Charlotte, NC - The Wildcats (4-9) took on the Lions of Emmanuel College (9-2) this evening in their only match up of the season. JWU played well throughout the game, but the Wildcats fell just short to the Lions 71-65.
The Lions opened the first half taking a quick 12-6 lead. A Hursel Forbes 3 pointer at the 16:11 mark, sparked a 15-8 Wildcat run. Forbes scored 12 out of the 15 points during that stretch. The Wildcats would maintain a small lead the remainder of the half, entering halftime leading by 1 at 38-37.
Emmanuel opened the second half on an 8-3 run to take a four point lead, 45-41. The Wildcats responded with their own 6-0 run to briefly retake the lead, 47-45. The Lions builta lead as large as seven, at 60-53 with 5:02 left. The Wildcats wouldn't go quietly, as Forbes's third three pointer of the game gave them a 63-62 lead with 1:16 remaining. JWU turned the ball over on each of their next three possessions, however, and Emmanuel converted 5 of 8 free throw opportunities in the final minute to close out the game.
Forbes led the Wildcats with 20 points. Joshua Cohen added 11 points and 8 rebounds. DeQuincey Bennett tallied 11 points, while Nick Crawford scored 10 points and grabbed 9 rebounds.
The Wildcats will host Averett University on Wednesday, December 11th. Tip-off is set for 7:30pm.
