Charlotte, NC - The Johnson & Wales Charlotte men's basketball team opened the home portion of their 2025 schedule with a 69-66 come from behind win over Toccoa Falls.

The first half was a tight affair that saw neither team lead by more than six points. Both the Wildcats and Screaming Eagles were 13-27 from the field and 4-6 at the free throw line. They were also within one rebound and one turnover of each other. Toccoa Falls held a 35-31 lead at the break by connecting on 5 of their 10 three point attempts in the period.

The Screaming Eagles expanded their lead in the first part of the second half, and a Tyrece Freeman three pointer with 11:40 to play found Toccoa Falls up by fourteen at 59-45. The Wildcat defense toughened from this point, holding the Screaming Eagles to just seven points the rest of the game. Toccoa Falls missed their final seven 3 point attempts after making 8 of their first 14. Nathan Meshida scored 14 of the last 21 JWU points to key the offense during the Wildcat comeback. His layup with five minutes to play gave JWU it's first lead of the half, and then his basket with a minute remaining put JWU up by five, effectively ending the game.

Meshida had 27 points to lead all scorers Jaylen Benson-Hollinhead scored 11 points and grabbed 7 rebounds.

The Wildcats travel to Morris College on Wednesday, January 8th for a 7pm tipoff.