Maryville, Tenn. - The N.C. Wesleyan men's basketball team suffered its first loss of the season on Sunday, opening USA South play on the road with an 86-72 defeat at the hands of Maryville College. The victory is the Scots' first in USA South history.

Maryville hit 7-of-18 three pointers in the first half and got 37 first period points from its bench. The Scots' strong offensive board presence allowed them to take a 47-37 lead into the break.

The Bishops closed the gap in the second half on 41% shooting, tying the score at 60-60 midway through the period. NCWC would lead 62-60 and 64-62 before the Scots forced the game's final tie at 64-64 with 8:47 remaining. From there, MC put together a 14-3 run over the next six minutes to essentially put the game out of reach. 

Maryville (4-3, 1-1 USA South) had five players tally double figures on the day, while Wesleyan (7-1, 0-1 USA South) was paced by Brandon Givens' 33 points and 14 rebounds. Chris Ford added 15 points and seven rebounds as the Bishops finished the game hitting 44% of their shots from the field.

The Bishops return to action next Saturday when they travel to Guilford College for a 2:00pm tip-off with the Quakers.