NC-Wilmington never trails in 78-59 defeat of E. Kentucky

WILMINGTON, N.C. (AP) Craig Ponder opened the game with a layup, and finished with 24 points as North Carolina-Wilmington never trailed, defeating Eastern Kentucky 78-59 on Monday

Dylan Sherwood added 16 points with nine rebounds for the Seahawks (2-0) who had 16 assists on 29 field goals and outrebounded the Colonels (1-1) 45-38.

Ponder had four assists and three steals. Chuck Ogbodo blocked four shots to go with 7 points.

Jarelle Reischel led Eastern Kentucky with 17 points and 13 rebounds, JaVontae Hawkins added 16 points and Nick Mayo 12.

Hawkins tied the game at 2-2 with a pair of free throws, but Sherwood snapped the tie with a 3-pointer less than four minutes into the game and NC-Wilmington marched away to a 38-27 halftime lead.

Sherwood hit two 3-pointers in seven tries, the Seahawks were 7 of 25 from 3-point range. Ponder has scored 26 and 24 points in two wins this season.