Charlotte, NC - The Johnson & Wales men's basketball team defeated MACU 90-67 on Friday to reach the .500 mark for the first time since November 8th.

How It Happened:

• JWU started slowly, making just six of their first 15 shots, but still found themselves up 15-8 in the game's first eight minutes thanks to a stellar defensive effort. The Wildcats held MACU to just 28.2% shooting in the first half.
• The Wildcats made 14 of their final 24 field goal attempts in the period, while holding the Mustangs to just 22 points over the final 12 minutes of the half to take a 49-30 lead at the break.
• MACU emerged from the locker room a determined bunch, as they scored the first 12 points of the half to cut their deficit to just 7 with 17:49 to play.
• JWU made a pair of threes over the next two minutes as part of a 12-3 run that re-established a 61-45 lead.
• The Mustangs would get no closer than 11 points the rest of the way, and Nathan Meshida's layup gave the Wildcats their largest lead of the game and eventual final margin of victory.

Key Stats:

• The Wildcats shot over 50% from the field (55.2%) for the second game in a row.
• JWU outrebounded MACU 57-32.
• The Wildcats outscored the Mustangs 52-24 in the paint and 16-2 on second chance points.
• Fred Patterson scored 22 points, grabbed 8 rebounds, and dished out 7 assists.
• Anthoney Ray led the Wildcats in scoring with 23 points.
• JWU improves to 9-9 overall and 4-0 in EMAC play while Mid-Atlantic Christian drops to 3-9 overall and 1-3 in EMAC play.

Up Next:

The Wildcats travel to Regent University for a 3:00pm tipoff on Saturday, Feb. 5th.