DUE WEST, S.C. – The Erskine College men's basketball team (6-19, 1-15 CC) defeated Southern Wesleyan University (4-22, 3-13 CC) by a score of 79-63 at Belk Arena on Wednesday night.

Erskine struggled offensively for long stretches in the opening half, but Jayden Byrd caught fire in the closing moments to get the Fleet within a point, 31-30, at the break. Erskine started the second half by scoring the first seven points to take the lead, as part of a 13-2 run that opened up a double-digit advantage early on in the second period. From then on, the Fleet used balance and big plays on both ends to withstand SWU runs and keep the Warriors at arms-length, earning the Fleet their first conference win in over two years.

GAME STATS vs Southern Wesleyan (W 79-63)
POINTS: Jayden Byrd (16)
REBOUNDS: Jaylen Prioleau (10)
ASSISTS: Corey Gaines (4)
BLOCKS: Larry Mitchell (4)
STEALS: Christian Monroe (2), Jaylen Prioleau (2)

THE PLAYER
After a relatively quiet first half, freshman forward Larry Mitchell was an absolute force on both ends in the second half. Mitchell finished the night with a career-high 12 points, along with four blocks, also a career-best. Mitchell was an efficient 4-for-6 from the field, while also adding four rebounds, two assists, and a steal in just 27 minutes of action.

THE TEAM
Erskine shot 44% (26-59) from the field and 35% (10-29) from the three-point line, as well as 74% (17-23) from the free throw line. The Fleet held a 33 to 31 advantage on the glass and received 36 points from its bench, led by Jayden Byrd (16 points) and Christian Monroe (13 points) as Erskine had four players in double figures.

WHAT'S NEXT? 
Erskine welcomes North Greenville University (9-15, 3-13 CC) to town on Saturday at 4 p.m. NGU held off a furious Fleet rally in Tigerville in the teams' meeting earlier this season, an 85-75 Fleet loss in their conference opener back in early December.

MORE ABOUT THE ERSKINE COLLEGE FLYING FLEET

    Visit Official Home of Erskine Athletics at www.erskinesports.com
  
    Follow on Social Media – Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | YouTube | Photos