The University of Mary Washington men's basketball shot a blistering 59.6% from the floor, and all five starters reached double figures, in an 88-78 victory over North Carolina Wesleyan College in the home opener as part of the Hyatt Place Tipoff Classic. The Eagles even their record at 2-2.

The Eagles started with a huge run, playing in front of the home crowd for the first time in nearly two years, racing out to an 18-2 early lead. Senior guards Riley Welch and Ra'Shawn Cook each hit two three-pointers in the run, and junior center Colin Coyne added a pair of baskets. The Eagle lead remained in double figures until halftime (43-33) as each time the Bishops would try to cut into their deficit, the Eagles would respond with points.

In the second half, the teams traded baskets in the opening minutes before the Eagles began to spread the lead back out toward 20 points. A Da'Shawn Cook layup and a pair of Anias Saunders free throws extended the cushion to 70-55 with 7:28 remaining, and a Saunders three pointer with 3:04 left gave UMW an 85-66 lead. The Bishops scored the final seven points to draw to within 10.

The Eagles were led by Welch's 25 points on 7-11 shooting, including 6-10 from distance. He also made all five of his free throw attempts. Saunders scored 14 points, Da'Shawn Cook added 13 with eight rebounds, Ra'Shawn Cook scored 11, and Coyne posted 10 points. 

UMW shot 59.6% from the field (31-52), making 12-24 three point tries and 14-19 free throws. NC Wesleyan shot 47.5% (28-59), making 10-21 three point attempts, and 12-21 free throws.

The Eagles will face Bridgewater College on Saturday at 3:00 p.m. in the final game of the Hyatt Place Tipoff Classic. The 2020-21 seniors will be honored prior to tipoff.