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NCCU Center-forward Dekendric Perry makes a free-throw attempt during a 73-57 loss to Johnson C. Smith at McLendon-McDougald gym. Photo: Curlyn Smith/Campus Echo staff

"Senior Night" ended on a bad note as N.C. Central University ended the season with a two-game loosing streak. The Johnson C. Smith Golden Bulls defeated the Eagles, 73-57, at McLendon-McDougald Gymnasium.

The Golden Bulls had three players in double figures and were led by Antonio Wade who had 19 points and Lemans Shingler who scored 14 points and 10 rebounds. Wyle Petty added 11 points, while Jahmad Woods grabbed 11 rebounds. The Eagles played without leading rebounder, Jimmy Boston. Boston’s services were truly missed, as they were out rebounded 37-26.

The first half was tightly contested as both teams made runs. The Golden Bulls jumped out to a nine-point lead, but the Eagles stormed back to regain the momentum behind senior guard Brett Harper’s 13 first half points. Just when things were looking up for the Eagles, the Golden Bulls would make a run behind Wade’s 11 first half points, taking a 34-25 advantage into the locker room.

With the Eagles down 15 points at the 8-minute mark, the starters were benched for the rest of the game. JCSU would never look back, as they took control of the game.

The Eagles were held below their 74 point game average.

WSSU 78, NCCU 59

N.C. Central was routed by Winston-Salem State, 78-59, in an important divisional match-up, Feb. 22 at McLendon-McDougald gymnasium. The Rams, the No. 16th ranked team in the NCAA Division II, clinched the CIAA Western Division title.

WSSU was led by Kevin Henry and Larry Patterson who each had 19 points. Eagles guard Brett Harper led all scorers with 30 points. Rebounding was a key factor as the Eagles was out rebounded 42-23.

NCCU’s shooting was dismal as they shot 37 percent from the field and 21 percent from three-point land.

NOTE: NCCU finished the season third in the conference with a 10-5 record and 15-8 overall. The Eagles earned a No. 2 seed and a first round bye in the CIAA Tournament at the Raleigh Entertainment and Sports Arena. They will play the winner of Bowie State vs. Livingstone at 1 p.m.