NEWPORT NEWS, Va. – After fighting to a 32-32 draw at halftime, Apprentice pulled away from Blue Lights in the game’s final 10 minutes to claim an 80-73 win in the season opener for both teams.

The Builders (1-0 overall, 1-0 NSAC) led by as many as 10 down the stretch, but BLC always seemed to have an answer, most often a three pointer, to get the lead manageable again. Blue Lights (0-1, 0-1) actually outshot Apprentice 39.7% to 36.5%, but the Builders made the most of their rebounds, outscoring the Herd 23-13 on second chances.

BLC’s Wol Yak led all scorers with 23 points. Apprentice’s Adrion Wall came off the bench to lead the Builders with 21.

It was the season and conference opener for both squads.