BALTIMORE -- Patrick Cole and Dajuan Graf combined for 52 points as North Carolina Central picked up its eighth straight win, beating Coppin State 86-77 on Monday night.

Cole hit 9 of 18 from the floor for 27 points while dishing out six assists. Graf, who made all four attempts from distance, made 7 of 9 field goal attempts to total 25 points. Ron Trapps was 5 of 5 from distance for 18 points as NCCU hit 9 of 18 from beyond the arc.

North Carolina Central (17-6, 8-1 MEAC) led 42-27 at the break. Coppin State cut the margin to 68-61 following a Tre' Thomas 3 with 4:32 remaining, and trailed 78-71 with 55 seconds left. Cole and Graf combined for eight points in the final minute to seal the win.

Dejuan Clayton had 20 points and Thomas added 15 for Coppin State (5-20, 4-6).