Holmes scores 23 points as Morgan State rallies to defeat Long Island 87-70

Holmes leads Morgan State past Long Island 87-70

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. — Reggie Holmes scored 23 points as Morgan State overcame an eight-point first-half deficit to defeat Long Island University 87-70 on Wednesday night.

Kevin Thompson had his 10th double-double of the season for the Bears (8-5) with 13 points and 17 rebounds while Troy Smith scored 16 points and DeWayne Jackson chipped in 15 in the consolation game of the Dr Pepper Classic.

The Blackbirds (4-8) led 27-19 with 10:09 left in the first half, but Morgan State used runs of 9-2 and 9-3 to take a 42-38 halftime advantage.

The Bears opened the second half with an 8-2 run and Long Island could get no closer than six the rest of the game.

Kyle Johnson scored 21 points, including 17 in the first half, to lead the Blackbirds, who shot 35.5 percent (11-for-31) after the break compared to 54.8 percent (17-for-31) for Morgan State.

Long Island had a 38-36 rebounding edge.