Charlotte, N.C. - Majerle Poole scored a career-high 31 points as the Johnson & Wales men's basketball team defeated Carolina Christian 88-70 in their JWU Cup opener on Friday at the Wildcat Center.

Poole finished 14-of-22 and grabbed eight boards for the Wildcats (4-10), who avenged a 103-87 loss to Carolina Christian earlier this season.

Robert Hobson finished with 14 points, and Alcyone Moore tallied 12points, 6 rebounds, and 5 steals while Caleb Coleman came off the bench to finish with 11 points for Johnson & Wales.

The Wildcats were active defensively throughout the night, forcing 27 turnovers while committing just 12 of their own.  Johnson & Wales finished with a commanding 33-19 advantage in points off of turnovers as a result.

They led most of the way, eventually stretching their lead over Carolina Christian to 21 early in the second half.

Artavius Love led Carolina Christian with 28 points on the evening.

Johnson & Wales will resume play on Saturday as it hosts USCAA #1 Berkeley College (NY) in the final game of the JWU Cup.  Tip-off is scheduled for 3:00 p.m.