NEWPORT NEWS, Va. --- Roanoke bounced back from a 20-point halftime deficit to defeat Wesley (DE), 87-81 to capture the 23^rd Annual CNU Invitational Saturday evening. The Maroons improved to 5-1 on the season while the Wolverines dropped to 2-3.

The Maroons, who are now 2-1 against the Wolverines, outscored Wesley, 30-17 off the bench and 36-32 in the paint while winning the rebounding war, 37-36 to win the holiday tournament. But the difference was the second half scoring barrage as the Maroons blistered the nets as they shot 68.6% from the floor, 55.6% for the game.

Senior forward Curtis Peery scored 26 points and added 10 rebounds to lead the Maroons as they erased a 20-point halftime deficit and their fourth-straight win. The Salem native hit 9-of-12 field goals and 8-of-9 free throws in the game. He is now only seven points shy of becoming the 31^st player in the 95-year history of the program to reach 1,000 career points.

The Wolverines used a 26-6 run in the first half to build a 38-18 lead with 6:22 left in the period. Wesley used six consecutive made threes during the run to break the game open and headed into the intermission ahead 52-32.

After the Wolverines stretched the lead to 26 on a Kevin Johnson tip in with 19:01 remaining, the Maroons embarked on a 36-12 run. Peery tied the game with a jumper with 7:27 to play. The next five minutes featured six lead changes and a pair of ties until a Peery layup gave Roanoke the lead for good with 2:29 to play, 78-77.

Melvin Felix hit 7-of-9 shots on his way to 17 points for the Maroons. Zach Milton and Aaron Tyson had 12 points each in the game. It was the first time that Felix has hit double-figures since his return to the lineup and since the season-opener vs. Ferrum.

The Wolverines hit 9-of-18 threes in the first half, but a 1-of-10 effort in the second half led Wesley at just 36 percent for the game.

Kevin Johnson led Wesley with 21 points along with five rebounds and three assists. Alphonzo Wright finished with his third-straight double-double with 12 points and 12 rebounds. Rashawn Johnson and James Stratton each scored 15 points apiece while Evan Martin finished with 13 points and four assists.

Peery was named tournament MVP honors while Felix was tabbed all-tournament team for Roanoke. Both Kevin Johnson and Rashawn Johnson were named to the All-Tournament team for the Wolverines.

The men will host in-state rival Hampden-Sydney in their ODAC-opener on Dec. 3. Roanoke holds a 90-73 all-time series advantage against the Tigers. Game time is scheduled for 7 p.m.

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