A slow start doomed N.C. Central in its trip to the high altitude of the Air Force Academy.

Grant Parker paced the Falcons with 24 points and six rebounds in a 61-49 victory over the Eagles at Clune Arena.

C.J. Wilkerson (pictured) led NCCU, which trailed 37-17 at halftime, with 15 points. He was the only player in double figures for the Eagles (1-7), who shot 44.2 percent to Air Force’s 58.5.

Evan Washington had a career-high 19 for Air Force (4-1), while Taylor Stewart chipped in 13 points.

NCCU returns home on Saturday night against Carver Bible College.

Bio: Mike Potter is a veteran sportswriter. He covers minor league baseball, college football and women's collegiate sports for INDY Week.Twitter: http://twitter.com/mikepotterrdu