NCCU Falls in Overtime Thriller After Aquan Smart’s Clutch Buzzer-Beater in Regulation

DOVER, Del. – Redshirt senior Aquan Smart delivered a jaw-dropping near halfcourt buzzer-beater to force overtime, but North Carolina Central University ultimately fell 86-84 to Delaware State University in a heart-stopping Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference (MEAC) showdown Monday night at Memorial Hall Gym.

Smart scored five of the final seven points in regulation, including a crucial steal and layup with 17 seconds left. After a series of tense free throws, fellow senior Floyd Rideau Jr. drilled a long-range shot initially believed to be a four-point play, but a review showed his foot on the line, turning it into a three-point opportunity. With the Eagles down three, Smart raced the full length of the court and drained a deep three-pointer at the buzzer to send the game into overtime tied 75-75.

Standout Performances

• Po’Boigh King (Junior, Guard): 23 points
• Perry Smith Jr. (Forward): 20 points, 13 rebounds (3rd double-double of the season)
• Aquan Smart: Clutch final minutes performance, game-tying buzzer-beater

Game Breakdown

NCCU (11-16, 4-6 MEAC) dominated early, leading by as much as 16 points in the first half before heading into halftime up 41-32. However, DSU (14-12, 6-5 MEAC) rallied in the second half, taking their first lead (66-64) with 1:50 remaining.

A chaotic final minute saw technical fouls, free throws, and game-changing plays, leading to Smart’s heroics at the buzzer.

Overtime Drama

In the extra period, NCCU battled back from an early deficit. Smith converted an and-one alley-oop layup from Smart, and King’s clutch free throws with 37 seconds left tied the game 84-84.

With four seconds remaining, NCCU blocked DSU’s shot attempt, but Javarzia Belton recovered the ball and scored the game-winner for the Hornets with just 0.3 seconds left, sealing the 86-84 loss for the Eagles.

Delaware State’s Robert Smith led all scorers with 24 points. This marks DSU’s second straight overtime game after falling to South Carolina State on Saturday.

What’s Next?

NCCU will stay in the area for a make-up game at Maryland Eastern Shore on Wednesday, Feb. 26, at 8 p.m. The original matchup was postponed Saturday due to inclement weather.

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Feature photo: NCCU Athletics/Juan Richardson