In a defensive battle typical of early-round conference tournament play, the North Carolina Central Eagles grinded out a 59-53 victory over the Delaware State Hornets. The Eagles used a strong second-half defensive stand to pull away in a low-scoring affair, securing a crucial win to advance in the MEAC Tournament. The first half was a slog, with both teams struggling to find offensive rhythm. Delaware State's zone defense forced North Carolina Central into contested jump shots, while the Eagles' pressure limited easy looks for the Hornets. The teams entered halftime separated by just a single basket. The game turned early in the second half when North Carolina Central unleashed a 12-2 run, fueled by aggressive defense that generated several fast-break opportunities. Delaware State fought back to within four points with under five minutes to play, but the Eagles' senior guard took over, hitting a crucial step-back jumper and then finding a cutter for a layup to seal the game. North Carolina Central's defense was the story, holding Delaware State to under 35% shooting from the field. This hard-fought win keeps North Carolina Central's season alive and moves them one step closer to an automatic bid for the NCAA Tournament. For Delaware State, the loss ends their campaign, a season defined by gritty defense but ultimately hampered by inconsistent scoring. The Eagles will need to find more offensive consistency as they face stiffer competition in the next round, but their defensive identity gives them a chance in any game.