PEMBROKE, NC - Homestanding UNC Pembroke used a 19-3 run over a 5:14 span of the second half to pull away and defeat the Apprentice School 97-71 on Saturday afternoon. The loss was the first for the Builders in nine games dating back to February 10, 2009 against Chowan University.
The Braves started the game on a 10-2 run and eventually grew the lead to 22-8 with 11:47 left on a George Blakeney layup. Apprentice School got back into the game on the strength of a 21-4 run over the next 5:02 to take a 29-26 lead on a 3-pointer from Eric Joe with 6:45 left. The teams would trade the lead for the rest of the half as the Builders took a 41-40 lead into halftime.
In the second half the hosts torched the nets hitting 24-of-30 from the floor (80%) while the Builders were a cold 11-of-36 (30.6%) from the field. Apprentice School trailed 65-56 with 9:17 left on a Tim Johnson layup. From there, UNCP (2-2) went on a 19-3 run over the next 5:14 to push the lead to 25 points on a Shahmel Brackett layup for an 84-59 lead.
Joe was the leading scorer for the Builders with 22 points to lead four in double figures. Tevin Andrews was next with 19 points and a team-high seven rebounds. Isaih Harrison added 11 points and Johnson scored a season-high 10 points.
Apprentice School (4-1) returns home for its only home game in December as they face cross-water rival Virginia Wesleyan College at 7 pm on Thursday night.