LILLINGTON, N.C. (Interstat) — DJ Smith scored 31 points and Campbell used a dominant first-half performance to build a substantial lead before holding off a persistent Northeastern rally for a 97-82 victory in a Colonial Athletic Association men’s basketball game Saturday at John W. Pope, Jr. Convocation Center.

The Fightin’ Camels, improving to 8-8 overall, seized control early with a blistering offensive display, shooting 59% from the floor in the opening half to take a 49-36 lead into the break. Northeastern, which fell to 5-9, never fully recovered from the early deficit despite a more competitive second half in which they outscored Campbell 46-48.

The most critical phase of the game occurred in the opening minutes of the second half. After Campbell’s 13-point halftime lead, Northeastern emerged from the locker room with urgency. The Huskies opened the period with a 7-2 run, capped by a Luca Soroa Schaller 3-pointer, to trim the deficit to 51-43 and force a Campbell timeout just over two minutes into the half.

The Huskies continued to chip away, pulling within six points on multiple occasions. A driving layup by Mike Loughnane made it 57-51 with 17:18 remaining, and the Huskies’ defensive pressure momentarily disrupted the Camels’ rhythm. However, each time Northeastern threatened, Campbell had an answer, usually from Smith or in the paint, where they finished with a commanding 56-36 advantage.

Campbell’s ability to consistently respond to Northeastern’s pushes, particularly by drawing fouls and converting at the free-throw line, proved decisive. The Camels attempted 31 free throws, making 24, while Northeastern went 11 of 12 from the stripe. Campbell also capitalized on Northeastern’s mistakes, scoring 23 points off 10 Huskies turnovers, while committing only six turnovers themselves.

Smith, a 6-foot guard from Dallas, was the catalyst throughout, adding three rebounds and two assists to his game-high point total in 40 minutes of action. His performance continued a strong stretch, following a 24-point outing in a win at Monmouth on Wednesday.

He was complemented by a double-double from forward Dovydas Butka, who had 15 points and 14 rebounds. Muneer Newton added 12 points and seven rebounds, while Jeremiah Johnson and Tasos Cook each contributed 15 points off the bench. Cam Gregory facilitated the offense with nine points and five assists.

For Northeastern, Loughnane led the way with 23 points, three rebounds and two blocks. William Kermoury scored 16 points, all from the field, hitting four 3-pointers. Ty Francis posted 13 points and eight rebounds, and Schaller tallied 13 points and a team-high seven assists.

Despite shooting 52.5% from the field and 42.9% from 3-point range, the Huskies could not overcome Campbell’s superior efficiency. The Camels posted an offensive rating of 137.2 points per 100 possessions, fueled by their work inside and at the foul line. Campbell also won the battle on the glass, securing eight offensive rebounds to Northeastern’s four.

The game, organized by the Colonial Athletic Association, drew an attendance of 2,206. Campbell, which was installed as a 3.5-point pregame favorite, covered the spread. The total score of 179 points sailed over the over/under line of 158.5. Interstat’s ELO system had given the Fightin’ Camels a 61.2% probability to win.

Northeastern will look to rebound when it hosts UNC Wilmington on Thursday. Campbell continues its homestand, also on Thursday, against Hampton.