RALEIGH, N.C. — Shaw turned a tight first half into a statement win Tuesday night, using a decisive stretch midway through the second half to defeat Paine College 96-71 inside Spaulding Gymnasium. With the win, the Bears improve to 4-1 on the season.

Leading 40-32 at halftime, Shaw opened the second half with sharper execution and increased defensive pressure. After Paine trimmed the deficit to five, the Bears responded with a decisive 17-2 run fueled by fast-break scoring, aggressive drives and defensive stops. The surge included back-to-back baskets from Dreveon Scott, a corner three from Justin Harris and a thunderous dunk from Avery Huggins that ignited the crowd and forced a Paine timeout.

From there, Shaw never looked back. The Bears outscored Paine 56-39 in the final period, converting turnovers into transition chances and controlling the paint. Shaw finished with 46 points inside, 20 fast-break points and 50 points from the bench.

Huggins paced the Bears with a game-high 24 points on an efficient 9-of-11 shooting night, including two three-pointers, while adding nine rebounds and three blocks. Scott posted 19 points and two steals, while Alijah England supplied a double-double with 10 points and 10 rebounds.

Shaw also shared the ball well, finishing with 22 assists on 34 made field goals, highlighted by ball movement during its second-half run that repeatedly found open shooters and cutters at the rim.

Defensively, the Bears forced 23 turnovers and held Paine to limited second-chance opportunities while winning the rebounding battle 45-33. The defense generated 26 points off turnovers, including several breakaway plays that shifted momentum.

Kole Taylor led Paine with 20 points and Jocqua Keaton added 14, but the Lions struggled to match Shaw's depth, pace and physicality down the stretch.

Shaw will be back in action this weekend at UNC Pembroke for two contest against Ferrum Saturday and UNCP Sunday. More info can be found on shawbears.com