Staff report

GREENWOOD, S.C. — Armstrong State used a late run to topple Livingstone, 80-76, in men’s college basketball action here Friday night.

The game was part of Lander University’s Finis Horne Holiday Classic. The Blue Bears will battle the host Lander Bearcats today at 3:30.

Last night’s game was all even at 67-67 with 3:27 remaining, before Armstrong State finished the game on a 13-9 run. The key blows were back-to-back 3-point field goals that took a 71-68 Pirates’ lead to 77-68.

The Blue Bears did fight back behind a 4-point play from Roger Ray and a layup by Ramel Belfield, cutting the deficit to 77-74 with 1:09 left. But KJ James made 3-of-4 free throws down the stretch for the Pirates (3-2).

Eric Dortch-Jones and David Duncan each scored 17 points to lead Livingstone (1-2). Ray followed with 14 points. Duncan also led the Blue Bears on the boards with 12 rebounds.

Armstrong’s Montrel Goldston led all scorers with 21 points.

LIVINGSTONE (76) —Belfield 4, Bultus 6, Duncan 17, Wilson 3, McClendon 2, Dortch-Jones 17, Stanback 2, Lowe, Ray 14, , Clowney, Bond 8, Livingston, Briggs 3.

ARMSTRONG STATE (80) — Council 14, Goldston 21, Tillery 11, Jeffers 2, James 14, Brown, Williams 8, Clifton 10, Collins, Spicer, Cunningham.

Livingstone         34    42  — 76

Armstrong St.     36    44 — 80