LYNCHBURG, Va.- The Randolph men's basketball team hosted Methodist University on Wednesday evening at Giles Gymnasium. The WildCats won their first game of the season as they defeated the Monarchs 77-71.

It was a close game in the opening minutes of the first half as only one point separated both teams. Methodist took a 13-10 lead with 15:34 showing on the game clock until the WildCats took the lead on a three by Khalil Caple (Suffolk, Va./Kings Fork HS) at 14:29. That was part of an 11-2 run that gave Randolph a 21-15 lead with under 12 minutes remaining in the period. The WildCat lead was still six points, 23-17, at the 10:27 mark but it was over four and a half minutes of game time until the next basket came by either team. Methodist took a 29-28 lead with 2:35 showing on the game clock. Randolph answered with jump shots by TJ James Jr. (Virginia Beach, Va./Salem HS) and Marcus Brown (Charlotte, N.C./Julius L Chambers HS) followed by a three-point basket by James Jr. to go ahead by six points, 35-29, with 1:23 on the clock. Randolph led 36-33 at the break.

In the second half, the WildCats started on an 18-9 run to go up 54-42 at 15:20. Randolph pushed ahead by was much as 17 points, 63-46, with 9:02 remaining. The WildCat advantage was 18 points, 73-55, with 3:37 left on the clock. That lead whittled down to six points after Methodist went on a 14-2 run with 28 seconds left in regulation. Caple sank a pair of free throws while the Monarchs converted a layup with two second left as Randolph held on the win.

Randolph shot 50% (27-of-54) from the floor on the evening. The teams were even in rebounds with 33.

Caple led the WildCats with 20 points on 5-of-7 shooting. He also had six rebounds. Elijah Cox (Galax, Va./Carroll County) finished with 17 points and a team-high eight rebounds. Steven Burgess Jr. (Coeur d'Alene, ID/Couer d'Alene) had 12 points, four assists, and two steals.

The WildCats travel to Johnson and Wales on Saturday. Game time will be at 1:00 p.m.