WINSTON-SALEM, N.C. — After a challenging weekend at the Bevo Francis Classic, Carolina University Men's Basketball looks to regroup under Head Coach Jacob Heck as the Bruins return home to host Montreat College on Tuesday, November 25 at 6:00 p.m. inside Williams Gymnasium. Carolina enters the matchup at 2–6, while the Cavaliers come in at 3–4.
Carolina aims to reset after two close, high-level contests at the Classic, including an overtime setback to WVU Tech. Despite the recent losses, the Bruins continue to show encouraging statistical strengths — particularly on the glass. Carolina currently averages an impressive 44.5 rebounds per game, out-rebounding opponents by 12.6 boards per outing. The frontcourt combination of Tristan Kuska (6.5 RPG) and Zay Scott (6.5 RPG) anchors a unit that has been one of the most productive rebounding teams in the region.
Offensively, the Bruins are led by Shawn Woodson, who paces the team at 14.3 points per game on 46.9% shooting, while Kuska contributes 14.0 points per game on an efficient 62.9% from the field. Deuce Ford, having returned to action, is also posting 11.8 points per game and provides a needed perimeter scoring presence. Carolina enters Tuesday averaging 80.6 points per game, slightly outpacing Montreat's defensive average of 78.9 allowed.
Montreat arrives after a competitive early-season schedule that features strong offensive balance, highlighted by standout guard RJ Manginello, who leads the Cavaliers with 18.4 points per game while shooting 90% from the free-throw line. Montreat features three double-digit scorers and averages 79.9 points per game, while also knocking down nine three-pointers per contest—an area Carolina will look to contain.
The Cavaliers are coming off a home loss to Pikeville but have shown the ability to win on the road, including an 83–78 victory at CIU. Montreat's perimeter shooting (32.5% from three) and aggressive defensive approach (7.9 steals per game) make them a dangerous opponent.
For Carolina, Tuesday's matchup presents a key opportunity to regain momentum before the heart of the season picks up. The Bruins' formula will center on controlling the boards, reducing turnovers (currently 18.5 per game), and capitalizing on high-percentage looks in transition and the half-court.
Tip-off is set for 6:00 p.m. in Winston-Salem, where Carolina University will look to defend home court and move one step closer to finding consistency as the season progresses.
