The Latest: Edwards, No. 23 Purdue top Appalachian St 92-70

CHARLESTON, S.C. (AP) — The Latest on the Charleston Classic (all times local):

7:15 p.m.

Carsen Edwards had 25 points, 17 in the first half, as No. 23 Purdue powered past Appalachian State 92-70 at the Charleston Classic on Thursday.

The Boilermakers improved to 3-0. They will face the winner of the final opening-round game here, either Wichita State or Davidson, on Friday for a spot in the tournament finals.

Purdue took a 46-32 lead by halftime and gradually grew the lead to 26 down the stretch.

Ryan Cline added 21 points for Purdue. Edwards and Cline each hit four of their team's 13 3-pointers.

Justin Forrest had 14 points to lead Appalachian State (1-2). The Mountaineers will take on the Wichita State-Davidson loser Friday.

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4 p.m.

Vasa Pusica had 20 points and Northeastern beat a Southeastern Conference opponent for the first time in six tries with a 68-52 win over Alabama at the Charleston Classic on Thursday.

The Huskies (2-1) will face No. 16 Virginia Tech on Friday for a spot in the tournament championship.

Northeastern of the Colonial Athletic Association built a double-digit lead by halftime and was rarely pressured by the Crimson Tide (2-1).

Pusica was 4-of-4 on 3-pointers and added a team-high five assists.

John Petty Jr. had points for Alabama, which shot less than 40 percent. The Crimson Tide will face Ball State on Friday.

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1:30 p.m.

Nickeil Alexander-Walker scored 21 points for No. 16 Virginia Tech and opened the Charleston Classic with a 73-64 victory over Ball State.

The Hokies (2-0) watched a 16-point lead slip to 49-44 midway through the second half before going on a 14-4 run to take control.

Virginia Tech will play the winner of the next game, Alabama vs. Northeastern, in Friday's semifinals.

Tayler Persons led Ball State (1-2) with 21 points. The Cardinals will play the Alabama-Northeastern loser Friday.

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11:35 a.m.

The Charleston Classic announced its field for next year with Xavier, Miami, Florida and UConn leading the eight-team event in 2019.

The remaining teams are Missouri State, Penn State, St. Joseph's and Towson.

The event is scheduled for Nov. 21-24 next year. Miami is a two-time Charleston champion, having won in 2009 and 2014.

On Thursday, No. 16 Virginia Tech and No. 23 Purdue are among ranked teams that open play in the classic.

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4:00 a.m.

No. 16 Virginia Tech and No. 23 Purdue will get their strongest tests of the early season when they play in the Charleston Classic.

The eight-team field features five teams that played in the NCAA Tournament a year ago.

The Hokies (1-0) of the Atlantic Coast Conference open play Thursday against Ball State (1-1). The Boilermakers (2-0) of the Big Ten begin action later in the day against Appalachian State (1-1).

Other games in the first round include Alabama (2-0) of the Southeastern Conference against Northeastern (1-1) and Wichita State (1-1) against Davidson (2-0).

Virginia Tech is expected to remain without suspended senior forward Chris Clarke. He was suspended indefinitely by the school last month.

Purdue leans heavily on Carsen Edwards, the junior guard who was first-team All-Big Ten selection a season ago. He's combined for 53 point in the Boilermakers' two victories.

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