SALEM, Va. -- In a battle of two teams fighting for a home conference tournament game, Randolph started off hot, cruising to a win, 82-74.

The WildCats (13-10, 7-7 ODAC) never trailed after jumping out to an 8-0 edge behind a layup by senior Mike Ehilegbu (Raleigh, N.C./Ravenscroft) and a pair of threes from sophomores Jason Eddie (Charlotte, N.C./Davidson Day School) and Corey Brown (Williamsburg, Va./Walsingham).

After Roanoke (11-11, 5-9 ODAC) inched within 10-7, Randolph received five straight from first-year Tyler Crockett (Salem, Va./Glenvar) as part of an 11-0 run to jump out to a double-digit lead.

The team would maintain a lead of double figures until the final 15 seconds, growing an advantage as large as 24.

After taking a 20-point edge into intermission, Randolph led 76-52 with 4:53 remaining, but Roanoke closed with a 22-6 run to make the scoreline more respectable.

Ehilegbu led Randolph in points (16) and rebounds (14), earning a double-double.

Brown finished with 14, while Crockett, playing in his hometown, had a career-high 11.

The WildCats shot 55.3% from the floor, the second-best mark this year, shy of just the 56.0% effort against William Peace.

With the win, Randolph has a two game cushion over Roanoke in the fight for the final home playoff spot. Hampden-Sydney and Bridgewater are also 7-7 in ODAC play, equal with Randolph, with two games to go.

While seedings are unofficial until released by the ODAC, the WildCats can assure themselves a top-eight position with a win next time out on Wednesday night in the RAD Center against Washington & Lee.