ROCKY MOUNT, N.C. - The NC Wesleyan College men's basketball team used a terrific offensive showing to move past USA South foe Piedmont College 91-78 at home on Wednesday afternoon.
The win was Wesleyan's 2nd of the year as they improve to 2-0 vs. D-3 teams and 2-2 overall. The game was a non-conference contest as Wesleyan will resume USA South Division play during the Jan. 22 weekend.
Wesleyan put up 53 points in the first half on a very impressive 72 percent shooting as they took a 53-40 halftime edge. Each team's shooting of course regressed some in the second half, but both still shot 44 percent in the half as each team scored 38 points while Wesleyan held on for the win.
Senior guard Damon McDowell led the Bishops with 26 points (13 in each half) on 10 of 18 shooting and 5 of 8 from the three-point arc. Wesleyan then put three others in double-digits as well with freshman guard Khalid Chavis-Hinds leading the way with 19 points on 8 of 12 shooting. Chavis also had 4 assists, 4 boards, and 2 steals while junior forward Isaiah Lewis posted 15 points with 7 rebounds and a block.
Sophomore G/F Tim Pettiford was the final member to finish in double-digit scoring with 12 points, 4 assists, and 3 steals. Junior forward Sal-Bey Young also played well tallying 5 points, 8 rebounds, 7 assists, and 3 steals in the win.
Off the bench, freshman forwards Drake Thompson and Kyron Kelly also combined for 9 points and 8 rebounds. Wesleyan finished the game shooting 59 percent overall and 46 percent from three while out-rebounding the Lions 36-24.
Piedmont falls to 3-2 with the loss while NCWC improves to 2-2. Wesleyan's matchup at UNCG on Friday was postponed. Stay up-to-date with the Bishops schedule by following us on social media and at ncwcsports.com.