Staff report

CHARLOTTE — Livingstone used a big second half to score a come-from-behind, 86-78 men’s basketball victory over Limestone here Friday night in the J.C. Smith Tip-Off Classic.

Trailing at halftime, 46-36, the Blue Bears shot 49 percent (18-of-37) from the floor and made 12-of-15 free throws to outscore the Saints, 50-32, in the second 20 minutes.

Livingstone (2-1) got another huge game from 6-9 post player Lydell Elmore — 24 points and 12 rebounds. He made 10-of-18 shots, playing 36 minutes. Lydell’s twin brother, Navar, was in foul trouble and finished with six points and six rebounds.

Senior guard Roger Ray was outstanding again, making 9-of-21 shots, for a team-high 28 points. He also dished out five assists. Malik Smith also scored in double figures with 13 points and added eight rebounds.

As a team, Livingstone controlled the glass, out-rebounding the Saints, 46-32.

Rudy Bibb-Boyd had a big game for Limestone (0-4), scoring 28 points on 9-of-17 shooting. He was 6-of-10 from behind the 3-point arc.

Ben Gahlert followed with 17 points for the Saints, followed by Joseph Battle with 12 points and Quez Clayton with 10.

Coach James Stinson’s Livingstone team returns to action in Day 2 of the Classic, taking on Kentucky State tonight at 7:00. Kentucky State (1-1) lost to host J.C. Smith (1-1) on Friday, 90-59.

JCSU plays Limestone at 5 p.m. today.