Oliver scores 20, Norfolk State beats NC Central 88-79

DURHAM, N.C. (AP) Charles Oliver was 5 of 8 from beyond the arc for 20 points as Norfolk State had a strong second half to pull away for an 88-79 win over North Carolina Central on Saturday.

Oliver nailed three treys to total 13 points in the second period. Alex Long, Jeff Short and Jonathan Wade finished with 12 points apiece and Preston Bungei added 10 for Norfolk State (7-12, 3-1 Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference).

Trailing 38-36 at the half, the Spartans charged back and took the lead 46-44 with 15:21 left when Oliver made two free throws and followed with a 3-point jumper. They pushed that to 70-59 at the 8:12 mark and held on for the win.

Norfolk State shot 53 percent from the floor while holding the Eagles to 25-of-64 shooting.

Patrick Cole led North Carolina Central (7-12, 2-3) with 26 points; Dante Holmes added 21 and Rashaun Madison had 12.