North Carolina Central Tops Delaware State 72-63
Monday, February 9, 2026, 8:00 PM ET · McDougald-McLendon Arena
North Carolina Central Eagles 72, Delaware State Hornets 63, final. Our NCAAB picks are sealed as a hash before kickoff and settled in public, losses included.
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Quick answers
Who won Delaware State Hornets vs North Carolina Central Eagles?
North Carolina Central Eagles beat Delaware State Hornets 72-63 at McDougald-McLendon Arena on February 9, 2026.
Who was favored in Delaware State Hornets vs North Carolina Central Eagles?
North Carolina Central Eagles were the favorite at DraftKings, moneyline -395 (about 80% implied). The favorite won.
In a competitive matchup at the McDougald-McLendon Arena, the North Carolina Central Eagles secured a 72-63 victory over the Delaware State Hornets. This win was significant for the Eagles, who improved their record to 10-13 while the Hornets fell to 6-18. The game showcased the Eagles' ability to capitalize on their home advantage, as they have historically performed better at home compared to their away record.
The Eagles entered the game with a mixed form, holding a 4-4-2 record in their last ten outings. Their recent performance included a loss to the Norfolk State Spartans on February 7, where they scored 68 points but allowed 75. Prior to that, they had a narrow victory against the Maryland Eastern Shore Hawks, winning 65-63 at home. On average, the Eagles scored 58.7 points while allowing 60.7 in their last ten games, indicating a struggle to find consistent offensive rhythm.
In contrast, the Delaware State Hornets have faced difficulties throughout the season, with a 2-7-1 record over their last ten games. Their latest outing resulted in a loss to the Coppin State Eagles, where they managed only 47 points while conceding 65. The Hornets averaged 55.1 points scored and 60.1 points allowed in their last ten games, reflecting their ongoing challenges offensively and defensively. Notably, Delaware State has struggled on the road, holding an 0-4 away record in their last ten games, which contributed to their overall struggles this season.
Historically, the Eagles and Hornets have faced each other four times recently, with North Carolina Central holding a slight edge in their head-to-head meetings, recording a 2-1-1 record against Delaware State. Their most recent encounter on January 24 ended in a draw, with both teams unable to score. However, the Eagles secured a victory in their previous matchup on March 14, 2025, winning 79-77.
In terms of injuries, the block does not specify any key players missing from either side, which suggests both teams were at full strength for this crucial matchup. The absence or presence of key players can often influence the outcome of such games, but in this instance, both teams fielded their complete rosters.
The betting market, as provided by DraftKings, had North Carolina Central favored by 7.5 points, with a total set at 134.5. The Eagles were given a moneyline of -395, while the Hornets were at +310, indicating a strong belief in the Eagles' ability to win this contest.
Conditions in the arena were typical for a basketball game, with no unusual weather factors affecting play. The atmosphere was charged with anticipation as both teams fought for crucial conference standings.
As the game unfolded, the Eagles' consistent scoring in the second half proved decisive. Key plays included free throws from Dionte Johnson, who contributed significantly to the Eagles' final score, and a series of dunks that energized the crowd. The Eagles maintained control throughout the second half, with their lead extending to nine points by the end of the game.
Overall, the matchup between North Carolina Central and Delaware State showcased the Eagles' strength at home and their ability to capitalize on scoring opportunities, while the Hornets continued to search for answers as they struggled to find their footing this season.
Odds
| Book | Spread | Total | Moneyline |
|---|---|---|---|
| DraftKings | NCCU -7.5 | 134.5 o -110 / u -110 | Delaware State Hornets +310 · North Carolina Central Eagles -395 |
Leaders
- PointsKhouri Carvey21North Carolina Central Eagles
- AssistsDionte Johnson4North Carolina Central Eagles
- ReboundsKhouri Carvey6North Carolina Central Eagles
- PointsMiles Webb21Delaware State Hornets
- AssistsPonce James3Delaware State Hornets
- ReboundsMuazibini Adamu5Delaware State Hornets
Recent form
North Carolina Central Eagles
Last 10: 4-4-2Streak L158.7 scored · 60.7 allowed per game2-2 at home
- L68-75at Norfolk State SpartansFeb 7
- W65-63vs Maryland Eastern Shore HawksFeb 2
- D0-0at South Carolina State BulldogsJan 31
- D0-0vs Delaware State HornetsJan 24
- L69-83vs Howard BisonJan 17
- W89-78at Morgan State BearsJan 12
- W88-77at Coppin State EaglesJan 10
- W69-67vs Norfolk State SpartansJan 3
- L67-90at Penn State Nittany LionsDec 29
- L72-74vs Longwood LancersDec 20
Delaware State Hornets
Last 10: 2-7-1Streak L155.1 scored · 60.1 allowed per game0-4 away
- L47-65at Coppin State EaglesFeb 7
- W65-57vs Maryland Eastern Shore HawksJan 31
- L64-70at South Carolina State BulldogsJan 26
- D0-0at North Carolina Central EaglesJan 24
- L79-80vs Morgan State BearsJan 17
- L58-84at Howard BisonJan 13
- L64-66vs Norfolk State SpartansJan 10
- L51-53vs Coppin State EaglesJan 3
- L50-65at Rutgers Scarlet KnightsDec 30
- W73-61vs Holy Family TigersDec 21
Standings
| Team | Overall | Games behind | In conference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Howard | 24-11 | - | 11-3 |
| Morgan State | 14-16 | 1 | 10-4 |
| Norfolk State | 15-17 | 3 | 8-6 |
| North Carolina Central | 14-18 | 3 | 8-6 |
| South Carolina State | 10-22 | 4 | 7-7 |
| Maryland Eastern Shore | 9-23 | 6 | 5-9 |
| Coppin State | 7-24 | 6 | 5-9 |
| Delaware State | 8-23 | 9 | 2-12 |
Box score
| Stat | Delaware State Hornets | North Carolina Central Eagles |
|---|---|---|
| Field goals | 24-50 | 28-53 |
| Field goal % | 48 | 53 |
| Three-pointers | 4-16 | 3-9 |
| Three-point % | 25 | 33 |
| Free throws | 11-15 | 13-17 |
| Free throw % | 73 | 76 |
| Rebounds | 27 | 27 |
| Offensive rebounds | 12 | 10 |
| Defensive rebounds | 15 | 17 |
| Assists | 10 | 14 |
| Steals | 4 | 7 |
| Blocks | 2 | 3 |
| Turnovers | 14 | 7 |
| Team turnovers | 2 | 0 |
| Technical fouls | 0 | 0 |
| Technical fouls, total | 0 | 0 |
| Flagrant fouls | 0 | 0 |
| Points off turnovers | 8 | 19 |
| Fast-break points | 10 | 10 |
| Points in the paint | 30 | 44 |
| Fouls | 16 | 15 |
| Largest lead | 10 | 12 |
| Lead changes | 3 | 3 |
| Time in front | 48 | 50 |
How the scoring went
- 2nd Half35-36Ponce James makes 17-foot jumper
- 2nd Half35-38Khouri Carvey makes layup
- 2nd Half36-38Bessanty Saragba makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half36-40Jae Slack makes 14-foot turnaround jump shot
- 2nd Half38-40Bessanty Saragba makes layup (Ponce James assists)
- 2nd Half38-41Jae Slack makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half38-43Jae Slack makes 16-foot jumper (Tekao Carpenter assists)
- 2nd Half40-43Corey Perkins makes 13-foot jumper
- 2nd Half40-45Dionte Johnson makes layup (Gage Lattimore assists)
- 2nd Half42-45Miles Webb makes 13-foot floating jump shot (Corey Perkins assists)
- 2nd Half42-47Tekao Carpenter makes driving layup
- 2nd Half42-50Dionte Johnson makes 27-foot three point jumper (Khouri Carvey assists)
- 2nd Half44-50Ponce James makes 10-foot floating jump shot
- 2nd Half44-52Khouri Carvey makes 2-foot hook shot
- 2nd Half45-52Kareem Watson makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half46-52Kareem Watson makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half46-54Kyric Davis makes 6-foot dunk (Gage Lattimore assists)
- 2nd Half48-54Kareem Watson makes 10-foot jumper
- 2nd Half48-56Gage Lattimore makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half48-55Gage Lattimore makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half48-58Kelechi Okworogwo makes 6-foot dunk (Kyric Davis assists)
- 2nd Half48-60Kelechi Okworogwo makes 5-foot dunk (Dionte Johnson assists)
- 2nd Half50-60Miles Webb makes driving layup
- 2nd Half51-60Ponce James makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half52-60Ponce James makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half52-61Jae Slack makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half52-63Khouri Carvey makes layup (Dionte Johnson assists)
- 2nd Half55-63Ponce James makes 27-foot three point jumper
- 2nd Half55-65Ryan Archey makes driving layup
- 2nd Half57-65Kareem Watson makes driving layup (Jalen St Clair assists)
- 2nd Half57-66Khouri Carvey makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half58-66Ponce James makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half59-66Ponce James makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half59-67Dionte Johnson makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half59-68Dionte Johnson makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half61-68Kareem Watson makes layup
- 2nd Half61-70Kelechi Okworogwo makes 5-foot dunk
- 2nd Half63-70Miles Webb makes 4-foot dunk
- 2nd Half63-71Dionte Johnson makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half63-72Dionte Johnson makes free throw 2 of 2
Win probability
Above the line favours North Carolina Central Eagles, below favours Delaware State Hornets.
Venue
- McDougald-McLendon ArenaDurham, NC
- Attendance1742
- OfficialsSteve Settle, Donta Carter, Garrett Jones
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- Men's NCAA basketball 2026-27 Way-Too-Early Top 25 rankings
- Transfers, recruits and roster moves for key men's NCAA basketball teams
- Michigan 5-star freshman Brandon McCoy Jr. (knee) to miss season
- With $6.5 million left on deal, UCLA fires AD Martin Jarmond