Lattimore leads North Carolina Central against South Carolina State after 23-point showing
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```json
{
"content": "
On **March 4, 2026**, in **Durham, North Carolina**, **North Carolina Central Eagles** (12-16, 8-5 MEAC) hosted the **South Carolina State Bulldogs** (8-21, 6-7 MEAC), following a standout performance by **Gage Lattimore**. Lattimore led the Eagles with **23 points**, propelling them to an **overtime victory (77–73)** against the Maryland-Eastern Shore Hawks. This game marked the Bulldogs' second MEAC matchup of the season, having previously lost 85-72 to NC Central on **February 19**. The Eagles are riding a home-court winning streak (8-4) but have struggled in games decided by at least 10 points (7-12 record). Meanwhile, South Carolina State ranks fifth in the MEAC with a scoring average of **66.1 points per game** and a field-goal percentage of **40.9%**, while NC Central sits at **44.3%** from the floor this season.
The teams’ statistical mismatch highlights contrasting offensive and defensive dynamics: NC Central’s opponents allow them to shoot **47.4%**, whereas South Carolina State’s mark is **46.4%**—a gap that could influence their upcoming showdown.
",
"key_points": [
"Gage Lattimore scored 23 points in NC Central's 77-73 win over Maryland-Eastern Shore Hawks",
"NC Central (12-16, 8-5 MEAC) hosts South Carolina State Bulldogs (8-21, 6-7 MEAC)",
"First meeting of the season after previous MEAC clash on February 19 (Bulldogs won 85-72)",
"Eagles are 8-4 at home but have a 7-12 record in games decided by ≥10 points",
"South Carolina State ranks fifth in MEAC scoring (66.1 PPG) and shooting (40.9%)",
"NC Central’s opponents allow 47.4% FG%, while South Carolina State allows 46.4%",
"Teams play for second time this season after previous MEAC matchup"
],
"themes": [
"MEAC Conference Play",
"Home-Court Advantage vs. Statistical Mismatch",
"Scoring Leadership & Shooting Efficiency",
"Conference Rivalry Dynamics",
"Seasonal Performance Trends (Win/Loss Records)"
],
"keywords": [
"Gage Lattimore", "North Carolina Central Eagles", "South Carolina State Bulldogs",
"MEAC Conference", "Durham, North Carolina", "Maryland-Eastern Shore Hawks",
"Field-goal percentage", "Home-court winning streak", "Overtime victory",
"Scoring averages (PPG)", "Conference matchups", "Rebounds & assists"
]
}
```
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Original Source
Lattimore leads North Carolina Central against South Carolina State after 23-point showing North Carolina Central hosts the South Carolina State Bulldogs after Gage Lattimore scored 23 points in North Carolina Central's 77-73 win over the Maryland-Eastern Shore Hawks By The Associated Press March 4, 2026, 4:43 AM South Carolina State Bulldogs (8-21, 6-7 MEAC) at North Carolina Central Eagles (12-16, 8-5 MEAC) Durham, North Carolina; Thursday, 5 p.m. EST BOTTOM LINE: North Carolina Central hosts South Carolina State after Gage Lattimore scored 23 points in North Carolina Central's 77-73 victory over the Maryland-Eastern Shore Hawks. The Eagles are 8-4 on their home court. North Carolina Central has a 7-12 record in games decided by at least 10 points. The Bulldogs have gone 6-7 against MEAC opponents. South Carolina State is fifth in the MEAC scoring 66.1 points per game and is shooting 40.9%. North Carolina Central is shooting 44.3% from the field this season, 3.1 percentage points lower than the 47.4% South Carolina State allows to opponents. South Carolina State's 40.9% shooting percentage from the field this season is 5.5 percentage points lower than North Carolina Central has allowed to its opponents (46.4%). The teams play for the second time in conference play this season. South Carolina State won the last meeting 85-72 on Feb. 19. Jayden Johnson scored 20 points to help lead the Bulldogs to the win. TOP PERFORMERS: Lattimore is shooting 38.7% from beyond the arc with 2.7 made 3-pointers per game for the Eagles, while averaging 17.3 points. Dionte Johnson is shooting 46.0% and averaging 11.9 points over the last 10 games. Popular Reads Largest US military base in Middle East hit by missile, Qatar says Mar 3, 10:02 PM Terrorism motive probed in mass shooting at Austin bar: FBI Mar 1, 9:33 PM Nancy Guthrie live updates: More than 1 suspect not ruled out, sheriff's office says Feb 21, 5:31 PM Jayden Johnson is scoring 13.1 points per game and averaging 2.7 reboun...
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