Lookout Mountain, Ga. / Maryville, Tenn. - This weekend, the men's basketball staff of N.C. Wesleyan took part in the NABC's annual Coaches vs. Cancer / Suits & Sneakers initiative, a nationwide event that unites coaches and raises awareness about the American Cancer Society's lifesaving mission. During games, coaches wear sneakers with their game attire as a visible reminder about the importance of nutrition and physical activity in reducing cancer risk.
The Bishops kicked off the weekend on Friday at Covenant College and held on for a 59-56 win.
Wesleyan got off to a slow start as the Scots opened the game with a 9-0 run over the first five minutes of play. The Bishops battled back to tie the game at 20-20 with just under five minutes left in the period, and they proceeded to close out the half with a 12-5 run that saw four different NCWC players find the scoring column.
Covenant erased the 7-point deficit early in the second half, forging a 41-37 advantage midway the period. Wesleyan reponded with a 16-2 run to go up 63-53 with 6:33 remaining, and the Scots would get no closer than the final margin the rest of the way.
Junior Adrian Moore paced NCWC with game-high 21 points and 15 rebounds, while Justin Tankelewicz added 11 points of his own.
On Saturday, the Bishops (10-9, 3-5 USA South) traveled to Maryville College where they suffered an 82-71 setback. Wesleyan opened the game with an 11-4 run, but MVC eventually tied the game at 15-15 and later took its first lead, 17-15, at the 13:03 mark never to trail again.
Freshman A.J. Frye led all players with 24 points on 10-of-14 shooting.
In addition to the Suits & Sneakers inititiave, Wesleyan staffers will also be supporting the Coaches Powering for Autism platform next Saturday, February 4th. They will be joining more than 250 coaches across the country by wearing Autism Speaks lapel pins when the Bishops take the court versus USA South foe Averett University. Next Saturday's tipoff is slated for 2:00pm in Everett Gym.