Jacksonville, FL - The Johnson & Wales men's basketball team was unable to make their halftime lead stand in a 59-47 season opening loss to Trinity Baptist College in the Eagle Basketball Classic on Friday.

The Wildcats (0-1) dominated the boards throughout with a 38-29 advantage and managed to hold the hosts in check throughout the opening 20 minutes, taking a 27-24 lead into the break. 

The second half was a different story, however, as Johnson & Wales would manage just 7-of-35 shooting against the Eagles (1-0).

Sophomore Rickey Porter led the way with nine points and 14 boards for the Wildcats while senior Nicholas Crawford added nine points as well.

Trinity Baptist was led by Enrique Bush with 11 points.

The Wildcats will resume play on Saturday when they take on USCAA rival Florida College in the second game of the Eagle Basketball Classic.  The game will tip-off at 2:00 p.m.