Charlotte, NC - The Johnson & Wales Charlotte men's basketball team took part in the JCSU Tip-Off Classic over Thanksgiving Weekend. The Wildcats came out on the short end of a pair of games against NCAA Divsion II opponents. 

In Friday's matchup with Livingstone, the Wildcats struggled from the field, particularly in the second half. JWU shot just 20.8% from the field, compared to 62.2% for the Blue Bears. Livingstone also enjoyed a 55-30 advantage on the boards as they pulled away from the Wildcats to win 105-61. Anthoney Ray and Ethan Smith led JWU with 13 points each, while Jaylen Benson-Hollinhead added 9 points and 7 rebounds.

Host Johnson C. Smith was the opponent for Saturday's game. The Wildcats fell behind by 13 points in the game's first fourteen minutes before rallying to cut the deficit to nine at halftime. The Golden Bulls extended their lead to as many as 17 on three occasions, the last coming with 12:29 to play. JWU slowly whittled away at the deficit, cutting it to three on a Ray dunk with 36 seconds to play. The Wildcats got a defensive stop, but could not score on the ensuing possession. JCSU scored the final three points of the game for the 84-78 final margin.

Fred Patterson led the Wildcats with 17 points, while Ray added 16. Zyrion Wilkins scored 12 points and pulled down 9 rebounds, while Benson-Hollinhead recorded a double-double with 10 points and 10 boards.

The Wildcats continue their road swing against NCAA Division II opponents as they travel to Winston-Salem State on Wednesday, November 30th for a 7:00pm game.