MIAMI – North Carolina Central University defeated Alabama State 31-24 amid South Florida’s ubiquitous rain showers and more HBCU weekend scenes that included, below from left, TV sports commentator Stephen A. Smith, Congresswoman Frederica Wilson, keynote speaker attorney Benjamin Crump, and “Different World” TV personality Darryl Bell; also, on Page 3B, emcee Jawan Strader, Alabama State President Dr. Quinton T. Ross, Jr., and North Carolina Central Chancellor Dr. Karrie G. Dixon. There also were the annual welcome reception luncheon, battle of the bands, and of course the game. Alabama fought back from 21-0, but running back J’Mari Taylor’s 128 yards on 24 carries, plus the Eagles’ opportunistic defense, left the Hornets’ rally short.