Durham, N.C. (Dec. 29, 2010) --- The Milligan College men's basketball team came up short to NCAA Division I independent North Carolina Central University on Wednesday night as they fell 99-91 to the Eagles in an exhibition matchup in Durham, N.C.

In the first half, neither team could pull away. However, the Buffs went on an 11-0 run midway through the period to take a double digit lead. Hudson Fricke (Greeneville, S.C.) drained a 3-pointer with 9:07 left in the first to give Milligan a 31-19 advantage. The Eagles used a late run to tie the game at 46-46 at halftime.

The second half continued to see the teams swap the lead. After Milligan led by six points at the 13 minute mark, the Eagles tied the game at 70 at the midway point of the half. A pair of free throws from former Dobyns-Bennett standout Justin Sylvester (Kingsport, Tenn.) and a layup from Tim Harper (Catawba, N.C.) gave the Buffs a four point lead with 8:50 left in the game, but NCCU regained the lead with a 9-0 run. The Buffs closed the gap to a single point in the closing minutes, but was unable to jump back out in front.

The Buffs were led by Sylvester's 24 points and seven rebounds. Fricke added 22 points and six rebounds, while Kyle Grisby (Charlotte, N.C.) had 14 points and eight assists. Bryant Edwards (Tabor City, N.C.) added nine points.

As a team, the Buffs were 34-of-66 (51%) from the field, and NCCU was 35-of-67 (52%) from the floor. Milligan was 10-of-26 (39%) from behind the arc, while the Eagles were 5-of-17 (29%) from behind the 3-point line.

Milligan remains 3-8 on the year.

The Buffs return to action on Thursday, Dec. 30, when take on the Mountaineers of Appalachian State in an exhibition game. Tipoff is slated for 7 p.m., inside the Holmes Center in Boone, N.C.