Oliver leads Norfolk State to 85-76 win over UTEP

EL PASO, Texas (AP) Charles Oliver nailed 4 of 8 from long range to score 22 points as Norfolk State jumped out to an early lead and held on for an 85-76 win over UTEP in the Don Haskins Sun Bowl Invitational on Monday night.

Jeff Short had 18 points, Preston Bungei added 15 and Jordan Butler chipped in six while grabbing 10 rebounds.

Norfolk State (5-7) jumped to a 9-1 lead and was up 40-35 at the half but had to fight off the Miners as UTEP closed to 69-63 at the 5:51 mark following four straight Lee Moore free throws. The Spartans answered with a 6-0 run. Short and Zaynah Robinson made eight free throws down the stretch to secure the win.

Dominic Artis made 4 of 7 from beyond the arc for 18 points and Omega Harris added 16 for UTEP (6-5), which has dropped five straight games.