Central Turn't up on the Hawks in the MEAC Tournament

North Carolina Central guard Po'Boigh King (35) shoots agree in the corner while being guarded by  University of Maryland Eastern Shore guard Chace Davis (1). Photo Credit: North Carolina Central

By Wole Akinso
(@Wole_USS)

Norfolk, VA—North Carolina Central Eagles defeated the University of Maryland Eastern Shore (UMES) Fighting Hawks in a competitive matchup, 87-81 to advance to the semifinals of the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference (MEAC) men’s basketball tournament.

UMES started fast getting a majority of the 50/50 balls and played with enormous energy.  The Hawks jumped out to a 16-6 lead against the two seed of the tournament.  Hawks guard Dionte Johnson (DJ) played forceful throughout the game but especially in the first half.  UMES head coach Jason Crafton talks about DJ’s strong play of late.

“I thought DJ in the last three or four weeks really took it to another gear in a leadership standpoint and being aggressive standpoint—getting downhill and playing bully basketball.  He is a strong guard, getting into the lane, making plays for himself and others.  That was really helpful.”

DJ finished the game, tying a game-high of 21 points.  On the flip side, North Carolina Central came out the gates slow.  Eagles coach Lavelle Moton talked about his team’s adjustments after being down 16-6. 

“I thought we came out flat.  Not as intensified as I would hope.” He added that, “you just have to respond the best way that you could.  We were able to get a couple of stops and manufacture some easy buckets for ourselves.”

Eagles guard Fred Cleveland Jr. helped lead the comeback in the first half.  Cleveland Jr. scored 11 points in the first half, which helped Eagles gather a 40-37 lead.  The Eagles maintained control for most of the second half; thanks to guard Po’Boigh King, who scored 15 points in the half.  King hit timely three-point shots throughout the second half.  Cleveland Jr. finished the game with 21 points and King 17.  UMES could never regain the lead after the Eagles got their mojo.     

The Eagles will play the winner of the Delaware State vs. South Carolina State game on Friday at 8 pm ET.