DURHAM, N.C. (Interstat) — South Carolina State built a large early lead and never trailed, defeating North Carolina Central 80-64 in a Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference men’s basketball game Thursday night at McLendon-McDougald Gymnasium.

The visiting Bulldogs led 37-26 at halftime and maintained a double-digit advantage throughout the second half before an announced crowd of 2,629. The result improved South Carolina State to 9-21 overall and delivered a season sweep of the Eagles, having also won on Feb. 18. North Carolina Central fell to 12-17.

The Eagles, installed as an eight-point pregame favorite, were projected to win with a 68 percent probability but shot poorly from the floor. The combined score of 144 points went under the betting total of 143.5.