MORGANTOWN, W.Va. – In their first-ever meeting, the North Carolina Central University (NCCU) men’s basketball team struggled against a dominant West Virginia University (WVU) squad, falling 79-45 on Tuesday evening at the WVU Coliseum.
Redshirt senior Isaac Parson led the Eagles with a commendable 16-point performance, standing as the only NCCU player to reach double figures. Despite the loss, Parson’s effort showcased his consistent leadership on the court.
NCCU (4-8) entered the game hoping to build on the momentum of their dramatic last-second victory over Gardner-Webb University last Saturday. However, they faced a formidable West Virginia team riding high after recent wins against two nationally ranked opponents and receiving votes in the AP Top-25 poll.
West Virginia set the tone early, dissecting NCCU’s shifting defensive strategies to jump to a 10-point lead before the 12-minute mark of the first half. The Eagles momentarily cut the deficit to single digits at 23-14, thanks to a pair of free throws by senior wing Timmy Adedire with 5:27 left in the half. But a flurry of three-pointers by WVU’s Joseph Yesufu quickly widened the gap, leaving NCCU trailing 36-18 at halftime.
In the second half, NCCU found themselves unable to close the margin. While junior guard Po’Boigh King converted three of four free throws early in the period, the Mountaineers capitalized on the Eagles’ turnovers and dominated the boards. Javon Small (12 points), Jonathan Powell (17 points), and Yesufu (14 points) powered WVU’s offense, helping their team extend the lead to more than 20 points and maintain control until the final buzzer.
Key statistics from the game highlight NCCU’s struggles: the Eagles shot just 33% from the field, were outrebounded 45-30, and committed 14 turnovers, which WVU converted into 19 points. Junior forwards Perry Smith Jr. and Jaqai Murray contributed with six rebounds each, but it wasn’t enough to offset the Mountaineers’ dominance in the paint and beyond.
NCCU will look to regroup as they continue their road trip, facing Longwood University in Farmville, Va., on Saturday, Dec. 14 at 2 p.m. This matchup marks the first of a home-and-home series between the two programs.
