PEMBROKE – Sixteenth-ranked North Alabama rushed for 281 yards and returned interceptions for touchdowns on consecutive drives to outlast the No. 8 UNC Pembroke football team, 37-13, on Saturday afternoon in the second round of the NCAA Division II Playoffs at Grace P. Johnson Stadium.

The Braves (9-2) fell to 0-2 all-time in the NCAA postseason, but still finished the 2013 campaign with a school record-tying nine victories. The Lions (10-1) advance through to next week's quarterfinal round and will travel to Hickory to face top-seeded Lenoir-Rhyne.

Tamari White registered 118 all-purpose yards, including 62 (15 carries) on the ground, to highlight the UNCP offense, while senior Te'Vell Williams hauled in four catches for 66 yards and a first quarter score as well. Luke Charles threw for 206 yards and a pair of touchdowns on 24-of-39 passing, but also completed the outing with a career high five interceptions as well.

Lamonte Thompson rushed for 98 yards and two scores on 14 carries for North Alabama, while quarterback Luke Wingo turned in 162 all-purpose yards, including 67 rushing yards (11 attempts) and 93 yards through the air (11-of-15).

Senior Fred Williams anchored Code Black with 16 tackles (5 solo), including one tackle for loss, while Quentin Pate tallied 10 stops as well. Williams (1st with 313) and Pate (3rd, 248) both finish their careers ranking among the top 3 of UNCP's all-time tacklers.

"North Alabama pretty much played error-free football and are well-deserving of the win," said UNCP head coach Pete Shinnick. "I am very fortunate to have coached this group of guys all year. I think we have been very blessed this season and a lot of good things have taken place. I hate it for this group of seniors that we couldn't continue (our playoff run)."

Charles capped a 15-play, 72-yard scoring drive with a 13-yard touchdown pass to Williams with 1:40 left in the opening quarter, but the Lions scored points on each of their next two possessions – both 70+-yard scoring drives – to lug a 10-6 lead into the break.

The Braves used a 49-yard punt return from L.J. Stroman to set up a short scoring drive in the third period that gave the hosts their final lead of the game on a 12-yard scoring reception by Michael Isbell. North Alabama would take the lead for good on the ensuing possession, however, when Wingo put the finishing touches on a 9-play, 75-yard scoring drive with a 5-yard toss to Jason Smith.

The Lions pushed their lead out to 23-13 on a 16-yard run by Thompson late in the third quarter, and then scored defensive touchdowns on consecutive drives in the fourth period – the first on a 29-yard interception return by Tavarius Wilson and the second on a 52-yard interception return by Gabe Poe.

To watch the game click PART 1 or PART 2.