Rocky Mount, NC - The North Carolina Wesleyan basketball team defeated Southern Virginia 71-66 Saturday afternoon. 

The first half was a defensive struggle with the Bishops holding SVU to 16% from behind the arc and forcing 10 turnovers. 

On the offensive side of the equation, Wesleyan shot over 40% from the field in the 1st period and got 10 points from Marquis Eskew. 

Going into the break with a 6 point advantage, Wesleyan had to continue putting pressure on the ball and limiting the driving ability of the SVU guards.

With guard play being a focus, Brayden Dixon was able to take over in the 2nd half and lead the Bishops to victory. Dixon had 18 points in the half, and Wesleyan held both of the Knights point and shooting guards to under 10 points. 

Wesleyan was able to continue pressuring the ball on the defensive end by stopping the driving lanes and forcing contested kick out 3's. This forced Southern Virginia to shoot 20% from 3 in the second half. 

With the Bishops hanging on for the win, the men's basketball program has recaptured 1st place in the USA South and will host 2nd place William Peace Wednesday night at home. Tip-off is scheduled for 7:30, and will be a white-out for rivalry week.