Staff report

CHARLOTTE — Livingstone’s women’s basketball team shot the lights out early and blew out CIAA rival Johnson C. Smith on Tuesday.

The Blue Bears won 69-56 at Brayboy Gym, although it wasn’t as close as it sounds. Livingstone was in control 43-22 at the half and led 60-27 after three quarters.

JC Smith (5-11, 1-7) made the final score respectable with a 29-point fourth quarter.

Livingstone shot 8-for-10 in the first quarter to jump out to a commanding lead.

Livingstone (6-13, 4-4) turned the ball over 27 times, but made up for it with 56-percent shooting and 6-for-9 on 3-pointers.

JC Smith had 18 turnovers and shot 36 percent.

Thalia Carter led the Blue Bears with 14 points and seven rebounds. Nellie Reaves scored 11, while Bria Griffith and Jay’La Williams scored 10 each.

Livingstone    22    21    17    9   — 69

JC Smith        8     14      5     29  — 56

LC scoring — Carter 14, Reaves 11, Griffith 10, Williams 10, Briggs 5, Coit 5, Kelson 4, Green 4, Bates 4, Crawford 2.