MONTREAT, N.C.— The Montreat men's basketball team opened its 2022-23 campaign inside McAlister Gymnasium Friday night, taking on the Mid-Atlantic Christian University Mustangs in a non-conference matchup. Though the Cavaliers fought back after a tough first half, MACU took the competition by an 82-74 scoreline to drop the Cavs to 0-1 on the season.
 
MACU (1-0) started the game with a quick 7-3 run before extending the advantage to 12-5 thanks to pressure in the Cavs' backcourt. That press coupled with a 30 percent shooting clip for the home team allowed the visitors to build their edge out to double digits midway through the frame.
 
The Mustangs led in categories that made an immense difference in the outcome of the first period as MACU caused seven Montreat turnovers, forced an 0-10 3-point shooting stretch from the Cavaliers and outrebounded the Cavs on the glass 23-16 over the initial 20 minutes of action.
 
Despite nine first-half points from Collin Mills on 3-for-4 shooting, as well as eight points from Jarden Maze, the Cavaliers' shooting woes allowed the Mustangs to take a 38-29 lead into the break. At the half, the Cavs converted at a 37.9 percent rate (11-29 FG), while Mid-Atlantic Christian made 41.2 percent (14-34 FG) of its shots.
 
Defensive strength turned into offensive production for the Cavs earlier A 12-4 run to start the second period helped Montreat immediately trim the deficit to a single possession (42-40) just 5:05 into the frame thanks to contributions from Mills, Maze and Tyler Rodrigue.
 
Although the Cavaliers cut into the MACU lead, the visitors responded with a 12-4 scoring spree of their own. The Mustangs then built the advantage out to as many as 17 points (74-57) with 6:20 to go; however, Montreat wasn't quite done either.
 
Over the ensuing 3:19, the Cavs scored 13 consecutive points, started by the first 3-point make of the night, a longball from Michael Erbeck. Mills and Gabriel Rivera each notched four points during the run, while Maze added a bucket. The Cavaliers got within four points on three separate occasions down the stretch, but MACU was able to ice the contest from the free throw line to secure the 8-point victory.
 
Both teams shot better in the second half as Montreat edged Mid-Atlantic Christian in field goal percentage (45.9-45.6). The visitors controlled the glass and converted from the charity stripe, which played an integral part in the upset. MACU held a 37-27 rebounding edge with 12 offensive boards and made 26 of 32 free throws to account for 32.0 percent of its scoring. The Cavs struggled from deep, making just one three in their 21 tries (4.8 percent).

"Tonight the tougher team won. Give credit where it's due. MACU won the battle on the boards, got to the line more and made more plays down the stretch than we did," mentioned head coach Anthony Barringer. "Our guys battled and I am proud of them for that. We just have to execute better, especially on nights where shots aren't falling. We get a week to prepare and we will be better," he ended. 
 
Mills and Maze were bright spots offensively for the Cavaliers, as the duo combined for 43 of the team's 74 points on 17-of-25 shooting. Mills led all players with 25 points (9-12 FG), while Maze was second with 18 (8-13 FG). Rodrigue captained the Cavs with six boards and Mills added a team-best three assists.
 
Men's basketball continues its season with another home competition and the first Appalachian Athletic Conference (AAC) of the year next Saturday against Union College. Tipoff in Montreat, N.C. is scheduled for 4:00 p.m.