NC-Wilmington holds off Western Michigan 80-76

WILMINGTON, N.C. (AP) Chris Flemmings scored 19 points off the bench, helping North Carolina-Wilmington to an 80-76 defeat of Western Michigan Saturday night.

Western Michigan quickly led 9-2, but four consecutive 3-point baskets - two by Craig Ponder and two from Flemmings - boosted the Seahawks (3-0) to a 17-13 lead. The Broncos (1-2) led 45-38 at the half and held the lead until Devontae Cacok's dunk with 11:27 remaining put NC-Wilmington ahead 58-57.

The Seahawks held on from there, although Western Michigan cut the gap to 77-76 in a one-minute flurry that saw Thomas Wilder convert a 3-point play and Tucker Haymond and Anthony Avery hit jumpers.

Cacok and Jordon Talley made 3 of 4 foul shots in the last 18 seconds to preserve the lead. Talley was 6 for 6 at the foul line and had five assists.

Haymond led Western Michigan with 19 points, Avery added 14 and Wilder 12.