Staff report

SALISBURY — Livingstone used a strong second half to pull away from Paine (Ga.), winning 85-73 and snapping a six-game losing streak in the process.

The game at New Trent Gym was the Blue Bears’ home opener after 10 games on the road. Livingstone is now 3-8 while Paine falls to 1-8.

Down by a point at halftime (34-33) and even at 43-43 with 16 minutes left in the game, coach James Stinson’s Blue Bears exploded for a 15-0 run in just three minutes.

Points by Samuel McClendon, Ramel Belfield, Jimmy Wilson and David Duncan gave Livingstone a 58-43 lead with 12:41 remaining.

The Blue Bears eventually extended their advantage to 20 points at 78-58, when Darryl Bond sank two free throws with 4:01 left in the game.

Livingstone then began making subs and the Lions cut the deficit down to the final margin.

The Blue Bears burned the nets for 56 percent from the floor (33-of-59), including making 8-of-17 3-point field goals. Belfield was 4-of-7 from behind the arc, on the way to 16 points.

Wilson, a 6-5 junior forward, had a double-double to lead Livingstone — 21 points and 10 rebounds. Roger Ray scored 12 points while Duncan had 10 points and seven rebounds.

Kaderious Compton scored a game-high 24 points to lead Paine. Yusef Riley followed with 14 points and Malcom Whittington added 10.

Livingstone returns to action on Thursday, hosting Elizabeth City State in a CIAA match-up at 7:30. The Lady Blue Bears and Vikings will tip off at 5:30.

PAINE (73) — Compton 24, Riley 14, Whittington 10, Nelms 6, Ngen-Igwe 2, Williams 6, Blount 6, Syphoe 3, Moses 2.

LIVINGSTONE (85) — Wilson 21, Belfield 16, Ray 12, Duncan 10, McClendon 8, Burhannon 8, Bond 6, Bailey 2, Lowe 2, Jinad, Bultus, Livingston, Stinson, Lundy,

Paine                34     39  — 73

Livingstone     33     52 —  85