WASHINGTON, D.C. - The N.C. Wesleyan College men's basketball team dominated Medaille College (N.Y.) in the finals of the Catholic University Holiday Tournament 91-65 to win the tournament title in Washington Sunday evening.
Sophomore guard Damon McDowell helped lead the Bishops to the title with 22 points and 4 three-pointers while tournament MVP A.J. Frye had 25 points and 14 rebounds for his second straight double-double to lead the Bishops. McDowell and Frye were each named to the All-Tournament team as well with Frye also adding a team-high 8 assists in the win as he fell just two assists shy of a triple-double. Frye finished the two-day event with 41 points, 24 rebounds, and 12 assists.
Wesleyan cruised in the first half as they led 47-31 at the break shooting 58 percent from the field and 63 percent from three. The Bishops held the Mavericks to just 3 three-pointers and only 20 percent shooting from deep.
NCWC then, once again, controlled the second half shooting 45 percent overall and 46 percent from three adding six more treys to take the half 44-34. Wesleyan also shot 85 percent from the free-throw line while holding Medaille (5-6) to just 5 threes all game as they shot only 17 percent against the Bishop defense.
Wesleyan finished shooting 54 percent from behind-the arc going 13 of 24 led by McDowell's 4 for 4 game as he was 9 of 11 from the field overall. Senior forward Robert Wilson also finished in double-figure scoring adding 14 points with 4 rebounds and two treys while nine different players scored for the Bishops. Sophomore guard Josh Covington also added 9 points with 7 assists and 2 steals with senior guards Chris Braswell and Justin Tankelewicz combining for 13 points, 8 rebounds, 6 assists, and 2 steals.
Wesleyan improves to 10-1 overall and will next return home to face LaGrange College on Wednesday at 2 PM to begin conference play.
