DANVILLE, Va. — The N.C. Wesleyan College men’s basketball team returned to action on Saturday afternoon and fell 75-56 on the road at rival Averett University after a long hiatus due to the holiday break and COVID-19 protocols.

Averett got off to a strong start, leading 13-4 early before taking a 42-26 halftime edge on 48.5% shooting while holding the Bishops to just 30% first-half shooting.

In the second half, AU would again run out to a 13-3 lead to take a 55-29 advantage and cruise to the 19-point win. Each team shot 44% in the second half, with AU winning the half by a 33-30 margin.

Junior forward Isaiah Lewis led the Bishops with 13 points along with three rebounds and a block, while sophomore guard Marquis Eskew recorded 11 points with four rebounds and a block.

Fellow junior forward Sal-Bey Young then led the team in rebounds with 11 while scoring eight points with two steals and two blocks. Sophomore guard Austin Manley also grabbed eight points with four rebounds off the bench, while junior guard Brayden Dixon led with three assists and scored six points with three rebounds and two steals.

Wesleyan fell to 9-4 overall and 1-1 in the conference while Averett improved to 5-8 and 2-1 in the conference.

The Bishops are scheduled to host William Peace at 7:30 p.m. Monday.