MONTREAT, N.C.— Montreat College's men's basketball team took on the Ohio Christian University Trailblazers inside McAlister Gymnasium Saturday afternoon. The Cavaliers came out on top by a final score of 76-54 in the nonconference matchup. The hosts improved to 2-1 overall with the win, and OCU fell to 3-1 on the season following the loss.
 
Montreat opened the first half with strong inside play, quickly taking the lead with the initial basket of the game thanks to a layup by Dyllan Barnwell. The Cavs capitalized on the Trailblazers' two quick turnovers in the half. Aden Taylor's 3-pointer at 14:14 gave Montreat a narrow lead, and Taylor went on to make three triples in the frame.
 
As the period progressed, the Cavaliers maintained momentum with a balanced offensive attack, highlighted by Zay Thornton's fast break 3-pointer with 10:02 left in the half, which tied the game at 21. The home team's defense also played a crucial role, securing 20 rebounds, three blocks and a steal in the period. Montreat closed the frame on a strong note, with clutch shots in the final minute by RJ Manginello and Taylor to lead 39-27 over OCU at the break.
 
Just nine seconds into the second half, Manginello propelled the Cavs further ahead thanks to a 3-pointer that was assisted by Lawrence Cole. The home side maintained the hot shooting with another jumper from Cole and strong defensive plays. Steals from Gannon Stockton and Barnwell helped the Cavaliers put the contest out of reach. Montreat continued to extend its lead with effective play in the paint and fast breaks. The hosts ultimately found their largest lead of the night, a 25-point edge with 8:11 left in the ballgame, following from a Cole layup.
 
Throughout the period, the Cavs capitalized on turnovers and maintained pressure with fast breaks, as seen with Stockton's assist on Amare Elshoush's layup that handed Montreat a 71-49 lead. The Trailblazers attempted to close the gap with free throws and layups, but the hosts effectively managed the clock and scoring opportunities to shut OCU down. As the half concluded, the Cavaliers reinforced their lead with a layup by Mike Wade, finishing the game on top 76-54.
 
Taylor and Manginello led the team with 12 points apiece. Manginello converted all five of his free-throw attempts, while also collecting six rebounds and two assists. Cole finished with 11 points and secured five rebounds, three assists and a steal for the Cavs. Barnwell posted a season-high 10 rebounds and seven points, along with two blocks.
 
Collectively, Montreat shot 27-for-59 as a team, good for 45.8 percent from the floor. The Cavaliers nailed eight 3-pointers at a 34.8 percent clip. The visitors only made three 3-pointers for a mark of 13.0 percent. The home team recorded more rebounds (40-34), assists (14-8), blocks (4-2), steals (5-3) and bench points (34-14) than the Trailblazers. At the end of 40 minutes of play, Montreat also tallied 34 points in the paint and 13 points on the fast break.
 
"In practice, we spent a lot of time going over how we would guard them defensively," said head coach Anthony Barringer. "It worked out tonight, and we limited their best offensive threat to zero points. We wanted to make sure OCU didn't get clean looks, and that also showed true as we executed that well."
 
In its next matchup, Montreat travels to Union Commonwealth University for its first Appalachian Athletic Conference (AAC) game of the campaign. The league clash will take place on Wednesday, Nov. 12, at 7:30 p.m. in Barbourville, Ky.