Fayetteville, NC - The North Carolina Wesleyan men's basketball team defeated the Methodist Monarchs 79-66 Wednesday night. The Bishops were led in scoring by Isaiah Lewis who had 18 and earned his 1,000th career point. Maquis Eskew also chipped in 18 points for the contest. 

In the first half, the Bishops took a 37-33 lead into the break due to ferocious defensive pressure. The Monarchs were held to under 40% from the floor shooting in the first half and were outrebounded 21-12. 

Isaiah Lewis had 12 points and 6 rebounds in the first half, reiterating the physicality Wesleyan posed inside.

Coming out of the break, the Bishops put the game away in the second half by shooting over 50% from the floor and 6-12 from behind the arc. Marquis Eskew also matched Lewis' first half total of 12 in the second period, going 6-9 shooting in the half alone.

When combined with holding the Monarchs to under 40% shooting and 38% from 3 in the second, Wesleyan won the half by 9 and would give them a 13 point advantage to end the contest.

The Battling Bishops return home Saturday at 2 PM for the annual Back 2 School Jam where they face Southern Virginia. This will also be the program's Coaches v.s. Cancer Suits and Sneakers game where the coaching staff will honor cancer survivors.