Rocky Mount, NC - The N.C. Wesleyan men's basketball team put up a valiant second-half effort but ultimately fell short in a 88-82 loss to Mary Baldwin on Saturday afternoon. The Bishops trailed by as many as 25 points in the first half, largely due to a torrid shooting display from the Squirrels, who drained eight three-pointers in the opening stanza.

The Basics:
Score: N.C. Wesleyan 82, Mary Baldwin 88
Location/Venue: Rocky Mount, NC / Everett Gymnasium
Records: N.C. Wesleyan (6-6, 0-1 USA South), Mary Baldwin (6-5, 1-0 USA South)

Mary Baldwin was led by Zach Sloan's dominant performance, scoring a game-high 31 points on 13-of-16 shooting, including three treys. Teammate Logan Barbour added a career-best 22 points, knocking down eight field goals in an impressive showing.

Despite the early deficit, the Bishops refused to quit fighting, storming back in the second half with a 50-33 advantage. Wesleyan shot an efficient 60% from the field in the final period, including four three-pointers, to cut the lead to four down the stretch.

Guard Marquis Eskew led NCWU in scoring with sixteen points, connecting on seven shots from the field. James Jones and Omari Bolden each contributed 15 points, with Bolden also grabbing four rebounds. Big man Kyron Kelly battled through foul trouble to post ten points and six rebounds for NCWU.

Up Next:

Men's basketball will continue USA South action on Tuesday night at 7:30 PM in a road tilt at Pfeiffer.