Staff report

RALEIGH — Livingstone jumped out to a 13-2 lead and rolled past St. Augustine’s, 83-54, here Wednesday night in women’s college basketball action.

The Blue Bears (10-9, 5-4 CIAA) enjoyed a lead throughout the first half, topping out at 21 points (37-16) at the 1:49 mark on a 3-point jumper from Deonna Young.

The Falcons (3-19, 0-10) finished the first half on a 6-0 run, behind 10 points from Kaaliya Williams.

Young and guard Zena Lovette each scored 13 points in the first half for Livingstone.

Young scored eight points in the third period and after St. Augustine’s had cut its deficit to 11 points, the Blue Bears raced out to 24-point leads three different times.

Young went on to net a career-high 31 points, shooting well throughout the game. The junior guard was 10-of-18 from the floor, including 4-of-8 from behind the 3-point arc. She was also 7-of-9 at the foul line.

Lovette made 7-of-15 field goals en route to 20 points. She also led Livingstone in rebounding with 10 boards. Post player Shannon Buchanan grabbed eight rebounds.

Senior guard Brittany Taylor scored 12 points and had four rebounds for Livingstone.

Three players scored 12 points for the Falcons — Williams, Kelsee Arnold and Quiera Gilmore.

For the game, coach Tiffany Silver’s Blue Bears shot 43.5 percent from the field (30-of-69), including making good on 8-of-25 3-pointers.

Livingstone led by as many as 31 points at one point during the second half and the Blue Bears continued their excellent work this semester.

Since Christmas break, Livingstone is 7-2, with its only losses coming to first-place Johnson C. Smith and nationally third-ranked Virginia Union.

The Falcons shot a dismal 11 percent (1-of-9) on 3-point attempts and 35 percent (18-of-51) overall.

The Blue Bears return to action on Saturday with a CIAA game at Winston-Salem State (2 p.m.).

LIVINGSTONE (83) — Green 5, Patterson 3, Taylor 12, Lovette 20, Buchanan 4, Young 31, Cardriche 4, Redfern 4.

ST. AUGUSTINE’S (54) — Arnold 12, Gilmore 12, Addison 5, Williams 12, Washington 2, Gibson 5, Lee 2, Clark, Renwicks 4, Vaughan, Leak.

Livingstone          17    20    19    27  — 83

St. Augustine’s      7    15     11     21  — 54