Box Score

VIRGINIA BEACH, V.A. -- The WPU men's basketball team opened up their regular season on the road against Virginia Wesleyan University, on Wednesday evening. Despite an intense battle between the two teams, the Marlins would take the victory with a final score of 68-67. 

In the beginning of the first half, the Pacers struggled to find their momentum, though they would score the first point of the game on a foul shot from John Burwell. VWU quickly took control afterwards and held onto the lead. The Marlins had their greatest lead of the first half with 3:47 left on the clock, where they led the Pacers (31-19). In this moment, WPU would start a 9-point run, beginning with a layup by Kori Anderson, and ending with Camden Ferguson and Mikal Gaylord both shooting 1 for 2 from the foul line. John Burwell added a quick 2 points with 5 seconds left on the clock to keep the Pacers just behind the Marlins, 35-33, heading into halftime.

In the second half, the Marlins would jump out 10 points over the Pacers, leading 45-35. However, the rest of the half proved to be a much closer matchup, with WPU leading at 48-47, then tying the game 51-51 on a 3-pointer from Camden Ferguson with 11 minutes remaining. Ferguson proved to be vital for the Pacers with 20 points on the night and going five for 17 from behind the arc. WPU led again with 2:25 left in the game on a layup from Trey Bryant, though Wesleyan quickly responded and did not allow the Pacers to lead again. With the score tied 64-64 and only 37 seconds left on the clock, the Pacers defense would contain VWU until a defensive foul on WPU would put the Marlins on the line where they would sink two free throws putting them up 66-64 with only eight seconds remaining. A Pacer turnover would put the ball back in the Marlins' possession and would force the Pacers to foul in order to stop the clock with three seconds left. VWU hit both free throws making the score 68-64. As they final three seconds ticked off the clock, John Burwell would sink a three at the buzzer to put the final score at 68-67 in favor of the Marlins. 

Trey Bryant put up a double-double, notching 10 points and 10 rebounds for the game, while Burwell scored 14 points and tallied four assists. Kori Anderson led the team with 11 rebounds.

The Pacers (0-1) now look ahead to November 20th, where they will face Hampden-Sydney College in their first home game. The Tigers (0-1) come into the matchup looking for a win, having lost to Averett University 80-66. This game will take place at 7:30 p.m. following the WPU women's basketball game. 

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