Dec. 20, 2007

Final Stats

OMAHA, NEB. - North Carolina Central University trailed Creighton University, the defending Missouri Valley Conference champions, by only 10 points at halftime, but the host Bluejays pulled away from the Eagles after intermission to cruise to an 88-54 win inside the Qwest Center in Omaha, Neb.

NCCU junior guard Bryan Ayala scored 17 of his season-high 26 points in the first half to keep his squad within striking distance, 40-30, at the break. The Eagles shot 42.9 percent (9-21) from the field, including 50 percent (4-8) from three-point range, and 100 percent (8-8) from the foul line in the opening 20 minutes of play.

After intermission, Creighton (8-1) used a 24-6 run to blow the game open. The Bluejays tickled the twine in the second stanza to the tune of 59.4 percent (19-32) from the field, including 54.5 percent (6-11) from long range.

Creighton was topped by Kenny Lawson with 13 points off the bench, while Kenton Walker added 12 points and nine rebounds for the Bluejays.

NCCU (1-14) remains in Nebraska to play the University of Nebraska on Saturday (Dec. 22) at 7 p.m. (CT).