Greenville, NC - The N.C. Wesleyan men's basketball team faced a tough challenge in its opening exhibition contest of the 2024 season, traveling to Greenville to take on AAC opponent East Carolina. Despite a 97-70 loss, Wesleyan showed resilience, especially in the second half, where the Bishops outscored the Pirates 38-32.

The Basics:
Score: N.C. Wesleyan 70, East Carolina 97
Location/Venue: Greenville, NC / Minges Coliseum
Records: N.C. Wesleyan (0-0, 0-0 USA South), East Carolina (1-0, 0-0 AAC)

Leading the way for Wesleyan was senior guard Marquis Eskew, who turned in a stellar performance with sixteen points and four assists, shooting an efficient 50 percent from the field in just 23 minutes of play. Eskew's offensive spark kept the Bishops competitive in the second half.

Forward James Jones also had an impressive outing, finishing with fifteen points and two rebounds. Jones was perfect from the free-throw line, going 7-for-7, converting every opportunity he had from the line.

Although trailing 65-32 at the break, the Bishops came out strong in the second half. Transfer Kaleb Brooks provided a major boost, contributing nine points and five rebounds while helping to control the paint. Brooks went 4-for-9 from the floor, continuing to assert himself offensively inside.

Wesleyan shot 34 percent from the field overall, and managed to score 41 of their 70 points from the bench, highlighting the team's depth with fifteen Bishops receiving minutes. 

Up Next:

Men's basketball will open the regular season at home on Saturday against Eastern Mennonite in the Roger Taylor Invitational. Tip-off is scheduled for 7:00 PM and will be streamed on FloHoops.