WINSTON-SALEM, N.C. – The Carolina University Men's Basketball team officially tipped off its 2026-27 season Thursday night inside Williams Gymnasium, welcoming Milligan University for its season opener. Despite a competitive start from the Bruins, the visiting Buffaloes pulled away to secure a 90-65 victory.
Entering his fifth season at the helm of the Carolina University Men's Basketball program, Head Coach Jake Heck looks to turn the page and establish a new identity following a challenging 2025-26 campaign that saw the Bruins finish with a 6-21 overall record. With 14 newcomers joining five returning players, Heck and his coaching staff enter the new season focused on building chemistry, developing consistency, and establishing a winning culture.
Thursday night's contest provided the Bruins with their first opportunity to showcase their revamped roster against outside competition.
Carolina University came out with energy in the opening minutes, trading baskets with Milligan and taking an early 8-7 advantage following a layup from DJ Evans. The Bruins continued to battle throughout the first half, keeping the contest within reach as Will Dixion connected on a three-pointer to cut the deficit to 23-21 midway through the period.
The Bruins continued to apply pressure, pulling within one point at 28-27 following a basket from Jaydin Spillman with just over five minutes remaining in the opening half. However, Milligan responded with a strong offensive stretch, closing the half on a 16-3 run to take a 44-30 advantage into the locker room.
Coming out of halftime, Carolina University looked to regain momentum behind Jaylen Wilkerson, who connected on two three-pointers early in the second half. A putback basket from Noah Jones trimmed Milligan's lead to 50-40 with just over 16 minutes remaining.
Despite the Bruins' efforts, Milligan continued to find success offensively, using its size and efficient shooting to extend the advantage. The Buffaloes shot 54.2 percent from the field for the contest and controlled the rebounding battle, 49-30, ultimately securing the 90-65 victory.
Carolina University was led offensively by DJ Evans, who finished with a team-high 13 points off the bench, including 10 in the second half. Israel Griffin followed with 12 points on 6-of-12 shooting, while Jaylen Wilkerson contributed 11 points, connecting on two shots from beyond the arc.
Will Dixion added nine points, four rebounds, and a team-high three steals, while Noah Jones finished with eight points and a team-high eight rebounds. Nate Lewis chipped in seven points and four rebounds.
As a team, the Bruins shot 35.8 percent from the field and 17.9 percent from three-point range. Carolina University also forced 14 Milligan turnovers while committing just seven of its own, converting those opportunities into 16 points off turnovers.
Milligan was led by William Robinson, who recorded a double-double with 20 points and 17 rebounds. Te'Jon McDaniel-McCormick added 17 points, 10 rebounds, and six assists, while Bo Koebbe contributed 13 points off the bench.
Although the result was not what Carolina University had hoped for on opening night, the contest provided valuable experience for a Bruins roster featuring numerous new faces adjusting to playing together.
Head Coach Jake Heck reflected on the season opener and the continued development of his team:
"Obviously, this wasn't the result we wanted to start the season, but with 14 new guys in our program, we understand that building chemistry and learning how to play together is going to take time. I thought we showed some good things early, especially with our energy and competitiveness, but we have to become more consistent on both ends of the floor. We have a group that is hungry to improve, and our focus is on learning from this game, continuing to build our identity, and getting better every single day. It's a long season, and I believe in the group we have in that locker room."
With the season now underway, Heck and the Bruins will look to use Thursday night's opener as a foundation for growth as they continue their 2026-27 campaign.
