home court.
The 82 points in the win were easily the most by the Hawks this season, passing the 72 points in the victory at Fordham. The last time UMES broke the 80-point barrier in a game was the regular season finale against Delaware State last season. The Hawks have now five of their last seven games, improving to 6-8 on the season. With the victory, UMES has already matched their entire win total from a year ago.
With Monday’s result, UMES notched its second win over an A-10 school in the same season, the other being the victory at Fordham. Prior to the Fordham game, UMES had gone 45 years without a win over a current A-10 team. The victory was also the Hawks’ first win in school history against St. Bonaventure University, having lost the prior two meetings.
The Hawks will have yet another chance for a road win against an A-10 team when they face Duquesne University on Sunday, December 28. Tip-off against the Dukes is scheduled for 2:00 p.m. on Sunday afternoon in Pittsburgh, Pa.
For complete story, visit www.umeshawks.com