Jefferson, Johnson lead Nicholls State to win

NICEVILLE, Fla. -- Jeremiah Jefferson scored 22 points, Kevin Johnson added 20 and Nicholls State defeated North Carolina Central 77-63 on Friday at the Emerald Coast Classic.

Nicholls State will play Western Michigan for the championship of the Visitors Bracket on Saturday while North Carolina Central plays Southern University for third place.

Jefferson was 9-of-17 shooting with four 3-pointers and six rebounds while Johnson was 9 of 16 with four assists. Elvis Harvey added 13 points on 5-of-8 shooting. The Colonels shot 51 percent.

The Colonels (3-4) led 37-31 at halftime after Johnson scored 12 points and Jefferson 11 with the team sinking six 3-pointers before the break.

Raasean Davis scored 16 points on 7-of-10 shooting and grabbed 16 rebounds for the Eagles (1-5). Randy Miller Jr. added 11 points, making half of his eight shots.

The Colonels built a 16-point lead with 8:55 remaining and Eagles didn't get closer than nine thereafter.