SC State avoids 2nd-half collapse, tops B-CU 71-66

Published Dec. 8, 2014 11:57 p.m. ET

foxsports

ORANGEBURG, S.C. (AP) Edward Stephens made 5 of 8 from 3-point range with 26 points, and South Carolina State recovered from Bethune-Cookman's second-half rally to win 71-66 on Monday night.

SC State (3-5, 2-0 Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference) squandered a 24-point lead from early in the second half when Bethune-Cookman (3-7, 0-1) tied the game at 62 on Ricky Johnson's layup with 2:22 to play.

Stephens answered with the last of his 3s, putting the Bulldogs back in front for good. Jalen White extended the lead to 67-62 with a pair of free throws. White finished with 10 points.

SC State led 37-17 at the break and extended to its largest lead within the first two minutes of the second half at 43-19.

Clemmye Owens led B-CU with 21 points and Quentin Brewer had 15 points and 12 rebounds. The Wildcats shot only 24 percent from the field in the first half.