ROCKY MOUNT, N.C. - The NC Wesleyan College men's basketball used a balanced attack on offense and steady defense to hold off conference foe Pfeiffer 91-77 from Rocky Mount on Saturday.
Senior wing Damon McDowell again led the offensive charge finishing with 31 points on 11 of 20 shooting overall along with 7 rebounds, 3 assists, and a career-high four blocks as he recorded his 4th 30-point game out of the last seven played. He is now averaging over 22 points per game as Wesleyan improved to 15-6 overall and into 2nd place at 7-3 in the conference.
The Bishops got off to another strong start running out to an impressive 31-13 edge just 11 minutes into the first half. They then withstood a 14-6 Pfeiffer run to take a commanding 46-33 lead at the intermission.
Wesleyan would then stretch their lead to 18 in the second half at 61-43 just 7 minutes into the half. However, PU (7-8, 4-3) would then make a prolonged rally going on a 26-14 run to get within six points at 75-69 at the five minute mark of the second half.
However, McDowell then went on a personal 10-2 run over the next two minutes to put away Pfeiffer for good as NCWC stretched their lead back out to 14 at 85-71.
Also finishing in double-digit scoring for the Bishops was junior forward Isaiah Lewis with 16 points and 6 rebounds on 8 of 13 shooting. Lewis also blocked a career-high of five shots as him and McDowell combined to block nine shots. Sophomore guard Austin Manley was the final member of the Bishops to finish with double-digit points scoring 14 points along with 6 boards and 2 assists.
Freshman point guard Dylan Drinkwater posted a solid all-around game leading the team in assists with six and steals with four while pulling down 5 rebounds and 4 points. Guards Brayden Dixon and Marquis Eskew also combined for 16 points while forward Sal-Bey Young added eight points.
The Bishops will next remain at home to host Mary Baldwin on Wednesday evening at 7:30 PM.