Shawn Ray shoots over an Elizabeth City State player in their 70-64 loss. The Eagles were up by 13 points and lost the contest. (Photo: Michael Feimster/Echo Staff Photographer)

N.C. Central let one slip away Tuesday night against underdog Elizabeth City State University, as the Vikings overcame a 13-point second half deficit to force overtime and earn a 97-92 road victory at McLendon-McDougald Gym in Durham, NC.

NCCU (13-10, 8-4 CIAA) held a 60-47 advantage after a pair of free throws by Shawn Ray at 13:10 of the second stanza.

More than five minutes later, the Eagles were still enjoying a 68-59 cushion courtesy of a Curtis Knight triple at 9:38.

However, Viking guard Tyrone Smith scored 10 points during a 16-7 run that tied the game at 75-75 with 1:29 to play.

Moments later, Smith drained his third triple of the second half to put the visitors ahead 78-77 at 44 seconds.

A running jumper by James Tucker put the Eagles back in front 79-78 with 26 ticks left, then Tucker’s two free throws with four seconds on the clock seemed to seal the victory for the home team.

After a timeout, the Vikings pushed the ball up the floor and Zachary Ozuna tossed up a desperation three-pointer from the top of the key that banked in at the buzzer to send the game into overtime.

The Vikings made only one field goal on two attempts in the extra stanza, but converted 13-of-16 trips to the charity strip, but that was enough.

ECSU (9-15, 5-8 CIAA) was topped by Jonathan Harris with game-highs of 28 points and nine rebounds.

Smith added 26 points and Tory Clark contributed 11 points and eight boards.

NCCU posted four in double-figures, including 18 points each by Tucker and Anthony Moore.

Ray finished with 15 points, while Debro chipped in 10 points.