Staff report

CHARLOTTE — Livingstone’s men saw a 17-point lead evaporate over the last 12 minutes the Blue Bears lost to Felician (N.J.), 78-70, Friday night at J.C. Smith Tip-Off Classic.

It was the season opener for Livingstone (0-1). The Blue Bears take on Bluefield State at 2 p.m. today, in the second day of the classic. Felician (1-2) will play host J.C. Smith in today’s second game.

Kendric Lowe’s tip-in gave Livingstone a 60-43 advantage with 12:19 left in the game. The Blue Bears were then outscored, 35-10, the rest of the way.

The Falcons first went on an 11-0 run to cut the deficit to 60-54 at the 9:10 mark. Davy Bultus’ layup stopped that run for Livingstone but Felician kept the pressure on and eventually pulled even at 66-all with 3:56 left.

A minute later, the Blue Bears went up 69-66 on a jumper from Ramel Belfield, before the Falcons closed the game on a 12-1 run.

The Blue Bears led at halftime, 42-30, but were outscored in the second half, 48-28.

Newcomer Eric Dortch-Jones, a transfer from N.C. Wesleyan, led Livingstone with 17 points.

FELICIAN (78) — Spaulding 27, Stanford 20, Wright 9, Webb 9, Cooper 4, Chukwuocha 3, Redmond 2, Monfleury 2, Bright, Massado, Phelps.

LIVINGSTONE (70) — Dortch-Jones 17, McClendon 9, Duncan 9, Wilson 9, Belfield 8, Standback 8, Lowe 6, Ray 2, Bultus 2, Clowney, Bond.

Felician              30     48  — 78

Livingstone       42     28  — 70