DURHAM, N.C. – North Carolina Central sophomore guard Gage Lattimore caught fire for 38 points, leading the Eagles past Bluefield State 77-61 on Wednesday evening.

The Eagles are now 1-3 after earning their first victory of the season. It was the home opener in McDougald-McLendon Arena for the men's squad.

Lattimore went 12-of-17 from the field, including a 9-of-12 performance from beyond the arc. The last time an Eagle finished with nine three-point field goals was in 1995, done by head coach LeVelle Moton. He now sits second in single-game records for three-point field goals, along with Moton, behind only Reggie Groves, who went 10-of-13 in 2013.

"He's incredible," said Moton on Lattimore's night. "It's not too many times you get a kid that reminds you of yourself when you played. It's a blessing and a joy to coach him."

NCCU had some work to do after a 40-33 first half. By that point, Lattimore already had 23 points.

Khouri Carvey picked up the pace after a nine-point first half, with Bluefield State sending double teams to try to slow Lattimore down. Carvey ended the night with a 21-point, 10-rebound double-double.

Dionte Johnson didn't need to score to make an impact. The guard tallied seven assists and seven steals as the Eagles turned 23 Big Blue turnovers into 29 points.

"I'm very appreciative of the efforts of these young men," said Moton. "I thought the second half, we were able to apply some pressure and turn them over."

NC Central now turns its attention to North Carolina, making the short trip to Chapel Hill, N.C. on Friday evening. The game begins at 9 p.m.

For more information on NCCU Athletics, visit NCCUEaglePride.com.