MONTREAT, N.C.— The Montreat College men's basketball team sealed a decisive 92-69 victory at home over the Carolina University Bruins on Tuesday night. The Cavaliers utilized multiple career-high scoring efforts to lead them to the win. As a result of the contest, the Cavs improved to an 8-5 record overall, while the Bruins fell to 3-9 on the year.
As the ball was tipped off, the matchup quickly became a back-and-forth affair. Early on, Montreat relied heavily on the 3-point shot, as four different Cavs hit one from deep. Two free throws from Mike Wade around the 12-minute mark brought the score to 16-14 with the Cavaliers holding a narrow advantage.
From that point on, Montreat broke it wide open. A basket in the paint from Lawrence Cole sparked a 15-0 run. The stretch was also highlighted by multiple 3-pointers from Zeke Bullington. The Cavs' defense played an instrumental role as well as they were able to record five blocks and three steals, making it hard for the Carolina offense to find success. In the closing minutes of the initial half, Cole scored the Cavaliers' final five points to help extend the home team's lead to 46-26 prior to the intermission.
Montreat began the second half hot, building on its lead with Caleb Moore's layup and 3-pointer, the latter of which was assisted by Bullington. A native of Pearland, Texas, Bullington continued the momentum with a successful 3-point play, further extending the Cavs' advantage. The Cavaliers maintained a strong offensive presence, with Aden Taylor and Wade converting on multiple and-ones to help establish a 69-49 lead midway through the frame.
Despite the large lead, the effort both defensively and offensively for Montreat didn't cease, highlighted by an Owen Stewart steal and fast break layup. Stewart continued to impress as he proved to be responsible for the Cavs' next seven points. As the clock began to tick down, Michael Davis drilled a 3-pointer in his collegiate debut, putting a bow on the hosts' dominant performance. The game ultimately finished with a final score of 92-69.
Leading by at least 20 points for the entirety of the second half, Montreat's focus and attention to detail never wavered.
"It's what we do every day—we put our guys in situations in practice, and we coach them on those things," said head coach Anthony Barringer. "Understanding what goes into getting those leads and holding onto those leads paid dividends tonight."
On the night, the Cavs shot 44.6 percent from the field (29-65 FG) and 40.5 percent from beyond the arc (17-42 3-pt FG). Defensively, Montreat held the Bruins to shooting 37.3 percent overall (25-67 FG) and 28.6 percent from deep (8-28 3-pt FG). The Cavaliers held the advantage in rebounds (48-35), assists (19-16) and steals (8-4). As a team, the hosts achieved season highs in rebounds (48) and blocks (6).
Bullington and Wade both posted career bests, scoring 18 points apiece to pace the squad. Stewart contributed 15 points of his own while also adding two steals. Taylor and Cole found themselves in double digits as well, pouring in 10 points each. All over the floor, Moore scored 10 points, grabbed 10 boards and dished out a team-best eight assists to come within two helpers of notching a triple-double. Meanwhile, Dyllan Barnwell went to work on the glass, grabbing a game-high and season-best 12 rebounds.
Looking ahead, Montreat will face Faulkner University on Friday, Dec. 19. The game is set for 3 p.m. EST in Montgomery, Ala.
