East Carolina beats Central Connecticut St. 74-59

GREENVILLE, N.C. (AP) Michel-Ofik Nzege did not miss, scoring 18 points to lead East Carolina to a 74-59 victory over Central Connecticut State on Sunday.

Nzege was 9 of 9 from the floor, and scored 12 points in the first half as East Carolina (4-3) built a 44-32 halftime lead.

Brandon Peel scored to pull Central Connecticut State (0-6) within 55-44 with 11:20 to play, but the Blue Devils would not get closer.

Lance Tejada scored 14 points, including four 3-pointers, and B.J. Tyson added 14 for the Pirates, who shot 31 of 52 from the field for 59.6 percent.

Peel, who finished with 18 points, made a pair of free throws to give Central Connecticut State its last lead, 27-24 with 9:52 to play in the first half.

Khalen Cumberlander scored 19 points and dished out five assists for the Blue Devils, who have yet to play at home.