Rocky Mount, NC - The N.C. Wesleyan men's basketball team kicked off the 2024-25 season in style, defeating Eastern Mennonite 80-71 in a strong all-around performance at home. The Bishops showcased a balanced attack, with four of five starters reaching double figures in scoring, and dominated the paint to secure the victory in the season opener.

The Basics:
Score: N.C. Wesleyan 80, Eastern Mennonite 71
Location/Venue: Rocky Mount, NC / Everett Gymnasium
Records: N.C. Wesleyan (1-0, 0-0 USA South), Eastern Mennonite (0-1, 0-0 ODAC)

Khalid Chavis-Hinds led the way for the Bishops, posting a team-high nineteen points to go along with six rebounds and five assists in 33 minutes of action. The senior guard was also perfect from the free-throw line, going 4-for-4 to help seal the win.

Big man Kyron Kelly was a force in the post, finishing with fourteen points and six rebounds, while shooting an efficient 7-for-9 from the field. Kelly's presence inside was a key factor as the Bishops controlled the game in the paint, scoring 50 of its 80 points in the paint. His efforts, along with Chavis-Hinds' all-around performance, set the tone for the Wesleyan offense.

As a team, the Bishops shot over 50% from the field, finishing the game with a 30-53 mark from the floor. Wesleyan also made the most of its opportunities at the charity stripe, converting 17 of 22 free throws for a solid 77%.

Wesleyan also excelled on the boards, outrebounding Eastern Mennonite 33-30, and generating fifteen second-chance points. Their aggressive play inside helped the Bishops wear down the Royals, who had no answer for Wesleyan's size and athleticism.

Up Next:

Men's basketball will focus its attention on #5 Christopher Newport as the two meet in day two of the Roger Taylor Invitational.