Durham, NC - Johnson & Wales (2-3) took on N.C. Central (1-1) in first of five games the Wildcats will play against NCAA D-I opponents this season. The Wildcats competed hard, but ultimately fell 98-47.

The Eagles scored the first six points of the game on two 3 pointers. JWU then reeled off a 9-2 run over the next three minutes to take a 9-8 lead, capped off by Julian McCants's three point field goal. NCCU answered with a 17-2 spurt over the next 6:50 to take a commanding 26-11 lead. The Eagles continued their hot shooting for the remainder of the half, as they extended the lead to 54-21 at the break.

The Wildcats used an 8-2 run in the first minute and a half of the second stanza to briefly pull within 27, but the Eagles hot shooting allowed them to pull away and win 98-47.

Nick Crawford posted a double-double for the Wildcats with 14 points and 11 rebounds. Joshua Cohen had 9 points, while Hursel Forbes added 8. Julian McCants also had 7 points and 4 rebounds.

JWU is back on the road again tonight as they travel to Winston-Salem to take on Piedmont Intertnational at 7pm.