BRUNSWICK, Maine – The Wesleyan University men's basketball team caught fire in the second half of a 81-65 win over Bowdoin in both team's NESCAC opener Friday night in Morrell Gymnasium. The Cardinals improve to 7-5 (1-0 NESCAC) while the Polar Bears fall to 6-7 (0-1 NESCAC).
 
Game Highlights

• Bowdoin carried a six-point lead into the half thanks to nine points from James McGowan in the opening twenty minutes of the contest.
• The Polar Bears owned as much as a 12-point lead late in the frame before an 8-2 Wesleyan run closed the gap to 32-26 at the break.
• The Cardinals rode the coattails of Preston Maccoux to their second half rally as he scored all 26 of his points in the period, including a trifecta of three-pointers that gave Wesleyan the lead midway through the frame.
• In all, Wesleyan outscored Bowdoin 55-33 in the second frame, pulling away for the win.

By The Numbers

• James McGowan finished with 23 points and five rebounds for Bowdoin while Michael Simonds ended with 11 points and seven boards.
• Alex Halpern also saw double figures with 10 points while Xander Werkman had eight points and six rebounds.
• In addition to 26 from Maccoux, Nicky Johnson scored 21 for Wesleyan.
• The Cardinals shot 60% from the field in the second half to finish at 45% for the game while holding Bowdoin to 40% from the field.
• Wesleyan also cashed in 17 second chance points and 16 points off turnovers in the win.

Up Next

• The Polar Bears will host Trinity on Saturday afternoon at 3:00 p.m.