VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. - The Bridgewater College men's basketball team returned to the court for the first time since December 17, ultimately falling to Virginia Wesleyan on the road.

The Basics

• Final Score: Bridgewater 67, Virginia Wesleyan 89
• Records: Bridgewater (4-7, 0-3 ODAC), Virginia Wesleyan (5-7, 1-2 ODAC)

How It Happened 

• The Eagles had an answer for every Marlin possession to start the game, never trailing by more than four points through the opening six minutes
• Virginia Wesleyan took a ten point edge with just over 11 minutes to play until an Andy Pack hook shot and two Rashod Smith layups and a successful and one opportunity brought Bridgewater back to within three at 22-19
• The Marlins found a second burst of energy as they went on a 20-6 run to close the first half as the Eagles entered the locker room down 42-25
• Bridgewater kept the contest close in the second half of play, scoring 42 points just shy of the Marlins 47, but the first half deficit was too much to overcome

Match Notes

• Smith scored a team high 18 points to go with a team high four assists. The rookie also added three steals to his already ODAC leading stat line in 32 minutes of action
• Aaron Oates had 17 points and nine rebounds while Pack posted 13 points and eight rebounds
• Bridgewater shot 60% from three point range in the second half 

Up Next

• The Eagles will return to Nininger Hall for the first time since December 11, 2021 on Saturday, Janaury 15 when they host Hampden-Sydney in ODAC competition. Action is set for 2:00 p.m.