The University of Mary Washington men's basketball team opened up a double digit lead in the first half, and held on down the stretch to defeat #1 ranked Randolph-Macon College on Wednesday night at Ron Rosner Arena. With the win, the Eagles improve to 3-0 on the season.

The defending NCAA champion Yellow Jackets opened play with the first five points, but a three pointer from senior forward Greg Rowson keyed an 8-0 UMW counter. Following a pair of RMC free throws, freshman Dorian Davis connected on his first three pointer of the night with 11:26 remaining in the first to give UMW an 11-9 lead. 

After RMC tied the score, a Da'Shawn layup and three pointer ignited a 7-0 Eagle run run run their lead to 18-11 with 7:18 remaining. The teams traded baskets before a three from junior guard Zack Blue gave the Eagles a 10-point cushion with 5:04 left. A late three from Davis capped the first half scoring, with the Eagles holding a 31-19 lead.

Baskets from Cook and Cameron McCravey pushed the Eagle lead to 15 early in the second (35-20), but the Yellow Jackets answered with back-to-back three pointers to draw to within 35-26 with 15:24 left. But Rowson connected on another three and Cook added a layup to keep the Eagles lead at 40-26 with 14:33 on the clock.

UMW led, 49-32, with 9:08 to play, before RMC made a run, scoring 13 straight points to draw to within 49-45 with 2:56 remaining. Davis answered with 2:36 left with a big three pointer, and added a pair of key free throws at 1:43 to keep the Eagle lead at 54-47.

After the teams traded free throws, Randolph-Macon connected on three from the charity stripe to pull to within 56-52 with 35 seconds left. In the final possessions, the Eagles were able to break the Yellow Jacket press and connect on two free throws to seal the win.

Rowson and Cook led UMW with 16 points apiece, with Davis adding a career-high 14. Rowson and Daniel Peterson each collected six rebounds, and Blue led with four assists.

UMW shot 39.6% from the field (19-48), making 8-24 three-point tries, and 12-19 free throws. Randolph-Macon shot 34.8% (16-46), making 5-20 three point attempts, and 15-18 free throws. RMC led in rebounding, 33-27.

The Eagles will be back in action next Tuesday when they host Hampden-Sydney College at 8:00 p.m.