Northern Kentucky pulls away from Navy, wins 55-46

ANNAPOLIS, Md. (AP) — Ernest Watson scored 19 points, and Northern Kentucky pulled away in the second half to defeat Navy 55-46 on Saturday.

Jalen Billups had 14 points and nine rebounds, and Eshaunte Jones added 13 points and seven assists for the Norse (2-6), who are in their first year in Division I. The starters were the only players to score.

Tilman Dunbar led Navy (6-7) with 12 points, and Brandon Venturini had 11 for the Midshipmen, whose three-game home winning streak was snapped in the first meeting between the teams.

The Norse outrebounded the Midshipmen 30-15 and made the same number of field goals — 19 — while taking 13 fewer shots.

From a 39-38 advantage with 7:33 to go, Watson made three consecutive 3-pointers for a 48-38 lead with 4:57 left.

Despite the loss, Navy already has won twice as many games this season (3) as they did in 2011-12.