Charlotte, NC - The Johnson & Wales Charlotte Men's Basketball Team returned from winter break with a home matchup versus Trinity Baptist College. After entering the break with their most wins (8) ever at this point of the season, the Wildcats picked up where they left off, securing a 80-61 victory over the Eagles.

The Eagles scored first before being answered by the Wildcats, 2-2. TBC would then go ahead 4-2, which proved to be their last lead of the game. The Wildcats went on a 23-4 run, begun by a Brandon Kostyk three taking it to 5-4 and punctuated by a Zyrion Wilkins three to make it 25-8 with 8:40 remaining in the first half. Trinity would close the gap back to 8 points, but the game entered halftime with the Wildcats leading 41-25.

The Eagles battled in the second half, even drawing within 8 points with 11 minutes remaining on a Parrish Hobdy three. The Wildcats answered, and extended the lead to as many as 23 points before arriving at the final score of 80-61.

JWU held the Eagles to 29% from the field while shooting 49% themselves. Even though the Wildcats lost the turnover battle 28-20, they outscored the visitors in points off turnovers 20-15. The Wildcats won the rebounding battle 43-30. JWU's bench played an important role in the game, outscoring their counterparts 42-17.

Majerle Poole led the Wildcats with 19 points, going 8 of 15 from the field. PJ Gill added 17 points, and Antonio Smith scored 13 while adding 8 rebounds. CJ Miller contributed 9 rebounds and 5 blocks for JWU.

The Wildcats return to the court on January 11th when they host Regent University at 1:00 pm. The game will also serve as the annual Project Unity game for JWU athletics, when the JWU community joins one another to stand against violence. Attendees are encouraged to wear purple and to arrive by 12:45 pm for a pregame ceremony.