ELIZABETH CITY, N.C. -- Elizabeth City State University used a strong second half and an outstanding performance at the free-throw line to earn a 72-62 CIAA victory over Bowie State Wednesday night at the R.L. Vaughan Center.

The Vikings improved to 3-15 overall and 2-10 in conference play, while Bowie State dropped to 5-17 overall and 3-8 in the CIAA.

ECSU carried a narrow 32-28 lead into halftime before taking control over the final 20 minutes. The Vikings shot an efficient 52.4 percent from the field in the second half and connected on 18-of-22 free throws after the break to pull away for the double-digit win.

Senior guard Terence Thorbs led all scorers with 20 points, doing most of his damage at the foul line where he finished 12-of-16. Thorbs also added six rebounds and a steal in 33 minutes of action.

Forward Donovan Flamer turned in a strong all-around effort with 16 points and a game-high eight rebounds, while Trevor Smith added 14 points and seven boards. Jaquantae Harris chipped in nine points and four rebounds as the Vikings placed four players in double figures.

Elizabeth City State shot 47.6 percent from the floor for the game and held a decisive 36-29 advantage on the glass. The Vikings also capitalized on their opportunities at the charity stripe, finishing 29-of-39 (74.4 percent), a key difference in the contest.

Bowie State was led by Jaiden McGhee, who scored 14 points off the bench. Charles Thomas III added 13 points, while Guy Fauntleroy contributed 11. The Bulldogs struggled offensively, shooting just 35 percent from the field and 23.8 percent from three-point range.

The game featured four ties and three lead changes, but ECSU's defense and free-throw shooting proved to be the difference down the stretch. The Vikings outscored Bowie State 40-34 in the second half and held the Bulldogs to 47 percent shooting after halftime.

Elizabeth City State returns to action on Saturday, Feb. 7 for Winter Homecoming, hosting Virginia Union at 7:30 pm.