DEMOREST, Ga. - The NC Wesleyan College men's basketball team fell on the road to West Division foe Piedmont College (Ga.) 85-74 on Saturday in North Georgia.
A close first half saw the Bishops trail by just one point, 37-36, at the break. Wesleyan then shot 53 percent in the second half while holding Piedmont to less than 45 percent shooting. However, the difference came at the free-throw line as Piedmont made 8 more than the Bishops in the half and 9 overall which helped the Lions clinch the win.
Wesleyan shot over 54 percent for the game led by junior Damon McDowell's team leading 15 points and 5 rebounds. Senior center A.J. Frye also finished in double-figure scoring with 13 points along with 5 rebounds, an assist, and 2 blocks.
Sophomore forward Isaiah Lewis added 10 points and 8 rebounds with 2 blocks in the loss while fellow forward, senior Mitch Layton led in rebounds with 10 along with 4 points, 3 assists, and 2 blocks. Freshman shooting guard Garrett Phillips led the Bishops with three 3-pointers for his 9 points while junior guard Josh Covington led the team with 3 steals. Senior Rico Bullock also led the Bishops in assists with four as well while adding 6 rebounds, 4 points, and 2 blocks.
Wesleyan falls to 5-6 on the season and 1-2 in the conference with the defeat while Piedmont improves to 7-4 and 2-2 in the USA South.
The Bishops are right back in action on Sunday as they stay on the road in the mountains to face another West Division foe in Brevard College (NC) at 2:00 PM.