BLEU DEVILS OUTLAST LIFE 82-70

It was another tough night for the Dillard men, as the Running Eagles did just that early in the first half, taking a 15-point lead (22-7) at 11:41. With a chance to cut the lead to two with three second remaining in the period, DeCarlos Riley went 1-2 from the free throw line and the Bleu Devils had to take a four-point deficit heading into the break, 31-35.

In second half action, Dillard came out fighting and, by 18:00, took their first lead (38-37) on an Avry Ingram three-pointer, assisted by Cornice Wingate. The teams would break eight ties before the Bleu Devils would finally break free on a field goal by James Burkes at 4:21, for a 63-61 lead. Burkes was fouled by Life's Greg Brown following the play and converted the bonus for a three-point lead. From there, defense coupled with free throws down the stretch helped the Bleu Devils to their second win of the season. Dillard shot 66.7 percent from the charity stripe.

Following Sjekloca in scoring was Burkes, who had 18 points and six rebounds. Ingram had 13 and four steals, and Riley added 11 with five rebounds. Sjekloca also had three blocks. Wingate dished out six assists.

For the Running Eagles (9-6), Tay Barber was the leading scorer with 15 points, plus seven assists and five boards. Brown added 14 and six rebounds and Bryant Dunn chipped in 12 with eight rebounds and three blocks.

After the holidays, the Bleu Devils will play a final exhibition contest at Southern Miss on December 30. Game time is 7 p.m. at Reed Green Coliseum in Hattiesburg, Miss.