Raleigh, N.C. - The Johnson & Wales Charlotte men's basketball team opened their 2025-26 season by participating in the Peace Classic hosted by William Peace University over the weekend.

The Wildcats took on N.C. Wesleyan in the opener on Saturday. The Battling Bishops used an 8-0 run late in the first half to turn a four point lead into a twelve point bulge and were never threatened after that point. JWU struggled from the three point line, making just five of nineteen attempts and were outrebounded by 15.

Nantambu Calhoun led the Wildcats with 22 points and 5 rebounds. Cooper Wiley added 11 points and 4 rebounds.

Sunday saw JWU face off against the tournament hosts. After a nip and tuck first half, the Pacers put some distance between themselves and the Wildcats via a 12-4 spurt midway through the second twenty minutes. The Wildcats shot only 33% from the field, including 19% from three point range. 

Four JWU players scored in double figures, led by Antonio Perkins's 11 points. Jordan Appling and Ethan Smith grabbed six rebounds each.

JWU next takes to the court on Tuesday, November 11th as they travel to Misenheimer, N.C. to take on Pfeiffer at 7:00pm.