Rocky Mount, NC - The N.C. Wesleyan men's basketball team pulled off a thrilling 58-54 victory over Mary Washington in a defensive slugfest at Everett Gymnasium. The game was tightly contested, with the lead changing hands eleven times and the score being tied on seven occasions, but the Bishops ultimately outlasted the Eagles in the closing moments thanks to clutch free throw shooting.

The Basics:
Score: N.C. Wesleyan 58, Mary Washington 54
Location/Venue: Rocky Mount, NC / Everett Gymnasium
Records: N.C. Wesleyan (2-3, 0-0 USA South), Mary Washington (2-4, 0-0 C2C)

Omari Bolden led the way for Wesleyan, contributing nineteen points, six rebounds, and three assists. Bolden was flawless from the free-throw line, going 8-for-8, with his clutch free throws proving crucial in the game's final stretch. James Jones was the only other Bishop in double figures, finishing with 12 points, all of which came from beyond the arc, including a key three-pointer to help ice the game late. Jones also added seven rebounds.

The Bishops' defensive pressure was a key factor throughout the game. Wesleyan's guards applied full-court pressure for the entire 40 minutes, never allowing the Eagles to get comfortable bringing the ball up the court. This relentless defense led to twelve turnovers for Mary Washington, and NCWU capitalized with 22 points off turnovers. Bolden earned four steals, constantly applying pressure on the ball.

On the boards, the Bishops dominated, outrebounding the Eagles 46-28, including a remarkable 30 offensive rebounds. Justin Burden led the team with eight boards, while Kyron Kelly contributed with nine points and six rebounds.

The Bishops also showed marked improvement at the free-throw line, shooting 71%, which was a 5-percent advantage over the Eagles' performance from the charity stripe.

Up Next:

Men's basketball will host Newport News Apprentice on Tuesday night at 7:30 for pre-Thanskgiving hoops in Rocky Mount.