VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. - Virginia Wesleyan used an early 17-0 run to take a 14-point lead and the Marlins pulled away for an 88-52 ODAC victory Wednesday evening over Bridgewater College.

Bridgewater took the early lead when a layup by Davrion Grier and a free throw from Josh Cammon gave the Eagles a 3-0 edge.

Virginia Wesleyan then reeled off 17 straight points over the next four minutes to take control. R.J. Nicholson ignited the Marlins offense with seven straight points to start the run.

After a jumper by Bridgewater's Jimmie Sanders, the Marlins went on a 12-4 spurt to lead 29-9 at the midway point of the first half. At halftime, Virginia Wesleyan led 53-18.

Chandler Murray led the Eagles with 12 points while Lamont Steward scored 18 for the Marlins.

Bridgewater now 7-8 overall and 2-4 in the ODAC, is back in action Saturday when the Eagles host Emory & Henry.