DURHAM -- The N.C. Central Eagles will be going for third win at McClendon-McDougald Gym tonight when they host Florida Gulf Coast.
The friendly confines of home have helped NCCU beat N.C. Wesleyan and Carver Bible College.
Tonight's matchup will mark the second time NCCU (2-7) and Florida Gulf Coast (2-6) have played. A year ago, NCCU lost a 66-58 decision at Fort Myers, Fla., and Florida Gulf Coast enters tonight's game on a two-game winning streak after losing its first six games.
Florida Gulf Coast, like N.C. Central, is upgrading its athletics program to Division I and is competing in the Atlantic Sun Conference.
Florida Gulf Coast is led by Dave Balza, who is in his eighth year as coach, while NCCU's LeVelle Moton is in his first season as head coach.
Anthony Banks, who is averaging 13.0 points, is the leading scorer for Florida Gulf Coast. Guards Reggie Chambers and Baker also score in double-figures, averaging 11.6 and 12.0 points, respectively.
NCCU is coming off a win in which six players scored in double figures. It's been seven seasons since that had occurred, when the Eagles thumped Winston-Salem State 91-68.
The Eagles also pounded the boards hard against Carver Bible College, resulting in two players winding up with a double-double -- Nick Chasten had 15 points and a career-high 13 rebounds, while freshman Dami Sapara had 11 points and 11 boards.
After tonight's game, NCCU embarks on a six-game road trip beginning Saturday at Indiana, followed by a Monday showdown at Ball State.
