The Tennessee Temple University Men's Basketball team dropped a 75-50 decision on Friday night in the first game of the North Carolina Central University BC Powder Classic. The Crusaders were led in scoring by Ed Pellot-Rosa who had 12 points in addition to five rebounds in the losing effort.   Vic Taylor also chipped in 11 points for the Crusaders. Five of Taylor's points came on 5 for 5 shooting from the free throw line.

The game remained close early with the Crusaders trailing 24-21 with under seven minutes to go in the first half. A late first half run by NCCU extended the lead to 37-25 at the half. The Crusaders came out strong in the second half cutting the NCCU lead to five at 39-34 with 16:51 left in the second half. NCCU then went on a 10-0 run in route to the 75-50 final. The Crusaders are back in action Saturday at the BC Powder Classic when they face Chowan.