South Carolina State Tops North Carolina Central 85-72
Wednesday, February 18, 2026, 8:00 PM ET · Smith-Hammond-Middleton Memorial Center
South Carolina State Bulldogs 85, North Carolina Central Eagles 72, 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 North Carolina Central Eagles vs South Carolina State Bulldogs?
South Carolina State Bulldogs beat North Carolina Central Eagles 85-72 at Smith-Hammond-Middleton Memorial Center on February 18, 2026.
Who was favored in North Carolina Central Eagles vs South Carolina State Bulldogs?
North Carolina Central Eagles were the favorite at DraftKings, moneyline -155 (about 61% implied). The underdog won.
In an impressive display at the Smith-Hammond-Middleton Memorial Center, the South Carolina State Bulldogs secured a commanding 85-72 victory over the North Carolina Central Eagles. This matchup was particularly noteworthy as it showcased the Bulldogs' ability to perform well at home, improving their home record to 4-2 in their last six games at the venue.
The Bulldogs entered the game with a home record of 7-18 overall, while the Eagles had a slightly better away record of 10-15. South Carolina State's recent form had been mixed, with a record of 4-4-2 in their last ten games, including a loss in their most recent outing against Coppin State. They averaged 52.6 points scored and 54.5 points allowed during this stretch. In contrast, North Carolina Central had been in better form with a record of 5-3-2 in their last ten games, riding a one-game winning streak after defeating Morgan State 80-76. The Eagles averaged 58.7 points scored and 57.3 points allowed in their recent performances.
Historically, the Bulldogs and Eagles have faced each other four times over the past two seasons, with South Carolina State holding a slight edge in the head-to-head record at 2-1-1. Their most recent encounter prior to this game ended in a draw, while South Carolina State had won the previous two matchups convincingly.
In terms of injuries, the block did not specify any significant absences affecting either team, allowing both squads to field their strongest lineups for this crucial game.
The betting market, as provided by DraftKings, had North Carolina Central favored by 2.5 points, with a total set at 136.5. The odds indicated a competitive matchup, but the Bulldogs' performance would ultimately defy expectations.
As the game progressed, South Carolina State demonstrated their offensive prowess, particularly in the second half. Key scoring plays included Jayden Johnson making crucial free throws and Chris Parker executing a notable dunk. The Bulldogs maintained a consistent lead, showcasing their ability to capitalize on scoring opportunities and control the pace of the game.
Overall, this victory not only boosts South Carolina State's confidence but also highlights their potential as they look to finish the season strong. The Bulldogs' ability to defend their home court will be a critical factor as they move forward in the season.
Odds
| Book | Spread | Total | Moneyline |
|---|---|---|---|
| DraftKings | NCCU -2.5 | 136.5 o -115 / u -105 | North Carolina Central Eagles -155 · South Carolina State Bulldogs +130 |
Leaders
- PointsJayden Johnson20South Carolina State Bulldogs
- AssistsJayden Johnson6South Carolina State Bulldogs
- ReboundsChris Parker7South Carolina State Bulldogs
- PointsJae Slack17North Carolina Central Eagles
- AssistsGage Lattimore4North Carolina Central Eagles
- ReboundsKelechi Okworogwo8North Carolina Central Eagles
Recent form
South Carolina State Bulldogs
Last 10: 4-4-2Streak L152.6 scored · 54.5 allowed per game3-2 at home
- L57-59vs Coppin State EaglesFeb 16
- D0-0vs Morgan State BearsFeb 14
- L57-85at Howard BisonFeb 7
- W63-54vs Maryland Eastern Shore HawksFeb 5
- D0-0vs North Carolina Central EaglesJan 31
- W70-64vs Delaware State HornetsJan 26
- W56-50vs Mid Atlantic Christian MustangsJan 21
- L82-89vs Norfolk State SpartansJan 17
- W74-72at Coppin State EaglesJan 13
- L67-72at Morgan State BearsJan 10
North Carolina Central Eagles
Last 10: 5-3-2Streak W158.7 scored · 57.3 allowed per game2-1 away
- W80-76vs Morgan State BearsFeb 17
- 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
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 | North Carolina Central Eagles | South Carolina State Bulldogs |
|---|---|---|
| Field goals | 25-52 | 30-56 |
| Field goal % | 48 | 54 |
| Three-pointers | 8-20 | 10-22 |
| Three-point % | 40 | 45 |
| Free throws | 14-24 | 15-17 |
| Free throw % | 58 | 88 |
| Rebounds | 27 | 26 |
| Offensive rebounds | 9 | 6 |
| Defensive rebounds | 18 | 20 |
| Assists | 13 | 24 |
| Steals | 6 | 6 |
| Blocks | 1 | 2 |
| Turnovers | 12 | 9 |
| Team turnovers | 1 | 0 |
| Technical fouls | 0 | 0 |
| Technical fouls, total | 0 | 0 |
| Flagrant fouls | 0 | 0 |
| Points off turnovers | 13 | 17 |
| Fast-break points | 14 | 7 |
| Points in the paint | 28 | 34 |
| Fouls | 16 | 17 |
| Largest lead | 3 | 13 |
| Lead changes | 5 | 5 |
| Time in front | 6 | 93 |
How the scoring went
- 2nd Half40-43James Morrow makes 3-foot dunk (Jayden Johnson assists)
- 2nd Half40-45Jayden Johnson makes layup
- 2nd Half42-45Jae Slack makes layup (Kelechi Okworogwo assists)
- 2nd Half43-45Jae Slack makes free throw 1 of 1
- 2nd Half43-48Owen Bronston Jr. makes 24-foot three point jumper (Rayniel Wright assists)
- 2nd Half46-48Gage Lattimore makes 23-foot three point jumper (Kelechi Okworogwo assists)
- 2nd Half46-51Owen Bronston Jr. makes 25-foot three point jumper (Chris Parker assists)
- 2nd Half48-51Jae Slack makes 0-foot tip in layup
- 2nd Half48-54Jayden Johnson makes 24-foot three point jumper (Rayniel Wright assists)
- 2nd Half50-54Kelechi Okworogwo makes 0-foot tip in layup
- 2nd Half50-56Jayden Johnson makes 14-foot jumper
- 2nd Half51-56Jae Slack makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half52-56Jae Slack makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half55-56Dionte Johnson makes 26-foot three point jumper (Gage Lattimore assists)
- 2nd Half55-58Florian Tenebay makes 19-foot jumper
- 2nd Half55-59Jayden Johnson makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half55-61James Morrow makes 5-foot hook shot (Cameron Clark assists)
- 2nd Half55-63Chris Parker makes layup
- 2nd Half56-63Kyric Davis makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half56-66Owen Bronston Jr. makes 27-foot three point jumper (Florian Tenebay assists)
- 2nd Half58-66Kyric Davis makes 5-foot floating jump shot
- 2nd Half61-66Gage Lattimore makes 27-foot three point jumper (Kyric Davis assists)
- 2nd Half61-68Chris Parker makes layup (Cameron Clark assists)
- 2nd Half63-68Jae Slack makes 4-foot floating jump shot
- 2nd Half63-69Cameron Clark makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half63-70Cameron Clark makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half63-73Jayden Johnson makes 25-foot three point jumper (Florian Tenebay assists)
- 2nd Half63-76Florian Tenebay makes 25-foot three point jumper (Cameron Clark assists)
- 2nd Half66-76Dionte Johnson makes 25-foot three point jumper (Jae Slack assists)
- 2nd Half66-77Chris Parker makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half66-78Chris Parker makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half69-78Gage Lattimore makes 26-foot three point jumper
- 2nd Half69-79Jayden Johnson makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half69-80Jayden Johnson makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half70-80Dionte Johnson makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half70-82Chris Parker makes 4-foot dunk (Cameron Clark assists)
- 2nd Half72-82Kyric Davis makes layup
- 2nd Half72-83Florian Tenebay makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half72-84Jayden Johnson makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half72-85Jayden Johnson makes free throw 2 of 2
Win probability
Above the line favours South Carolina State Bulldogs, below favours North Carolina Central Eagles.
Venue
- Smith-Hammond-Middleton Memorial CenterOrangeburg, SC
- Attendance350
- OfficialsMichael Drummond, Eddie Fontno, Byron Rosier
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