The Game Facts:
Score: (RV) Roanoke 77, (RV) Virginia Wesleyan 67
Location: Salem, Va. – Cregger Center

The Short story: The Roanoke College men's basketball team opened a big first-half lead Saturday and went on to defeat visiting Virginia Wesleyan University 77-67 in a contest featuring two of the top teams in the Old Dominion Athletic Conference.

Both teams received votes in the D3hoops.com top 25 poll this week.

How it happened:  
*The Maroons closed the first half on a 27-9 run over the final 10:31 to go into intermission ahead 48-30. Marcus Morgan had 14 points, four rebounds and three assists in the first half, and RC shot 20-31 (64.5%) over the first 20 minutes.
*Roanoke led by double figures nearly the entire second half. The Marlins cut the edge to nine on a three-pointer in the final minute.  

Inside the numbers:
*Roanoke's offense saw five scorers reach double figures and eight players post at least four points.
*Jackson Bell netted a team-high 16 points, while Morgan tied for a game-best nine rebounds.
*Joshua Morse compiled 10 points and eight rebounds and Joshua McClary had 10 points and seven assists.
*Gavin O'Malley scored 10 points, nine in the first half.
*Porter Stanley tied Morgan with nine rebounds and added five points.
*Omari Deveaux connected on six three-pointers on his way for a game-high 22 points for Virginia Wesleyan (11-3/4-1). He added seven assists.

Up Next:
*The Maroons (11-3/5-1 ODAC) travel to the University of Lynchburg Wednesday for another ODAC game at 7:30 p.m.