Rocky Mount, N.C. - Senior Josh Morrison averaged 24.5 points per game over two contests this weekend, leading his N.C. Wesleyan men's basketball team to a USA South split in Everett Gymnasium. He began with a 25-point showing in Friday night's dominating 86-63 win over Covenant, then ended with a solid 24-point outing in Saturday's heartbreaking 72-69 loss to league-leading Maryville.
Against Covenant, the Bishops took an early 5-2 lead on a three-pointer by senior David Gurganus, and they would not trail again en route to the 23-point victory. As a team, Wesleyan shot over 50 percent from the floor, which included a 9-of-18 showing from behind the arc.
Sophomore Brandon Brown complimented Morrison with 20 points off the bench, while Devontae Williams chipped in eight points and a game-high nine rebounds.
Saturday's game versus Maryville was a different story as the two squads battled through 11 lead changes and nine ties. The Scots held a 36-28 advantage at the half, but the lead was shortlived as Morrison led a furious Wesleyan rally that resulted in a 48-47 Bishop lead with just over ten minutes remaining.
From there, neither team would forge more than a 3-point lead. With exactly 1:00 remaining, Morrison put his team on top with a pair of free throws, 69-68, only to see the Scots' Jaumonee Byrd answer with a short jumper to give MVC a 70-69 lead with 24 seconds left.
With the shot clock off, Wesleyan looked to get off a game-winning shot attempt, but a key steal by the Scots' J.P. Burris forced NCWC to foul. The Bishops got what they needed when Christian Ford missed both free throws, but Byrd again came up big with a rebound and put-back that sealed the 72-69 final.
In addition to his 24 points, Morrison also pulled down eight rebounds and dished out seven assists. Shannon Huff and Gurganus joined him in double-figures with 13 and 10 points, respectively.
The Bishops (7-7, 2-1 USA South) continue USA South play next weekend when they travel to Huntingdon and LaGrange on Saturday and Sunday, respectively.