NORFOLK, Virginia - The Virginia Wesleyan University men's basketball team fell to the Division I Monarchs of Old Dominion University, who opened their season, on Wednesday evening in the TowneBank Showcase in Chartway Arena in Norfolk, VA. 

GAME INFORMATION
Score: Old Dominion 80 - Virginia Wesleyan 60
Records: Virginia Wesleyan 1-2 | Old Dominion 1-0
Location: Chartway Arena | Norfolk, VA

INSIDE THE SCORE
The Monarchs found the scoreboard first off a three pointer but the Marlins were quick to respond with a three of their own from senior guard Corey Pelham. ODU went on an 8-0 run taking an 11-3 lead before the Marlins scored again thanks to Pelham as the clock ticked under 16 to play in the first half. Virginia Wesleyan climbed within three points of Old Dominion, 14-11, after an 8-3 rally, but ODU took off on a 10-2 run taking a 24-13 lead with less than 11 minutes to play in the half. A three pointer by Jordan Crump at the 6:23 mark brought VWU within eight points of ODU, 28-20, but the Monarchs went on to close out the half on a 15-9 run to lead 43-29 at the buzzer.

The Monarchs averaged a 15 point lead throughout the second half despite the Marlins fighting to get every basket. Virginia Wesleyan scored 31 points in the second half while Old Dominion posted 37 en route to winning their season opener 80-60 over VWU. 

MARLIN LEADERS
The Marlins were led by Tim Fisher with 18 points and seven rebounds. Corey Pelham was the only other Marlin in double-digits with 10 points while Anthony Jackson added nine and Eric Rowland contributed eight. Miles Wallace tied Fisher for the team lead in rebounds at seven. 

MONARCH LEADERS
The Monarchs were led by Kalu Ezikpe with 21 points and a game-high 12 rebounds while C.J. Keyser added 16 and Jaylin Hunter tallied 12 points.

UP NEXT
The Marlins return to action on Saturday, Nov. 13, when they host the Saints of Marymount University at TowneBank Arena in Virignia Beach. Tip off is set for 3 PM.