For immediate release – 11/15/2016 - #121
WildCats Drop Season Opener at WPU

RALEIGH, NC – The Randolph College men's basketball team opened up its 2016-2017 season on Tuesday night at William Peace University.  The WildCats lost to the Pacers 81-58 in a nonconference contest.

The Pacers got out to a quick start, taking an early nine-point lead, despite an early three from Drew Hayden.  Ryan Fields helped cut into it, before WPU came back with another run to establish a 15-point advantage.

However, Fields helped bring down the deficit, as he started WildCat run.  He hit a three, and followed it with a jumper.  Andy Toe and Brian Smith combined for the next six points, to bring the 'Cats within seven.  But William Peace came back with another burst to extend its lead to over 20. 

Reid Jacoby and Colton Lee combined for seven points down the stretch, but the Pacers took a 44-23 lead into the intermission.

WPU kept the momentum from the first half, and used it in the early stages of the second period.  The hosts held a 28-point lead with just over 10 minutes remaining in regulation, but it was at this point that the 'Cats answered.

Toe got things started with four straight in just 20 seconds.  Jeremiah Davis followed him with a layup to continue the run.

After the Pacers finished a traditional three-point play, Randolph responded with another burst.  Nick Goble hit a free throw, before Hayden went off.  He finished a layup, before converting one of two from the charity stripe.  Hayden then knocked down back-to-back three-pointers to cut the deficit to 15.

Following Hayden's bucket, the two sides traded buckets.  However, the Pacers went on a final run to seal the victory.

Fields led the 'Cats with 14 points, while Hayden chipped in a career-high of 12.  Jalen Vince scored a game-high 16 points for William Peace (1-0 overall).

Randolph (0-1) will stay on the road for its next game, with a quick turnaround coming.  The WildCats take on Christendom College on Wednesday.  Tip-off is set for 7 p.m.

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