ORANGEBURG, SC—The South Carolina State men's basketball team resume Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference play Saturday (Jan.20) versus North Carolina Central inside Smith-Hammond-Middleton Memorial Center. Tipoff is 4 p.m., immediately following the women's contest.

SERIES: The Eagles lead the series 18-3 over the Bulldogs dating back to 2010. South Carolina State looks to snap a three-game losing streak to NCCU. The last time the two teams met on NC Central won 71-64 (3/2/2023) in Orangeburg, SC.

The Bulldogs (4-14 overall, 0-2 MEAC) look to get things back on track after dropping a pair of league contest to Norfolk State (72-79) and Howard (78-82) to start the new year.  Freshman guard Mitchell Taylor was named MEAC Rookie of the Week.

Taylor scored 18 points with four boards, two assists and two steals in the tough loss to the Bison. He averaged 15.0 points, 4.0 rebounds, 3.0 assists, and 2.0 steals in the series. It was Taylor's second MEAC Rookie of the Week honor this season.

Forward Davion Everett is the leader for SC State averaging 9.4 points and grabbing a team-high 6.8 rebounds in 21.4 minutes played, while Mitchell is second on the team with 9.1 points and 2.9 rebounds.

Meanwhile, North Carolina Central (10-7 overall, 2-0 MEAC) look to extend their winning streak to seven in row with a win against the Bulldogs. The Eagles opened league play with back-to-back wins over Howard (73-54) and top-ranked Norfolk State (60-58).

NCCU has three players in double figures with Fred Cleveland, Jr. leading the way with 15.9 ppg, while teammate Ja' Darius Harris chips in 15.8 points per outing. Po 'Boigh King adds 13 points and 4.7 rebounds respectively.

NEXT UP: South Carolina State hit the road for league play versus Delaware State on Jan. 27 in Dover, DE and UMES on Jan. 29 in Princess Anne, MD.

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