Staff report

CHARLOTTE — It’s been a tough season for Livingstone’s men’s basketball in the CIAA games, but the Blue Bears got a large win on Tuesday night against their biggest rival.

The Blue Bears won 78-75 in overtime at Johnson C. Smith’s Brayboy Gym in front of 1,360 fans.

Jamal Cannady Jr. carried most of the offensive load for the Blue Bears with 34 efficient points. He shot 12-for-19 from the field, with a pair of 3-pointers, and was 8-for-9 from the foul line.

JC Smith’s Jared Davis made a layup for a 61-all tie with over a minute left in regulation and neither team could cash in on opportunities down the stretch.

Cannady made two jumpers and four free throws as Livingstone took charge in a high-scoring overtime session.

James Nipper added 11 points for the Blue Bears (9-10, 2-7), while Trey Minard had 10.

Jamauri Bryant led J.C. Smith (8-8, 3-5) with 17 points.

It was a low-turnover game with the teams combining for 18. Both teams shot in the 48-percent range, but the Blue Bears had a decisive edge from the 3-point line with seven makes. The Golden Bulls were 3-for-19 from long distance.

Livingstone     32   29   17   — 78

JC Smith          32   29    14  — 75

LC scoring — Cannady 34, Nipper 11, Minard 10, Ijeoma 6, Lewis 5, Coffey 4, S. Tako 3, Leak 2, Rogers 2. P. Tako 1.