MONTREAT, N.C.— The Montreat College men's basketball team grabbed its tenth Appalachian Athletic Conference (AAC) win of the season on Saturday. Before the game got underway, the team honored two of its seniors. The excitement didn't stop there as the game that followed turned into an overtime thriller that saw the Cavaliers come out on top 105-99 over the Bluefield University Rams. Following the contest, the Cavs improved to 15-10 (10-7 AAC) on the year, while the Rams slid to 3-21 (3-14 AAC).
The matchup began with Montreat taking control offensively, capitalizing on strong shooting from beyond the arc. RJ Manginello opened the scoring with multiple 3-pointers, one of which was assisted by senior Mike Wade, setting the tone for the Cavaliers. Midway through the initial half, Owen Stewart hit a jumper to put the Cavs up 24-16.
Aden Taylor and Stewart bolstered the Cavaliers' momentum with timely layups, while senior Caleb Moore added crucial free throws to extend the lead. Montreat's defense was active, recording seven steals and forcing multiple turnovers, which helped maintain its advantage.
As the half progressed, the Cavs continued to increase their edge, reaching a 16-point lead with 5:26 remaining (38-22). Despite the Rams' attempts to close the gap, Montreat concluded the first half with a 49-39 lead, showcasing balanced scoring and effective defense.
The Cavaliers began the second half with a strong lead, extending it to 13 points at the 13:40 mark following a 3-pointer by Lawrence Cole (66-53). The team maintained control through offensive rebounds and key baskets by Stewart, who contributed significantly with multiple layups. Bluefield responded with successful 3-pointers and free throws, gradually narrowing the gap.
Down the stretch in the second half, the Cavaliers' consistent scoring from the paint and free-throw line kept them ahead, despite Bluefield's persistent efforts to close the distance. Montreat's defensive efforts, including a crucial block by Dyllan Barnwell at 2:14, helped maintain its lead.
Continuing to chip away, the visitors finally drew level on an and-one with 1:32 to go. Regulation closed on a tense note as BU tied the game again with 36 seconds remaining. After a last-second heave from Taylor that missed the mark, the Cavs and the Rams headed to overtime deadlocked at 93-93.
The home team wasted no time grabbing momentum in OT. Multiple Cavs contributed to an early 6-0 run that put them ahead 99-93. Manginello and Cole went 4-for-4 from the line late in overtime to help put the final marks on a hard-fought win. At the end of 45 minutes of game action, the contest finished with Montreat on top, 105-99.
"We took this week one day at a time," said head coach Anthony Barringer. "I say it all the time, it's a culture thing. The three guys we honored tonight—Mike Wade, Caleb Moore and Gannon Stockton—are glue guys for us; those dudes are incredible. I'm glad we were able to send them out of here with a win."
On the night, the Cavaliers shot 47.4 percent from the field (36-76 FG) and 35.5 percent from deep (11-31 3-pt FG). Defensively, they held the Rams to shooting 45.3 percent overall (34-75 FG) and 38.5 percent from three (10-26 3-pt FG). Montreat held advantages in rebounds (49-39), assists (15-12) and steals (10-8). The Cavs matched their season best in points with 105, while also setting a season high in rebounds with 49.
Stewart recorded a double-double with 16 points and a career-best 18 rebounds, while also contributing a career-high five steals. Cole scored 22 points, making 7-of-11 field goal attempts and converting 7-of-10 free throws. Manginello led the scoring with 29 points, sinking a season high five 3-pointers and making all six of his free-throw attempts. Taylor added 16 points and a season-best nine rebounds, hitting 3-of-7 looks from beyond the arc.
Looking ahead, Montreat will travel to face Bryan College on Wednesday, Feb. 18. The matchup is set to tip off at 7:30 p.m. in Dayton, Tenn.
