CHICAGO -- Godwin Boahen scored 15 points and Tarkus Ferguson added 13 to help lead Illinois-Chicago to a 65-55 win over North Carolina Central on the opening night of the season for both teams on Friday night.

The Flames jumped out to an early lead and were up 20-10 with 8:07 left in the first half. They took a 29-20 lead into the break.

NCCU's Brandon Goldsmith completed a 3-point play to close to 36-34 with 16:21 left in the game. Boahen answered with a 3-point jumper and Marcus Ottey followed with a dunk. Boahen nailed another trey at the 7:40 mark to pull ahead 52-43 and the Flames coasted to the win.

Boahen was 3 of 6 from beyond the arc and hit 6 of 9 from the floor. Tai Odiase added 10 points while grabbing eight rebounds for UIC.

Raasean Davis had 16 points and nine rebounds to lead NCCU.