NEWPORT NEWS - A furious second half comeback fell just short as the Apprentice School men's basketball team fell to NCAA Division II opponent Elizabeth City State Saturday, 72-67.

The Vikings came in and controlled the tempo of the first half, storming out to a 39-20 lead after 20 minutes of play before the Builders answered in the second half.

Apprentice kept battling, turning over ECSU and getting baskets in transition to cut the lead all the way down to a one point game at 65-64 with just over two minutes to play. The Vikings were able to do just enough to stave off the Builders and escape with the win.

INSIDE THE BOX SCORE

• Shawn Eley had a game-high 24 points to lead four Builders in double figures. Chris Himmon had 11, while CJ Highsmith and Marion Moore each put up 10.
• Apprentice scored 47 second half points and turned over ECSU 11 times in the period.
• After a 6-for-19 first half at the free throw line, the Builders turned it around, shooting 15-for-23 at the charity stripe in the second half.

NEXT UP

Apprentice will travel to Cheyney next week for a Saturday afternoon matchup at 3 p.m.