CHARLOTTE, N.C.— The Montreat College men's basketball team snapped a four-game skid Thursday evening with a decisive 93-78 road victory over nonconference opponent Johnson & Wales University. The Cavaliers built a commanding 27-point advantage after the break and caught fire from beyond the arc, shooting 64.3 percent from 3-point range over the final 20 minutes to secure the win. Five Montreat players scored in double figures, leading to a balanced offensive performance. With the result, the Cavs improved to 12-10 overall, while the Wildcats fell to 3-17 on the season.
Montreat set the tone early with an aggressive offensive approach, highlighted by a 3-pointer from Aden Taylor off an assist from Zeke Bullington to extend the lead to 5-1 less than 90 seconds in. The Cavaliers carried that momentum on both ends of the floor, forcing multiple turnovers and limiting the Wildcats' scoring opportunities with defensive pressure.
The visiting team further increased the margin with contributions from several players, including back-to-back triples by RJ Manginello, pushing the score to 21-8. Montreat continued to turn defense into offense, capitalizing on turnovers as Lawrence Cole converted an and-one opportunity with under five minutes remaining to stretch the advantage out to 37-18. By halftime, the Cavs held a commanding 46-28 edge, firmly in control of the contest.
Montreat opened the second frame with sustained offensive momentum, cashing in on multiple scoring opportunities to extend its advantage. The Cavaliers continued to build their lead behind Taylor, who knocked down several 3-pointers, including a basket at the 16:53 mark that pushed the score to 58-37.
As the game wore on, the away side continued to assert control despite the Wildcats' attempts to chip away at the deficit with timely field goals. The Cavaliers' defense proved pivotal, forcing turnovers and controlling the glass to limit second-chance opportunities. Montreat maintained a comfortable cushion down the stretch, securing a 93-78 victory.
"January was not very nice to us," said head coach Anthony Barringer. "But February has started off great. Getting RJ back in the lineup was a big-time energy boost for our entire team. We still must be better in the second half, but you never complain about a win."
Montreat finished the night shooting 47.1 percent from the field (32-68 FG) and 41.4 percent from beyond the arc (12-29 3-pt FG). Defensively, the visitors held Johnson & Wales to 41.8 percent from the floor (28-67 FG) and 25.0 percent from the 3-point line (5-20 3-pt FG). The Cavs held the edge in rebounds (42-39), turnovers (13-12) and steals (11-6).
Bullington scored a career-high 20 points, including three 3-pointers, and recorded two steals to go along with a trio of rebounds. Cole added 18 points, converting all eight of his free-throw attempts and collecting three steals. Taylor finished with 15 points, making triples and securing two boards. Amare Elshoush poured in 11 points, as did Owen Stewart, who posted 11 points and collected a team-best nine rebounds.
In their next game, the Cavaliers will host Truett McConnell University on Tuesday, Feb. 10. The matchup is set for 6 p.m. at McAlister Gymnasium in Montreat, N.C.
