Staff report

DURHAM — North Carolina Central freshman Kyla Bryant scored 23 points, six in overtime, as the Eagles beat Howard 79-76 on Saturday.

The former Salisbury High star made one 3-pointer and was 10-for-12 from the foul line in front of 783 fans at McDougald-McLendon Arena.

Bryant played 41 minutes and had four assists, three rebounds and two steals.

It was the MEAC opener for N.C. Central (6-9, 1-0). Howard is 3-12, 0-1.

N.C. Central plays Norfolk State in Durham on Monday.