PITTSBORO — Deuce Powell poured in 23 points on Tuesday night in Pittsboro as Northwood crushed visiting Northern Durham 73-54 in opening round action of the 3A Big Eight Conference tournament.
The contest was never in doubt for the high-flying Chargers, who moved to 23-2 on the season while the Knights closed at a dismal 4-21.
Northwood, which shot a sizzling 53 percent (32-of-60) from the floor despite 0-11 shooting from behind the arc, also saw Aaron Ross hit double figures with 19 points while Jalen Mcafee-Marion added 13 points and Jack Thompson 12.
Thompson added seven rebounds, one assist and three steals to the cause for the Chargers while Alex Snively chipped in six boards, six assists and five steals, Ross five rebounds, four assists and two steals, Mcafee-Marion four boards, three assists and one steal, and Powell two rebounds, one assist and two steals.
Inclement weather later in the week spoiled the bid for Northwood to add a tournament title to go with the regular season crown.
The Chargers were slated to host East Chapel Hill in the opening round of the NCHSAA 3A state playoffs on Tuesday, February 25 in Pittsboro.