Atlanta Eagles Fall Short Against Panthers in Challenging Matchup

Atlanta, Georgia: Eagles Battle Hard but Fall to Panthers

On a lively evening for basketball fans in Atlanta, the North Carolina Central University men’s basketball team faced off against Georgia State University, ultimately falling short with a score of 93-79. The game, held at the GSU Convocation Center, showcased some thrilling plays but ultimately ended in disappointment for the Eagles.

A Strong Start for the Eagles

The night started off on a high note for the Eagles, who showed great energy and determination from the very first whistle. As seniors Keishon Porter and Timmy Adedire dropped in some impressive three-pointers, the atmosphere began to buzz with excitement. The real show-stealer though was junior guard Po’Boigh King, who went on a rampaging 7-0 run all by himself, putting the Eagles in the lead early on.

Thanks to some smart plays and GSU’s inability to deal with the Eagles’ pesky press, NCCU quickly opened up a solid 21-11 lead by the 12-minute mark. As the first half progressed, that lead even ballooned to 27-12, marking the Eagles’ largest lead of the night.

Turning the Tide

Nick McMullen, Zarique Nutter, and Toneari Lane, the Panthers started to chip away at the deficit. Despite NC Central leading for a significant portion of the first half—totalling 16 minutes and 3 seconds—the Panthers closed the gap just before halftime. Georgia State launched a blistering 16-0 run and went into the break with a narrow 43-38 lead.

Second Half Struggles

As the second half kicked off, NC Central was hungry for a comeback. With some early buckets from Porter, Dionte Johnson, and King, the Eagles opened with a 9-4 run. Yet, despite that early surge, the Eagles were unable to regain the lead. The closest they got was when the score stood at 51-47, but Georgia State’s efficient shooting proved too much for NCCU.

The Panthers showcased their impressive offensive skills, finishing the game with a remarkable shooting percentage of 70 percent, landing 33 of 47 field goal attempts while also connecting on 53 percent from beyond the arc.

A Bright Spot for the Eagles

Even in defeat, the Eagles had standout performances on display. King led the scoring for NCCU with 19 points. Porter and Floyd Rideau Jr. each contributed 13 points, showcasing the depth in their offensive lineup. Johnson was instrumental as well, providing an excellent playmaking presence with eight assists during the game. Not to forget the defense, where Porter led the team with six rebounds.

Looking Ahead

As the dust settles on this tough game, the Eagles are determined to bounce back. They will turn their attention to their upcoming three-game homestand, starting with a matchup against Carolina University on Monday, November 25, at 7 p.m. in the McDougald-McLendon Arena. With their eyes set on a comeback, fans will be eager to see how the Eagles respond after this challenging outing.

For more updates on the game and the rest of the season, keep an eye on the activities surrounding NCCU Athletics.