MILLIGAN, Tenn.— The Montreat College men's basketball team was back on the road for its second straight Appalachian Athletic Conference (AAC) matchup on Wednesday night, taking on the Milligan University Buffaloes. The Cavaliers fell to the Buffs by a final score of 86-71. As a result of the contest, the Cavs hold an 11-10 (7-7 AAC) record, while Milligan improved to 6-15 (4-9 AAC).
Montreat initiated the first half with a quick tip-in from Dyllan Barnwell, jumpstarting the offense. The Cavaliers found success early on in the paint. Caleb Moore and Lawrence Cole both contributed baskets down low. The Buffaloes continued to keep it a back-and-forth affair, answering nearly every Cavs' score. With the midway point in the first frame approaching, Cole converted a big 3-pointer to push Montreat ahead 12-8.
In a tightly-contested period, the lead repeatedly changed hands. Back-to-back baskets from Amare Elshoush and Barnwell brought the game to a 20-20 tie with just under seven minutes to play. Zeke Bullington and Elshoush both hit pivotal shots from beyond the arc down the stretch to keep the Cavaliers out front. Barnwell's tip-in at the buzzer secured a 32–29 lead for Montreat at the end of the first half.
The second half for the Cavs' offense started just like the first, scoring in the paint. The Cavaliers went on a 6-0 run to begin the second, converting all six points down low, including a dunk from Barnwell. Milligan wasted no time in responding; the Buffs went on a 12-0 spurt, putting them ahead of Montreat, 41-38, with 14 minutes left to play.
As the frame progressed, Milligan continued its offensive surge and widened the advantage. Despite efforts from players like Bullington and Cole, who contributed points in the latter stages, the visitors were unable to regain momentum. A 57-point second half effort propelled the Buffaloes to an 86-71 victory.
Montreat finished the night shooting 39.7 percent from the field (23-58 FG) and 25.0 percent from deep (6-24 3-pt FG). Defensively, it held Milligan to shooting 46.4 percent overall (26-56 FG) and 28.6 percent from three (8-28 3-pt FG). The Cavs held the edge in
rebounds (38-34), while the Buffaloes owned advantages in assists (15-13) and steals (13-9).
Bullington contributed significantly to the offensive effort, pacing the team with 15 points and going 4-for-5 from deep. Moore added 12 points and recorded six rebounds. Owen Stewart collected a game-high 11 boards, demonstrating his presence on the glass. Cole tallied 13 points while also matching his season best in assists with six. Barnwell and Aden Taylor rounded out the offense, putting up 10 points apiece.
In its next game, Montreat will face off against Truett McConnell University on Saturday, Jan. 31. Tipoff is set for 4 p.m. at McAlister Gymnasium in Montreat, N.C.
