NEW ORLEANS (Interstat) — Dillard erased a large first-half deficit to defeat the University of the Virgin Islands 86-81 in a men’s NAIA basketball game Sunday.

The visiting Buccaneers built a commanding lead, scoring 40 points in the opening quarter. The Bleu Devils chipped away, trailing by five at halftime before a dominant 52-point second-half performance secured the comeback victory. The win improved Dillard’s record to 11-8, while Virgin Islands fell to 2-10.

Evik Amy led all scorers for Virgin Islands. Wendell Hampton, Shane Davis and Ryan Kelly were key contributors for Dillard in the rally. The teams are scheduled to play again Monday.