Rocky Mount, N.C. - Sophomore Chris Braswell knocked down a career-high five three-pointers to lead his N.C. Wesleyan men's basketball team to a 76-69 victory over Roanoke College on Saturday afternoon in Everett Gymnasium.
After the Maroons (2-2) opened up the game with back-to-back treys for a quick 6-0 lead, the Bishops answered by out-scoring their opponents 26-10 over an 11-minute span to forge a 10-point advantage. The two squads then traded pivotal runs -- Roanoke's by way of a 10-0 spurt that tied the game with 5:02 remaining in the half, and Wesleyan following with an 11-1 run that put the Bishops back up double-digits, 37-27. NCWC would take an eventual 42-33 into the break.
Wesleyan never trailed in the second half. Roanoke got as close as three points on a trio of occasions, but the Bishops always had an answer. Freshman Cameron Martin turned away the first Maroon threat by draining two straight threes, while back-to-back lay-ups from Robert Wilson and Adrian Moore thwarted the second. It was then Braswell who provided the final big shot -- a three-pointer that put NCWC up 71-65 with just over two minutes left. His teammates proceeded to knock down 5-of-6 from the charity stripe down the stretch to secure the 7-point win.
Braswell's 15 points complimented a double-double of 17 points and 10 rebounds from Moore. Martin finished with 13 off the bench.
For Roanoke, Joey Miller poured in a game-high 20 points with eight rebounds.
The Battling Bishops (2-2) continue play at home on Monday night versus Virginia Wesleyan. Tip-off is slated for 7:30pm in Everett Gym.