Bell leads N.C. Central to 24-16 win over Norfolk State

DURHAM, N.C. (AP) Malcolm Bell hit Armani Lanier on a 77-yard scoring strike early in the fourth quarter to break open a tie game and North Carolina Central went on to a 24-16 victory over Norfolk State on Saturday.

Bell, who finished with 273 total yards, quickly led North Carolina Central (5-3, 4-1 Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference) to another score when Dorrel McClain ran it in from the 2 with 10:56 left for a 21-7 lead.

Norfolk State (2-6, 2-3) answered when Greg Hankerson broke on a 77-yard scoring run to close to 21-13 with 9:56 remaining in the game.

Bell, who threw for 193 yards and one score, also rushed for 80 yards. McClain finished with 93 yards on 22 carries and grabbed three passes for 43 yards.

Hankerson threw for 230 yards on 20-of-35 passing and ran for 89 yards for Norfolk State (2-6, 2-3).