Pepper, Mathews lead Lipscomb past North Florida

NASHVILLE, Tenn. -- Eli Pepper had 20 points and 11 rebounds, Garrison Mathews scored 25 points and Lipscomb defeated North Florida 81-66 on Wednesday night.

Rob Marberry added 12 points and seven rebounds for the Bisons (11-4, 2-0 Atlantic Sun). Mathews added seven rebounds and three assists.

Noah Horchler had 12 points and 10 rebounds for the Ospreys (7-10, 1-1). Garrett Sams added 12 points, five steals and five rebounds. All five starters scored in double figures, leaving just seven bench points.

The game was even through the first 13 minutes before Lipscomb scored 19 points in seven minutes to take a 41-28 lead at halftime. A 3-pointer by Michael Buckland gave Lipscomb a 46-31 lead early in the second half and the advantage remained at least nine points.

Lipscomb shot 51 percent for the game, including 12 of 22 3-pointers (55 percent). The Bisons also made 13 of 18 free throws.