Maryville, TN. - In the Maryville Classic matchup, the Scots commanded much of the first half against East Texas Baptist University, but the Tigers rallied late. ETBU's closing push proved the difference as Covenant came up short down the stretch.

Final: Covenant 98, Johnson & Wales 107
Records: Covenant (1-8), JWU (1-8)

After a back-and-forth start, Covenant used a 14-4 run to build a 24-14 advantage seven minutes into the game. Johnson & Wales responded with a surge of their own, scoring fourteen unanswered points to reclaim the lead. The remainder of the first half remained tightly contested, with Johnson & Wales staying in front and carrying a 56-53 edge into the break.

Covenant opened the second half with a 7-0 run to regain a four-point advantage. The Scots later extended their lead to its largest of the half when Pierce Smith knocked down two free throws, making it 93-87 with 4:52 remaining. However, Johnson & Wales responded decisively, putting together a 14-1 run to seize control and move ahead 101-94 with just under a minute to play. The Wildcats maintained their momentum the rest of the way, closing out a 107-98 victory.

Logan Patterson led the Scots with an impressive performance, recording 25 points along with five rebounds and three assists. Fisher Mitchell added 12 points, while Derrius Teagle contributed 10. On the defensive end, Pierce Smith anchored the effort, finishing with 10 rebounds and six blocks to go along with his seven points.

Johnson & Wales held the statistical edge, shooting 51% from the field compared to Covenant's 46% and 40% from beyond the arc to the Scots' 38%. The Wildcats also controlled the glass with a 47-40 rebounding advantage and finished with 15 turnovers, two fewer than Covenant's 17.

Covenant moves to 1-1 all time against Johnson & Wales.

UP NEXT: Covenant takes on Sewanee at home on Wednesday night at 6:00.

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