VIRGINIA BEACH, VA - The NC Wesleyan College men's basketball team defeated nearby rival Methodist in a big way 90-59 on Saturday afternoon in the consolation game of the Virginia Wesleyan Tip-Off Tournament.
The Bishops jumped out to a big first half lead going on an early run to stretch their lead to 39-12 before heading into the halftime break up 44-21.
Wesleyan then coasted in the second half using multiple three-pointers from sophomore guard Austin Manley and a good game scoring-wise from senior wing Damon McDowell in his season debut. The Bishops would put up 46 in the second half en route to outscoring the Monarchs 46-38 to grab their first win and drop MU to 0-2.
Wesleyan shot 50 percent for the game and an impressive 47.5 % from three-point land. Leading the Bishops in points was McDowell with 18 and 6 assists along wth 3 steals and 2 blocks. Manley also made six threes off the bench shooting 100 percent from three to finish with 18 points. NCWC limited Methodist (0-2) to just 30 percent shooting and 21 percent form three.
Junior forward Isaaih Lewsi also added 17 points and 7 rebounds and a team-best 3 blocks while fellow forward Sal-Bey Young also finished in double-figures with 10 points and 12 rebounds and a block for a double-double. Tim Pettiford also added 9 points, 6 rebounds, and 3 assists while Khalid-Chavis Hinds had 6 points, 4 assists, and 3 steals.
Wesleyan, now 1-1, will next return home on Tuesday to host Guilford College (N.C.) in their home opener at 7:30 PM from Everett Gym.