DURHAM, N.C. (AP) - Dominique Sutton scored 13 of his 20 points in the first half and North Carolina Central defeated South Carolina State 71-56 Monday night.
The Eagles (13-12, 7-5 Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference) dominated throughout, shooting 54 percent from the field (27 of 50), while holding South Carolina State to 36 percent shooting (18 of 50).
North Carolina Central, which never trailed, led 16-10 before going on an 11-2 run. Sutton scored six points during the spurt, and capped it on a layup with 7:08 left in the first half. Five of South Carolina State's 11 first-half turnovers came during the Eagles' surge.
The Eagles led 41-25 at halftime and didn't allow South Carolina State to threaten in the second half.
Joe Ikhinmwin led South Carolina State (5-20, 0-11) with 21 points, and leading scorer Brandon Riley (17.3 points per game) was held to seven.
