ASHEVILLE, N.C.— Montreat's men's basketball team took the Tennessee Wesleyan University Bulldogs to the wire in Saturday's matinee contest inside Kimmel Arena on the campus of UNC Asheville. The Cavs battled and held on to triumph over TWU, 96-93.
 
Throughout the entire first half, the largest lead by either team was only five points. With nine minutes to play in the frame, the Cavaliers sparked an 11-3 run. Big 3-pointers from Jack Keller and RJ Manginello, as well as a clutch layup from Jarden Maze, helped pull the Cavs ahead by four with four minutes remaining. Montreat ultimately trailed at the break, 46-44.
 
Control of the second half started with the Bulldogs, but the Cavs went on another run later in the period that changed the outlook of the game. Trailing 68-62, Lawrence Cole, AJ Baskerville and Manginello rallied with an 8-2 spurt, knotting both teams at 70. A pair of free throws from Maze and a smooth layup from Cole kept the Cavs in front, 74-70.
 
Montreat owned the game from then on, answering whenever TWU fought back. With under three minutes left in the matchup, the Bulldogs found some momentum and took the lead with a layup inside. Baskerville slammed the door on Tennessee Wesleyan seconds later, however, thanks to a crucial 3-pointer that killed the visitors' flow. Manginello tallied six points in the final two minutes to put a bow on the contest for Montreat.
 
It was a special night for Manginello, who set new career-highs with 24 points and seven assists. He also went a flawless 8-for-8 from the line. Maze had the most points and rebounds for Montreat with 26 and 11, respectively. Another Cavalier to record a double-double was Baskerville, who registered 23 points and 10 boards of his own. Both Baskerville and Keller converted four 3-pointers in the victory.
 
Altogether, the Cavaliers shot 83.3 percent from the stripe by going 30-of-36 on the night. The mark was the best foul shot percentage in their last six games. Montreat's 3-point percentage (40.0 percent) was its best in its last seven games, and its field goal percentage (48.2 percent) was the best in its last eight games. The hosts also outrebounded the Bulldogs, 35-27.
 
"They don't ask how you win, they ask did you win, and yes we did," said head coach Anthony Barringer. "It was ugly, but our guys showed a level of toughness and character that I haven't seen this week. After our game on Wednesday, we challenged them in those areas and they answered the call. We still have some clean up to do in preparation for Milligan, but to sweep TWU for the first time since 2019 is a big deal."
 
The Cavs look to be road warriors as they play three consecutive away games. Montreat will visit Milligan University, Union Commonwealth University and Columbia International University before hosting Bryan College on Feb. 8.