Miller leads balanced NC Central to 7th in Emerald Coast

NICEVILLE, Fla. -- Randy Miller scored 22 points, and three others added 15 each as North Carolina Central broke away early and defeated Southern 83-71 in the seventh-place game of the Emerald Coast Classic on Saturday.

Miller scored 13 in the first half as NC Central used an 11-0 burst to scoot away from Southern and led 39-31 at the break.

The Eagles (2-5) shot 65 percent from the floor after halftime, making 15 of 23 shots. Miller shot 6 of 11 with three 3-pointers, converted 7 of 10 at the foul line and led with five assists. Larry McKnight, Rashann London and Raasean Davis each scored 15 with London shooting 6 of 7.

Jayden Saddler paced Southern with 18 points, Sidney Umude added 17 with 10 rebounds and Eddie Reese scored 14.

London scored on a drive six seconds into the second half and NC Central put together a 15-4 run in the first five minutes. Southern didn't get closer than nine after that.