The MEAC tournament is underway in Norfolk, Va.
With the opening start to the MEAC tournament, North Carolina Central University was victorious in a close game against Howard University. These two schools, who have a deep history, gave the crowd the rematch they were looking for and what better way than for NCCU to get revenge.
NCCU might’ve had it out for Howard stepping into this tournament. Howard ended NCCU’s 38 game home winning streak last December, but last night NCCU returned the favor by eliminating them from the tournament. In their first appearance, (7)NCCU beat (10)Howard in a tough win, 68-66. These two teams mirrored each other during last night’s game with almost identical numbers. With a dunk by Marcel Boyd to tie the game with 16 seconds left at 66, NCCU was fouled back to back making only 2 of 4 free throws, but it was enough to give them a two point lead and the win.
Before NCCU squares off in game 2, Coach Levelle Moton spoke to me about key changes and executions that will keep his team in this tournament.
Q: Your thoughts on last night’s win against Howard?
“I thought we fought hard last night. We didnt play well and there were some bonehead plays throughout the stretch. Always said its like 13 dogs chasing one bone and the dog that’s the toughest, that wants that bone more than anyone else, that’s who’s going to come out the victor. At this point in the season, we know each other as teams, nothing should come as much of a surprise, but it’s now a matter of who can execute. We have to make key plays, grab those rebounds, those 50/50 balls and those defensive stops, those are the things that we have to do down the stretch to be victorious.”
Q: What is your game plan tonight against NSU?
“Norfolk is a really good team. They shoot the ball extremely well and we will have to protect the three-point line. NSU is an explosive team and to me, they resemble Duke, not as challenging, but in the sense of exploding within 2 or 3 minutes. Last night we didn’t do a great job rebounding the basketball and tonight that’ll be an important factor for me against this team.”
Q: Through out your career at NCCU, there have been leaders that helped your team across the finish line, who are you looking to step up tonight?
“Jeremiah Ingram. I’ll need him to be consistent and a leader for this team. Last night, he should’ve done better and at times, he seemed like the game was a challenge for him, but we need him in there and confident; We are a much better team with him. And this isn’t “
Can NCCU deliver tonight? Find out on ESPN 3 when they take on Norfolk State at 8pm.