January 26, 2025

Charlotte, NC - Johnson & Wales Charlotte knocked off Apprentice School 71-67 in men's basketball on Saturday afternoon.

Apprentice took a quick 2-0 lead to open the game, before the Wildcats scored 10 of the next 12 points to grab a 10-4 lead. JWU kept the Builders at arms length through the middle portion of the first period, aided by Isaiah Escobar splashing two 3 pointers. Apprentice suffered a scoring drought that saw them tally only four points over a five minute stretch that allowed JWU to extend the lead to as many as 18 points toward the end of the first half. 

Ethan Smith brought the rain with a 3 pointer that gave the Wildcats their largest lead of the game at 19 points to open the second half, and left the JWU fans thirsty for more. Apprentice would not go quietly however, and the Builders whittled the lead to a lone point, 68-67 with less three minutes to play. JWU put the ball in the hands of Nathan Meshida, who came through with a key layup to put the Wildcats up three, and then JWU went back to the well on the next possession, and again Meshida delivered a bucket to push the lead to five. Apprentice got to within one in the game's final seconds, before Jaylen Benson-Hollinhead finished the game with a layup and free throw, part of his game-high 20 points.

Benson-Hollinhead added 13 rebounds and 6 blocks to his 20 points. Meshida had 18 points and 8 rebounds. 

The Wildcats return home on Tuesday, January 28th as they host South Carolina Central Christian at 6pm.