Marlins Coast to 86-65 Victory over Bridgewater

VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. -- The Virginia Wesleyan College men's basketball team jumped out to a 23-2 lead and emptied the bench in the second half in a 86-65 victory over Bridgewater College in Old Dominion Athletic Conference (ODAC) action Wednesday night.

The Marlins started the game with three-straight trifectas as Tim Jones, Khory Moore and Justin Watson connected from deep less than 1:30 into the contest. Two layups by Watson sandwiched a Bridgewater basket for a 13-2 edge. Kaelin Poe scored four consecutive points to expand the growing margin to 15, 17-2.

Virginia Wesleyan had a chance to make it 20 when Keijon Honore attempted a three from the corner. He was fouled on the attempt, connecting on all three free throws. Watson knocked down a three-pointer on the Marlins' next possession for the 23-2 edge just six minutes into the game. Watson's 10 early points in just six minutes of play put him halfway to his career-high of 20 with well over 30 minutes to play, but the Marlins began rotating more and more players in as the lead grew.

Bridgewater got within eight points of the Marlins in the first half, but Virginia Wesleyan held a 51-32 edge at the halftime break and outscored the visitors in the second half for the final margin.

Keonte Dennis and Cameron Thurston led Bridgewater (3-12/2-5) with 11 points each as Dennis led the squad with eight rebounds.

Poe paced the Marlins with 20 points and seven rebounds while Aaron Sturdifen led VWC with nine rebounds. Tim Jones had three assists and three steals as Terry Boasiako led the team with two late blocks.

Virginia Wesleyan (11-5/6-1) hosts Lynchburg College (12-4/5-2) Saturday at 2 p.m. Stay tuned to Virginia Wesleyan Athletics this week for more details regarding the outcome of Saturday's contest as the snowstorm approaches Virginia.