North Carolina Central Edges Morgan State in Close Contest
Monday, February 16, 2026, 7:00 PM ET · McDougald-McLendon Arena
North Carolina Central Eagles 80, Morgan State Bears 76, 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 Morgan State Bears vs North Carolina Central Eagles?
North Carolina Central Eagles beat Morgan State Bears 80-76 at McDougald-McLendon Arena on February 16, 2026.
Who was favored in Morgan State Bears vs North Carolina Central Eagles?
North Carolina Central Eagles were the favorite at DraftKings, moneyline -230 (about 70% implied). The favorite won.
In a tightly contested matchup, the North Carolina Central Eagles triumphed over the Morgan State Bears with a final score of 80-76. The game took place at the McDougald-McLendon Arena, where both teams entered the contest with identical records of 10-14. This fixture was particularly noteworthy as it featured two teams striving to improve their standings in the league, with each side looking to capitalize on their recent performances.
North Carolina Central's recent form had been somewhat mixed, boasting a record of 5-3-2 over their last ten games, but they were on a one-game losing streak heading into this contest. In their last five games, they averaged 52.2 points scored while allowing 51.8 points, indicating a strong defensive effort despite their struggles on offense. Their home record stood at 3-2 in the last ten, with an average of 57.6 points scored and 56.4 points allowed in those matches. Their most recent game saw them narrowly lose to Coppin State Eagles with a score of 56-58.
On the other hand, Morgan State had been performing better recently, with a record of 7-2-1 in their last ten games, including a streak of four consecutive games without a loss. They averaged 73.2 points scored and 66.0 points allowed during this stretch, showcasing a more potent offensive capability compared to their opponents. Their away record was also impressive, standing at 4-1 in their last five away games, which included a significant win against Coppin State Eagles, where they scored 89 points.
In their previous meetings, North Carolina Central had a slight disadvantage against Morgan State, holding a record of 1-2 in their last three encounters. Their most recent matchup earlier in the season resulted in a victory for Morgan State, where they won 89-78 at home. This history added an extra layer of intensity to the game, as both teams were eager to assert their dominance.
In terms of injuries, the block did not specify any significant player absences that impacted the game, allowing both teams to field their best lineups. This was crucial in what turned out to be a closely fought contest.
The betting market, as provided by DraftKings, had North Carolina Central favored by 5.5 points, with a total set at 146.5. The odds reflected the expectations for a competitive game, with the spread indicating a belief that the Eagles would emerge victorious. The home money line was set at -230, while the away money line for Morgan State was +190, suggesting a moderate confidence in North Carolina Central's ability to win at home.
Conditions for the game were standard for a basketball matchup, with no unusual weather factors affecting play. The atmosphere in the arena was likely charged, given the stakes for both teams and the rivalry context.
As the game progressed, key moments included a series of scoring plays that highlighted the back-and-forth nature of the contest. Kelechi Okworogwo and Elijah Davis were among the players who made significant contributions in the second half, with Okworogwo making crucial layups and free throws that kept Morgan State in contention. However, North Carolina Central managed to maintain their lead in the closing minutes, capitalizing on free throw opportunities to secure their victory.
Overall, this matchup showcased the competitive spirit of both teams, with North Carolina Central ultimately coming out on top in a game that reflected their resilience and determination to improve their season record.
Odds
| Book | Spread | Total | Moneyline |
|---|---|---|---|
| DraftKings | NCCU -5.5 | 146.5 o -115 / u -105 | Morgan State Bears +190 · North Carolina Central Eagles -230 |
Leaders
- PointsGage Lattimore21North Carolina Central Eagles
- AssistsDionte Johnson5North Carolina Central Eagles
- ReboundsKyric Davis10North Carolina Central Eagles
- PointsElijah Davis25Morgan State Bears
- AssistsRob Lawson5Morgan State Bears
- ReboundsChristian Meeks8Morgan State Bears
Recent form
North Carolina Central Eagles
Last 10: 5-3-2Streak L157.6 scored · 56.4 allowed per game3-2 at home
- L56-58vs Coppin State EaglesFeb 14
- W72-63vs Delaware State HornetsFeb 10
- 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
Morgan State Bears
Last 10: 7-2-1Streak D173.2 scored · 66 allowed per game4-1 away
- D0-0at South Carolina State BulldogsFeb 14
- W79-71vs Maryland Eastern Shore HawksFeb 7
- W89-80at Coppin State EaglesJan 31
- W79-78at Norfolk State SpartansJan 27
- W78-77at Howard BisonJan 24
- W128-53vs Virginia Lynchburg DragonsJan 20
- W80-79at Delaware State HornetsJan 17
- L78-89vs North Carolina Central EaglesJan 12
- W72-67vs South Carolina State BulldogsJan 10
- L49-66at Maryland Eastern Shore HawksJan 3
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 | Morgan State Bears | North Carolina Central Eagles |
|---|---|---|
| Field goals | 25-71 | 26-55 |
| Field goal % | 35 | 47 |
| Three-pointers | 9-24 | 8-15 |
| Three-point % | 38 | 53 |
| Free throws | 17-23 | 20-25 |
| Free throw % | 74 | 80 |
| Rebounds | 44 | 36 |
| Offensive rebounds | 22 | 11 |
| Defensive rebounds | 22 | 25 |
| Assists | 10 | 11 |
| Steals | 7 | 7 |
| Blocks | 2 | 11 |
| Turnovers | 14 | 16 |
| Team turnovers | 0 | 1 |
| Technical fouls | 0 | 0 |
| Technical fouls, total | 0 | 0 |
| Flagrant fouls | 0 | 0 |
| Points off turnovers | 25 | 17 |
| Fast-break points | 23 | 12 |
| Points in the paint | 28 | 28 |
| Fouls | 20 | 17 |
| Largest lead | 5 | 21 |
| Lead changes | 3 | 3 |
| Time in front | 7 | 90 |
How the scoring went
- 2nd Half35-55Kyric Davis makes driving layup
- 2nd Half38-55Elijah Davis makes 27-foot three point jumper
- 2nd Half40-55Elijah Davis makes driving layup
- 2nd Half40-56Jae Slack makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half40-57Jae Slack makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half41-57Rob Lawson makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half42-57Rob Lawson makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half42-59Kyric Davis makes driving layup
- 2nd Half43-59Christian Meeks makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half43-61Kelechi Okworogwo makes 4-foot dunk (Dionte Johnson assists)
- 2nd Half43-62Gage Lattimore makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half43-63Gage Lattimore makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half46-63Rob Lawson makes 26-foot three point jumper (Elijah Davis assists)
- 2nd Half48-63Alfred Worrell Jr. makes driving layup
- 2nd Half48-65Kelechi Okworogwo makes 0-foot tip in dunk
- 2nd Half48-66Dionte Johnson makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half48-67Dionte Johnson makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half48-69Kyric Davis makes 5-foot dunk (Dionte Johnson assists)
- 2nd Half49-69Walter Peggs Jr. makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half50-69Walter Peggs Jr. makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half52-69Elijah Davis makes driving layup
- 2nd Half55-69Walter Peggs Jr. makes 25-foot three point jumper (Elijah Davis assists)
- 2nd Half55-71Dionte Johnson makes 11-foot step back jumpshot
- 2nd Half57-71Manok Lual makes 4-foot dunk (Christian Oliver assists)
- 2nd Half57-73Kelechi Okworogwo makes 11-foot jumper (Dionte Johnson assists)
- 2nd Half59-73Elijah Davis makes driving layup
- 2nd Half61-73Christian Oliver makes layup
- 2nd Half63-73Elijah Davis makes driving layup
- 2nd Half63-75Jae Slack makes 0-foot tip in layup
- 2nd Half66-75Alfred Worrell Jr. makes 27-foot three point jumper
- 2nd Half68-75Christian Oliver makes layup (Rob Lawson assists)
- 2nd Half71-75Alfred Worrell Jr. makes 26-foot three point jumper
- 2nd Half71-77Kelechi Okworogwo makes layup (Jae Slack assists)
- 2nd Half72-77Elijah Davis makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half72-78Kelechi Okworogwo makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half74-78Elijah Davis makes driving layup
- 2nd Half75-78Walter Peggs Jr. makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half76-78Walter Peggs Jr. makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half76-79Gage Lattimore makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half76-80Gage Lattimore makes free throw 2 of 2
Win probability
Above the line favours North Carolina Central Eagles, below favours Morgan State Bears.
Venue
- McDougald-McLendon ArenaDurham, NC
- Attendance1554
- OfficialsMike Terry, Joe Switzer, Garrett Jones
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