BOLIVIA, N.C. — Walters State and Cape Fear Community College battled toe-to-toe for the first 20 minutes, but the Sea Devils took over in the second half on their way to a 90-71 victory in the opening round of the Brunswick Classic at Brunswick Community College Friday night.

The Senators (9-5) and Cape Fear traded the lead back and forth in the game's opening five minutes until Torey James knocked down a jumper to put the Sea Devils up 13-11 to spark a 12-0 run. Paris Taylor finally broke the stall for WSCC with two free throws to make the score 23-13.

Down 31-19, Walters State came alive in the final six minutes of the frame, beginning their comeback with a Luiz Machado layup. With 1:41 to go Sly Thompson stole the ball from Cape Fear's Royce Jarrett and hammered it home with a dunk on the other end that pulled the Senators within six, 37-31. Machado hit a three after a Talton Jones layup for the Sea Devils to make the score 39-34 at the half.

The final 20 minutes all belonged to Cape Fear. Walters State hung around early thanks to Anthony Jones and Kobe Powell, but the Sea Devils got hot at the right time and ended the game shooting 52.2 percent from the floor.

WSCC was led by Taylor's 14 points to go with his eight rebounds. Jones scored 12 with Thompson and Powell contributing 10 points apiece. Jones pulled down six rebounds in the game. Machado finished with seven points and five rebounds.

The Sea Devils put three players over 20 points, with Dakari Johnson and James scoring 24 each. Jones finished with 20.

NEXT UP

The Senators are back in action at the Brunswick Classic Saturday as they face off against the host school at 3 p.m.