C.J. Wilkerson scored 41 points, including nine in overtime, as North Carolina Central escaped with a 90-84 victory over North Carolina A&T Monday night after squandering a 25-point first-half lead.
A three-point play by Wilkerson gave the Eagles (8-9) a 78-77 lead 1:07 into the extra period. The Aggies (9-11) regained a one-point lead, but a layup by Nick Chasten, who finished with 17 points, put North Carolina Central ahead to stay, 80-79, with 2:28 left.
Wilkerson made 6 of 6 from the free-throw line the rest of the way.
After leading 44-19 with 2:33 until halftime, the Eagles couldn't put the game away. The Aggies rallied behind Thomas Coleman, who finished with 25 points and 16 rebounds - his 12th double-double this season.
Trailing 70-59 with 4:51 left in regulation, the Aggies got their only tie of the second half on Marc Hill's two free throws at the 0:16 mark.
