The Wildcats entered the tournament looking to record their first victory of the 2011-2012 season, as they took on the Quakers of Guilford College in the first game of the Hilton Garden Inn Invitational.

Johnson & Wales opened the game with great all-around play on both ends of the floor. The entire first half went back and forth between both teams. Late in the first half JWU opened up a 10-point lead against Guilford College, sparked by strong offensive play from a trio of individuals consisting of Shaquille White, Kareem Wilson, and Dashaun Alston. The Quakers responded to JWU with a run of their own and ultimately end up taking a 43-40 lead into halftime.

The second half of the game was just as competitive as the first half as the Wildcats kept the game close throughout the entire second half. Guilford College slowly opened up a 10-point lead late in the half, recording the victory over Johnson & Wales University by a final score of 86-71. JWU was paced throughout the game by strong play from their two freshman guards Shaquille White and Dashaun Alston, who scored 17 and 16 points respectively.

The Wildcats look to get into the win column tomorrow as they are set to take on the Eagles of Bridgewater College in the Hilton Garden Inn Invitational Tournament.