Coppin State University’s men’s basketball team lost to North Carolina Central 88-77 on Saturday at PEC Arena, despite leading by 14 points at halftime. The defeat dropped Coppin State’s record to 3-16 overall and 1-1 in the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference (MEAC), while NC Central improved to 6-11 and remains undefeated in league play.
Jamari Piercy led all scorers with 19 points for Coppin State. Four other Eagles players also reached double figures: Khali Horton scored 15 points, Torrin Andrews and Hussain Williams each added 13, and Chris Morgan contributed ten. Morgan also grabbed a game-high seven rebounds, while Andrews, Horton, and Hassan Perkins each recorded four assists.
Coppin State started strong with a 12-1 run and held its largest lead of the first half at 40-23 following a layup by Horton. After NC Central narrowed the gap before halftime, Piercy hit a three-pointer just before the buzzer to give Coppin State a 45-31 advantage at the break.
The Eagles maintained their lead early in the second half but saw NC Central respond with a decisive 14-point run. Despite cutting the deficit to four late in regulation after a quick scoring stretch, Coppin State could not regain control.
NC Central made significant gains from behind the arc and at the free throw line during the second half, shooting nearly 58% from the field and converting eight of eleven three-pointers. They also went to the free throw line more often than Coppin State in the second half, making nineteen of twenty-three attempts compared to just two for CSU.
Overall shooting percentages were close—Coppin State finished slightly ahead at just under 52%, but NC Central had an advantage at the foul line, making twenty-eight out of thirty-six attempts versus nine out of twelve for Coppin State. Rebounds were nearly even between both teams.
Coppin State will next host South Carolina State on Monday, January 12; tip-off is scheduled for 7 p.m., with coverage available on ESPN+.
