MONTREAT, N.C.— The Montreat College men's basketball team avenged its initial Appalachian Athletic Conference (AAC) loss of the campaign on Saturday, topping the Union Commonwealth University Bulldogs 78-65 inside McAlister Gymnasium. Powered by a strong defensive effort that featured 11 steals, the Cavaliers improved to 9-6 (5-3 AAC) on the year. Meanwhile, the visitors dropped to 6-11 (4-4 AAC) this season.
Montreat surged ahead in the first half, establishing control as it ultimately built a 14-point lead prior to the closing moments of the initial frame.
Aden Taylor highlighted the strong start with an early 3-pointer, which was assisted by
Mike Wade. The home team capitalized on turnover opportunities as well, with Wade securing multiple steals that led to fast break points. The Cavs' efficient shooting, which included a 6-for-11 showing from beyond the arc, coupled with solid defense, limited the Bulldogs' scoring chances.
The half closed with a fast-paced sequence, as Montreat maintained the advantage with a late triple from Wade, assisted by
Zeke Bullington, 33 seconds before the buzzer. After 20 minutes of action, the Cavaliers owned a 47-36 edge over UCU.
The Cavs started the second half by extending their lead with an immediate 3-pointer from Bullington. Shortly thereafter, Wade's defensive rebound set up a fast break layup, pushing the hosts' advantage to 15 points, their largest of the night, by the 17:29 mark (53-38). Wade's effort on the boards proved crucial on Saturday, as he achieved a career-high total of ten to enhance the team's defensive performance. Montreat maintained control through successful free throws, including a pair from Wade that reestablished a 15-point edge.
Despite the Bulldogs' efforts to close the gap, the Cavaliers repeatedly answered with timely stops and scoring opportunities. As the half progressed, Montreat sustained its momentum.
Owen Stewart's layup in the final minute helped close the door on the away side's comeback hopes, and by the contest's end, the hosts walked away with a 78-65 triumph.
"We emphasized to our guys how important this stretch of the season is, especially knowing where we stand in the conference as we head into the second half," said head coach
Anthony Barringer. "Taking care of business every night is critical. We also reminded them of our performance at Union earlier this season, which wasn't up to our standard. If you don't handle your business, you're going to get the same result. I thought our guys did an excellent job of understanding the moment, locking in and executing down the stretch."
Across the board, the hosts managed to outshoot their opposition. Montreat made 43.6 percent of its looks from the field (24-55 FG), 40.0 percent of its tries from deep (8-20 3-pt FG) and 81.5 percent of its attempts at the charity stripe (22-27 FT). Meanwhile, the Cavs held the Bulldogs to 25-of-65 overall (38.5 percent), 4-of-28 from beyond the arc (14.3 percent) and 11-of-15 at the line (73.3 percent). The Cavaliers also won the rebounding battle (40-31), dished out more assists (16-13) and registered more bench points (25-8).
Taylor led the team with 18 points, sinking all three of his 3-pointers to go along with five rebounds. Bullington contributed 13 points, converting seven free throws.
Amare Elshoush (12 points) and Stewart (11 points) reached double figures in scoring as well. Wade paced all players with 10 rebounds, and he topped all Cavs with four steals.
Dyllan Barnwell added defensive strength with eight boards and a season-high four blocked shots.
Up next for the Montreat College men's basketball team is a home matchup against Spartanburg Methodist College. The showdown is set for Saturday, Jan. 10 at 4 p.m. inside McAlister Gymnasium.
