MONTREAT, N.C.— The Montreat men's basketball team was defeated inside McAlister Gymnasium for the first time this season (7-1), dropping an 87-59 decision to the Point University Skyhawks, Saturday evening. With the loss, the Cavaliers fell to 12-5 (10-4 AAC) during their 2021-22 campaign.
 
A hot start from the field helped the Skyhawks out to an early advantage. Connecting on five of their first seven shot attempts, the visitors jumped out to an 11-2 lead only 2:36 into the contest, while the Cavaliers made one of their initial six tries from the field.
 
Three-point shooting pushed the Point edge to double digits as the Skyhawks drained three triples within a span of 2:09 to lead 19-4. Montreat struggled to find its groove in the opening minutes, going 2-for-12 overall and 0-for-6 from deep.
 
After Point's fourth 3-point make, Jaylan Shelton finished through contact to cut into the Cavaliers' deficit; however, five turnovers by the Cavs allowed the Skyhawks to score at a torrid pace and keep their lead at double digits midway through the period.
 
Trailing by 19, JaJa Davis tallied seven consecutive points for the Cavaliers, who trimmed the visitors' advantage down to 14, but the Skyhawks continued to knock down open looks. Point, who led by as many as 21 in the first half, went into the locker room up 46-27.
 
Massive edges in shooting and rebounding powered the Skyhawks to their big lead. Point made 20 of 40 attempts (50.0 percent) and connected on five of 14 threes (35.7 percent), while Montreat made 28.9 percent of its shots (11-38 FG) and only 6.3 percent (1-16) from behind the arc. The Skyhawks also grabbed 29 boards to the Cavaliers' 21 in the opening half. Davis led all scorers with 11 first-half points.
 
A trio of turnovers by Montreat enabled the Skyhawks to build their advantage to 25 (53-28) moments into the second frame as the visitors seized control of the contest. The Cavaliers' struggles continued from deep, and Point kept moving the ball effectively on the offensive side of the court as the visitors led by as many as 34 down the stretch. Montreat concluded the game 22-of-78 (28.2 percent) from the field and a mere 12.5 percent (4-32 FG) from three.
 
Davis picked up his ninth double-double of the season, leading the Cavs in both the categories of points (19) and rebounds (13). Noah Dunn ended with 11 points, and Jalen Roberson came off the bench to score 10.
 
For Point, Jake Smith notched a triple-double (21 points, 12 rebounds, 12 assists) and Corey Bowen added a double-double (19 points, 10 rebounds). The Skyhawks grabbed 59 rebounds to Montreat's 44 and finished the competition 35-of-74 (47.3 percent) from the field, as well as 34.8 percent (8-23) from beyond the arc.
 
Men's basketball returns to action looking to establish another winning streak when the team travels to Bluefield on Wednesday. Tipoff in Virginia is scheduled for 7:30 p.m.