- Isaac Parson's reverse layup with 1 second left seals the 79-77 upset
- Perry Smith Jr. leads with 22 points and 6 rebounds for NC Central
- Delaware State's Muneer Newton posts 27 points and 9 rebounds in defeat
- Eagles advance to face No. 2 seed South Carolina State in semifinals
In a heart-stopping conclusion to the MEAC Tournament quarterfinal, North Carolina Central University's Isaac Parson drove the length of the court to sink a reverse layup with one second remaining, clinching a 79-77 victory over Delaware State. The sixth-seeded Eagles (14-18) overcame a tenacious effort from the third-seeded Hornets (16-14), who had tied the game moments earlier on Martaz Robinson's deep three-pointer. The win propels NC Central into a Friday semifinal clash against second-seeded South Carolina State, keeping their championship hopes alive in Norfolk's Scope Arena.
The first half saw both teams trading baskets, with NC Central taking a narrow 35-31 lead into halftime. Po'Boigh King ignited the Eagles' offense with nine early points, including two three-pointers. Delaware State struggled to contain NC Central's transition game, committing seven turnovers that led to 12 fast-break points. Muneer Newton kept the Hornets within striking distance, scoring 14 first-half points on 6-of-9 shooting.
Perry Smith Jr. took over in the second half, scoring 16 of his game-high 22 points while grabbing four crucial rebounds. The Eagles built a nine-point lead with six minutes remaining, but Delaware State responded with an 11-2 run fueled by Newton's interior dominance. Martaz Robinson's three-pointer with seven seconds left appeared to force overtime until Parson's coast-to-coast heroics.
The MEAC Tournament has historically been a platform for underdog stories, with NC Central's 2017 championship run serving as inspiration. Thursday's victory demonstrates how late-game execution, particularly guard play under pressure, often decides tournament outcomes. Parson's composure mirrored NBA-level decision-making, a testament to the MEAC's growing reputation for developing professional-ready talent.
Norfolk's local economy benefits significantly from hosting the tournament, with a 2019 study showing a $4.3 million economic impact from visitor spending. Area hotels reported 92% occupancy during the event, while downtown restaurants saw a 35% increase in sales. The tournament's success underscores the importance of HBCU athletics in driving community engagement and regional tourism.
Looking ahead, NC Central faces a formidable challenge against South Carolina State's conference-best defense. The Eagles must improve their three-point defense after allowing Delaware State to shoot 45% from beyond the arc. Meanwhile, Delaware State's Newton and Robinson have likely played their final collegiate game, leaving scouts eager to evaluate their professional potential.