BRIDGEWATER, Va.- The Randolph men's basketball team looked to earn its first win of the season as the team took on Bridgewater on Thursday night. The WildCats battledback from a double-digit deficit in the second half to eventually force overtime but the host Eagles were able to outlast the 'Cats as they won 82-79 on Thursday night.

Randolph had an early 10-5 lead in the first half that the Eagles quickly overcome. Bridgewater took the advantage and led by no more than seven points at the break.

The WildCats saw their deficit grow to double digits early on in the second half as BC used a 12-5 run to go on top 47-35 at the 17:07 mark. Randolph still trailed by 12 points, 60-48, at 11:19. The WildCats embarked on a 12-1 run to come storming back and close to within a basket of tying the score up with 8:04 remaining to play in the game.

Randolph was able to even the contest up at 65-all following a pair of free throws from Jordan Phillips-McLoyd (Johnson City, Tenn./Science Hill) with 4:27 remaining on the clock. McLoyd scored the next two baskets for the 'Cats and CJ Loving's (Madison Heights, Va./Amherst County) layup with under a minute remaining to play gave the WildCats their first lead since the first half. BC was able o tie it up at 73-73 with six ticks left and Phillips-McLoyd's potential game-winning three was off the mark at the buzzer as the game went to an extra period.

In overtime, Danny Bickey (Beckley, W.V./Woodrow Wilson) put Randolph ahead 19 seconds in on a layup. After the Eagles knotted the game at 75-75 with 2:29 remaining, Bickey drained a three-point shot 15 seconds later to give the WildCats the lead. Bridgewater again tied the score up. Phillips-McLoyd sank the second of two free attempts to put the WildCats up 79-78 with 1:24 remaining. It would be the last lead for the 'Cars as the host Eagles converted two free throws and a layup in the final 46 seconds as a desperation three by Bickey in the waning seconds was off the mark and Bridgewater came away with the victory.

"Proud of the fight we had tonight," said head coach Pete Hamilton after the game. "Bridgewater came out to start the second and hit four 3's and our guys responded with great spirit. It was an extremely physical game for all 45 minutes and I enjoyed seeing our guys compete and fight through that."

The Eagles outshot the WildCats 42.6% (29-of-68) to 38.4% (28-of-73). Both team were nearly identical on the free throw line with Randolph going 20-of-32 (62.5%) to BC's 13-of-21 (61.9%).

Randolph held the rebounding edge 51-44. Both teams committed 14 turnovers and scored 11 points off of them.

"We had the game won a few times I thought," stated Hamilton. "We simply just haven't had the game situation practice to expect our guys to be perfect down the stretch. Really encouraged by the plays we made and the pace we got the game moving towards."

Three WildCats scored in double figures led by Loving's double-digit effort of 21 points and 12 rebounds. Bickey netted a career-best 16 points and seven boards. Justin Dula (Taylorsville, N.C./Alexander Central) had his second straight double-double performance as he contributed 13 points and 15 rebounds to go with three assists and two blocked shots.

"CJ is an absolute warrior," noted Hamilton. "His level of energy and grittiness can never be questioned and he was huge for us throughout tonight. Justin had a great presence for us and really battled through a slow and physically draining start to come through during our comeback.  Also thought Danny Bickey did an excellent job of keeping guys busy on offense. His IQ and movement creates so much not only for himself but for his teammates as well."

Randolph will travel to Hampden-Sydney this coming Saturday. Game time is at 2:00 p.m.