WASHINGTON, D.C. - The N.C. Wesleyan College men's basketball team advanced to the finals of the Catholic University Holiday Tournament by defeating Babson College (Mass.) 83-70 in the semifinals in Washington Saturday evening.
Sophomore guard Damon McDowell led the Bishops with 21 points and 5 three-pointers while also adding 5 rebounds, 2 assists, 2 steals, and a block.
Wesleyan improves to 9-1 overall and will next face Medaille College (N.Y.) (5-5) in the finals on Sunday evening at 7 PM. Babson (6-4) will play host Catholic at 5 PM in the consolation game. Medaille defeated Catholic 66-62 in the earlier semifinal.
Wesleyan got out to a quick 9-2 lead in the first half before holding onto a slim 38-35 edge at halftime. The Bishops then picked up their play in the second half by shooting 55 percent and 45 percent from three while committing only 7 fouls all half to outscore the Beavers 45-35 and take the 13 point win.
The Bishops held a commanding edge on the glass, 44-30. Senior forward Robert Wilson snared nine boards while scoring 8 points and assisting on 4 more while junior Mitch Layton collected eight rebounds along with 8 points.
Junior center A.J. Frye also shot 7 of 13 for 16 points and 10 rebounds and had four assists as he recorded a double-double. Senior guard Chris Braswell was in double-figure scoring as well with 10 points along with 4 boards while fellow guard Josh Covington would add 9 points also.
Wesleyan shot 51 percent from the field for the game and made all nine of its free throws.