Rocky Mount, N.C. - Junior Adrian Moore scored the 1,000th point of his career on Saturday afternoon, helping his Bishop men's basketball team secure a 71-59 victory over USA South foe Averett University in Everett Gym.
Needing 15 points entering the game, early foul trouble held Moore in check as the talented guard only played seven minutes in the opening half. His teammates, however, responded with a strong defensive showing led by junior Malique Judd's four blocks in the period. Sophomore Justin Tankelewicz added a trio of three-pointers to help NCWC build a slim 33-29 advantage at the break.
The Cougars (8-13, 6-4 USA South) scored the first five points of the second half to take a brief 34-33 lead. Moore and freshman A.J. Frye countered with back-to-back buckets to put NCWC back on top, sparking an 18-3 run that saw the Bishops go up double figures, 51-37. The latter part of the run saw Moore go to the free throw line with 13:40 remaining, and the Plymouth, N.C. native calmly sank points number 999 and 1,000 to become the 18th player in Bishop history to accomplish the feat.
The run proved to be the difference in the contest as the Cougars got no closer than eight points the rest of the way. Moore finished with game-high 21 points and completed the double-double with 10 rebounds. Tankelewicz joined him in double-figures with 13 points.
Jalen Burnett paced Averett with a team-high 16 points.
The Bishops are now 11-9 on the season, 4-5 in USA South action. Wesleyan continues league play on Wednesday at Ferrum College. Tip-off is slated for 4:30pm.