Misenheimer, N.C. (Jan. 6, 2024) --The Pfeiffer University men's basketball team got a 45-point performance from the bench on the way to a 94-78 victory against the North Carolina Wesleyan Battling Bishops in the USA South opener for the Falcons in Merner Gym on Saturday.

The Falcons (4-4, 1-0) had four players score in double figures, led by junior Alex Cunningham, who had 22 points. Ty Black tacked on 18 points off the bench by drilling six three-pointers while Daymon Beckwith chipped in 13 points.

The Pfeiffer offense was very productive from three point range, knocking down 14 threes on 29 attempts. 

Pfeiffer forced 15 NCWU turnovers, turning those takeaways into 20 points on the other end of the floor. Sophomore Doug Smith led the way individually with a pair of steals.

How It Happened

After jumping out to a 29-25 advantage, Pfeiffer went on a 7-0 run with 6:59 left in the first half, culminating in a bucket from Cunningham, to increase its lead to 36-25. The Falcons then lost some of that lead, but still entered halftime with a 39-33 advantage. Pfeiffer relied on its three-point shooting in the period, knocking down seven shots to account for 21 of its 39 points.

Following halftime, Pfeiffer kept widening that lead, expanding it to 46-35 before going on a 10-0 run, finished off by Beckwith's three, to grow the lead to 56-35 with 15:21 to go in the contest. The Battling Bishops narrowed the margin somewhat before the game was over, but the Falcons still cruised the rest of the way for the 94-78 win. Pfeiffer took care of business in the paint, recording 28 of its 55 points in the lane.

Game Notes

» The Falcons shot well from three point range, knocking down 14 of 29 long range attempts.
» Pfeiffer never trailed in the second half on its way to victory.
» Pfeiffer recorded 16 total assists in the game.
» The Pfeiffer bench came alive by adding 45 points to its scoring output.
» Ty Black and Donte Forrester-Jhagroo came off the bench to score 18 and 10 points, respectively.
» Pfeiffer had a 38-28 edge on the boards in the win.
» The Pfeiffer defense forced 15 turnovers.
» Pfeiffer cleaned up on the offensive glass, collecting 21 offensive boards in the game.
» Alex Cunningham led the Falcons with a game-high 22 points.
» Pfeiffer got a game-high eight rebounds from Daniel Fulp.

Next Game
Pfeiffer will play in their third-straight home game on Tuesday, Jan. 9, as they play host to Brevard College at 7:00 p.m. in a USA South tilt.