[Men's Basketball] Win! Cavaliers Sharp in 2017 Opener

MONTREAT, N.C. – Before a packed house at McAlister Gym on Friday, the Cavaliers' men's basketball team proved itself deserving of a #23 preseason ranking by handily defeating Bob Jones, 101-71.

"I was really proud of our effort and our energy," said head coach Garrett Jones following the game. "Obviously you would expect that - everybody's excited and it's your first game. Defensively we were really, really good. We held them to 28% [shooting] in the first half. That kind of set the tone." 

Montreat took a 45-24 lead into the locker room at the half, before coming out in the second and lighting up the scoreboard with a 56-point outburst to break the century mark in their first outing of the year.

"Once the defense set the tone we really built off that and the offense started clicking," added the third-year head coach.

Alonzo Mobley (JR/Lincolnton, NC) led all Cavalier scorers with 16 points, including three three-pointers, while grabbing five rebounds. The 2016 All-AAC performer also had a block and three steals in an outstanding opening night effort.

Terrell Sheffey (SO/Hampton, VA) and Jalen White (SR/Charlotte, NC) each added 12 points for the home team. White shot 4-7 from the floor while adding 4-5 from the charity stripe. Jeron Hemphill (JR/Morganton, NC) led Montreat (1-0, 0-0) with six rebounds. 

Hemphill (10), Austin Butler (SO/Morganton, NC) (11), and David Caldwell (JR/Charlotte, NC) (11) all scored in double-digits for the Cavaliers, who showed they could push the pace and also hit from beyond the three-point arc (16-32) in a complete offensive performance.

The game was also the season opener for the visiting Bruins (0-1), who were led by Nate Ellenwood's 21 points.

"We have to continue to get better. It's just game one and we'll go from there," said Jones. 

Next Up: The Cavs return to the hardwood at McAlister Gym on Wednesday to host Toccoa Falls of the NCCAA at 7:30 p.m.

Pictured: The Cavaliers opened 2017 with a convincing win before the home crowd at McAlister Gym.

Photo credit: Montreat Athletics