BOX SCORE

NORFOLK, Va. – The Concordia Texas men's basketball team opened up the Marlin Tip-Off Classic, hosted by Virginia Wesleyan, with a win over North Carolina Wesleyan Friday afternoon, 89-85.

Sophomore guard Ephriam Price (15 points) and freshman guard Jordan Houston (14 points) led the scoring for the Tornados. Joe Neal and Rashad Coleman both added 10 points. NCW's Adrian Moore was the game's leading scorer with 29 points.

The Tornados started the game on the short end a 17-5 run to the Bishops before fighting back at the end of the half, closing the gap to 47-43 Bishops.

In the second half, the Tornados came out hot on 10-0 run in the first three minutes. The Bishops fought back however, retaking the lead at 66-64 with 10 minutes remaining.

NCW held a 77-76 advantage with four minutes left to play, but a steal by Joe Neal and a quick pass to Josh Samuels for a 3-pointer put CTX on top, 79-76.

The Battling Bishops would claw back to tie the contest at 81 after a 5-2 spurt, but Payton Barnes sealed the game-winning 8-4 rally for the Tornados with a pair of free throws with two seconds remaining.

The Tornados will face the winner of tonight's Virginia Wesleyan and Frostburg St. matchup, tomorrow. Game time for tomorrow afternoon's contest has yet to be determined.

Keep up with the Tornados in Virginia by visiting athletics.concordia.edu.