Box Score DURHAM, NC—The South Carolina State men's basketball team suffered their first league defeat of the season, 76-45, Saturday (Jan. 10) to host NC Central at McDougald-McLendon Gym.

South Carolina State falls to 4-13 overall, 2-1 in the MEAC, while North Carolina Central improves to 11-5 overall, 3-0 in the league.

"I have to give NC Central credit they are a solid team that knows how to win games," said SC State head coach Murray Garvin. "Today was many of our guy's first MEAC road game and we struggled to make shots when needed."

"Our bench tonight went 2-of-12 from the field with our starters not shooting much better," said Garvin. " I learned this long time ago, it doesn't matter if you lose by double digits or one point a loss is a loss and we can't let one loss turn into two losses."

The Bulldogs were led by freshman guard Edward Stephens with a team-best 11 points. SC State connected on just 15-of-53 field goal attempts (28.3 %) and 12-of-23(52.2%) from the charity stripe.

The Eagles had four players in double-figures with All-MEAC forward Jordan Parks leading the way with the games on double-double with 16 points and 14 rebounds. Anthony McDonald tossed in a game-high 18 points, while teammates Nimrod Hillard added 15 and Jeremiah Ingram chipped in 14 in the win.

South Carolina State returns to action on Monday (Jan. 12) when the Bulldogs battle against rival N.C. A&T at Corbett Arena. Tipoff is 7:30 p.m.

For more information on South Carolina State University basketball, please call the Office of Athletic Media Relations at (803) 536-7060, or visit the official Bulldogs website at www.scsuathletics.com