photo gallery by Callie Cline: https://calliecline2348.smugmug.com/NCWC-vs-VWU/
ROCKY MOUNT, N.C. - The NC Wesleyan College men's basketball team put together a terrific first half at home en route to outlasting the Marlins of Virginia Wesleyan 75-62 on Saturday afternoon.
Wesleyan jumped out to a quick 18-5 lead and kept up the defensive pressure throughout the half to lead 43-18 at the break. Wesleyan held the Marlins to just 26 percent shooting in the first half and only two three-pointers while NCWC shot 60 percent from the floor.
VWU would come out in the second half with an 8-0 run to try and claw back into it but the Bishops would keep them at bay for the rest of the game never letting VW get within 14 points until the last basket of the game.
Senior wing Damon McDowell led Wesleyan with 25 points along with a season-high of 7 rebounds while junior forward Isaiah Lewis posted a double-double of 21 points and a season-high 12 rebounds with 4 blocks, also a season and career high.
Sophomore point guard Brayden Dixon also finished in double-figure scoring with 10 points and a team-best three assists and three steals. Sophomore G/F Tim Pettiford had a good day as well scoring a season-high of 13 points with 6 rebounds and two steals.
Wesleyan finished the game shooting over 50 percent from the field at 52.5 percent while VWU only managed to shoot 36 percent.
The Bishops are now 3-3 on the year (3-0 against D-3 teams) and are set to begin conference play next Friday at home vs. Greensboro College. Tip is set for 4:30 PM.