COLUMBIA, Ky. — The Montreat College men's basketball team opened its 2026-27 season on Saturday afternoon with a 99-74 road loss to Lindsey Wilson College. The Cavaliers collected 41 rebounds but struggled to contain the Blue Raiders' efficient shooting. With the result, Montreat began the campaign at 0-1, while Lindsey Wilson improved to 1-0.
The Cavs found their rhythm from beyond the arc early, connecting on five 3-pointers during the initial six minutes, the last of which came from Amare Elshoush and was assisted by Jacobi Simpson. The triple handed the visitors an 18-16 lead. Cooper Jones and RJ Manginello each knocked down a pair of 3-pointers during that same stretch, with Owen Stewart assisting both of Manginello's makes.
Montreat went scoreless for nearly four minutes, with Manginello's jumper at the 10:07 mark ending the drought. The span enabled the hosts to claim control, as LWC moved in front by 10 points prior to the senior's basket. Stewart added a layup before Lawrence Cole connected from beyond the arc just before the six-minute mark. Despite the Cavaliers shooting 7-for-17 from 3-point range in the half, the Blue Raiders continued to extend their lead down the stretch. Capitalizing on several turnovers, the home side seized a 60-32 advantage heading into the break.
The visitors looked to chip away at the deficit early in the second frame, with Manginello and Stewart opening the scoring on consecutive layups. However, Lindsey Wilson continued to cash in on its presence inside, restoring a 28-point advantage just over five minutes after halftime.
The Blue Raiders maintained control through the midpoint of the period, using an 11-0 run across a 99-second stretch to build an 87-55 lead by the 8:09 mark. The Cavs found opportunities at the free-throw line late in the contest before Alex Johnson scored five consecutive points and set up a Jakeem Bradford triple with 32 seconds remaining. LWC added one final 3-pointer with 22 seconds to go, sealing the 99-74 result in the process.
"Have to tip your cap to Lindsey Wilson," said Head Coach Anthony Barringer. "They set the tone. I clearly didn't prepare my team for the challenge in front of us. I will be better, and we will be better when Oglethorpe comes to McAlister."
The Cavaliers finished the contest shooting 36.7 percent from the field (22-60 FG), 32.4 percent from beyond the arc (11-34 3-pt FG) and 70.4 percent from the free-throw line (19-27 FT). LWC shot 57.7 percent from the floor (41-71 FG), 46.2 percent from 3-point range (12-26 3-pt FG) and 45.5 percent from the charity stripe (5-11 FT). Montreat outrebounded the Blue Raiders 41-36, while Lindsey Wilson held the advantage in assists (22-12), steals (14-4), turnovers forced (25-10), points off turnovers (41-8) and points in the paint (48-18).
Stewart recorded a double-double with 13 points and 13 rebounds, including six on the offensive end. Manginello contributed 12 points and five assists, while Cole added 10 points off the bench. Jones knocked down three 3-pointers to finish with nine points, and Dyllan Barnwell tallied eight points and six rebounds while converting six free throws.
Montreat hosts its home opener at McAlister Gymnasium on Thursday, Oct. 29, against Oglethorpe University. Tipoff is scheduled for 6 p.m. in Montreat, N.C.
