HENDERSON, Tenn.— The Montreat College men's basketball team went on the road on Saturday to take on the No. 5-ranked Freed-Hardeman University Lions. In the nonconference matchup, the Cavaliers suffered their first loss of the season by a score of 79-64. With the defeat, Montreat fell to 1-1 on the year, while FHU improved to 3-0.
The first half opened with the Cavs applying quick pressure on the Lions.
Owen Stewart got the offense started with a 3-pointer, helping set the tone early for the Cavaliers.
RJ Manginello contributed significantly as well, adding points with three consecutive baskets while also notching a couple of early steals. The strong start saw the Cavaliers jump out to a 9-2 lead less than five minutes into the contest.
Montreat's
Collin Mills hit a 3-pointer moments later, maintaining pressure on the home team to keep the Cavs in front. As the half progressed, both teams exchanged scores, and the Lions started to find their rhythm. FHU flipped the score in its favor with solid play, grabbing the edge and building a nine-point lead at 35-26. A
Jace Ramirez tip-in and a Stewart triple helped close the gap in the final minutes. The half ended with Montreat trailing the hosts 35-31.
Freed-Hardeman began the second frame with a quick scoring effort to extend its lead. The Cavaliers answered with a layup from Stewart, followed by a 3-pointer shortly after, keeping the game within reach. However, the Lions maintained pressure with multiple extended scoring runs.
Despite a strong effort against a tough opponent on the road, Montreat was unable to close the gap and get within a possession of the Lions across the final half. Ultimately, the game concluded with the home team finishing off a 79-64 victory.
"We have work to do to get to where we want to go, but I am pleased with how we played overall," said head coach
Anthony Barringer. "Obviously, you would love to make a few more shots and get a few more stops, but the guys followed the scout well and stayed together when Freed-Hardeman went on runs. Really excited to see how this team continues to grow."
In spite of the loss, the Cavs put up a strong statistical game. The Cavaliers held the advantage in offensive rebounds (14-6), total rebounds (43-36), steals (7-4) and assists (8-7). Meanwhile, the Lions owned the upper hand in blocks (5-2), overall shooting percentage (43.9 percent to 32.2 percent) and free throws (25-18).
Stewart led Montreat in both points and rebounds with 20 and eight, respectively. Manginello also contributed heavily with 19 points of his own and a team-best four assists. The junior showcased his versatility on defense as well, pacing the squad with three steals.
Aden Taylor tallied 10 points and was active on the boards with seven rebounds.
Caleb Moore chipped in with five rebounds and one steal, adding depth to the defensive effort.
Looking ahead, the Cavaliers host Ohio Christian University on Saturday, Nov. 8. The matchup is set for 3 p.m. at McAlister Gymnasium in Montreat, N.C.
