Greenville, SC – The Johnson & Wales Wildcats (3-10) traveled to Greenville, SC on Saturday for their first ever meeting with the Bruins of Bob Jones University. The Wildcats were in search of a first ever two game win streak. The Wildcats used a balanced scoring attack and relentless defense to defeat the Bruins 71-57.

The teams traded baskets in the early portion of the first half before a 15-3 JWU run gave them an eleven point lead with 9:14 left in the period. BJU cut into that lead with a couple of Josh Carter layups, but three Kareem Wilson steals keyed another Wildcat spurt as they extended their lead to 17, 34-17 at the 3:34 mark of the first half. JWU stumbled home from there, allowing the Bruins to score 8 of the last 10 points of the period, but still held a 36-25 halftime advantage.

The Bruins carried their positive momentum over through the first four minutes of the second half. They used 4 missed JWU shots and forced 4 more turnovers to pull within three of the Wildcats, 42-39 at the 16:12 mark. The Wildcats responded, scoring 8 consecutive points off of five BJU turnovers to re-establish control of the game. The Bruins would get no closer than 7 points at any point in the second half. The Wildcats went a perfect 8-8 from the free throw line in the last 2 minutes after going 8-22 to start the game.

The Wildcats held BJU to 33.3% shooting, and forced them into 26 turnovers, while out rebounding the Bruins 38-27. JWU did a great job on BJU's leading scorer Evan Brondyke, holding him to 4 points on 1 of 9 shooting. JWU spread the wealth offensively, as nine different Wildcats scored, 8 of which had at least 5 points. Taylor Thomas led the way with 14 points, while Kindrick Anderson and Robbie Sterling added 12 each. Mario Irby led the Wildcats on the glass with 8 rebounds. Kareem Wilson had one of the best all-around games of any Wildcat. He totaled 6 points, 7 rebounds, 3 assists, 5 steals and a blocked shot in 28 minutes of play.

The Wildcats face a quick turnaround as they travel to High Point on Sunday to take on the Panthers of High Point University. Game time is set for 3pm.