Raleigh, NC - The North Carolina Wesleyan men's basketball team started its 2025–26 campaign in strong fashion, defeating Johnson & Wales 89–72 on Saturday afternoon at the William Peace Classic inside Hermann Athletic Center.

The Bishops (1-0) shot 46% from the field and dominated the boards 46–31 while showcasing a balanced offensive attack led by sophomore guard Rashod Smith, who filled the stat sheet with fifteen points, nine assists, and eight rebounds.

Markquan Gilbert and Ro'Mello Pegues each poured in seventeen points off the bench to give Wesleyan a huge spark, combining to shoot 14-for-22 from the floor. Nasir Johnson added twelve points, and James Jones chipped in eleven, giving the Bishops five players in double figures.

After taking a 42–32 lead into halftime, Wesleyan broke the game open early in the second half with a 12–0 run fueled by Smith's playmaking and back-to-back baskets from Pegues and Gilbert. The Bishops' defensive energy also shined, forcing thirteen turnovers and converting them into 23 fast-break points.

Nantambu Calhoun II led Johnson & Wales (0-1) with 22 points, while Cooper Wiley added eleven in the loss.

Up Next:
The Battling Bishops will face Bridgewater on Sunday at 2:00 PM in the final day of the William Peace Classic in Raleigh.