RELATED: Men's Basketball Slips By UPR Rio Piedras In Season Opener At Mayaguez Classic

MAYAGUEZ, Puerto Rico – A solid offensive and defensive performance by the UNC Pembroke men's basketball team powered by Quamain Rose and Jihad Wright with double-double outings led the Braves past Puerto Rico-Mayaguez, 80-70, on Friday afternoon at the Mayaguez Basketball Classic.

The victory marked the first time in 14 years (1999-00) that the Braves (2-0) have begun a season with two wins. 

Five players produced double-digit scoring games for the Braves, including Rose and Brandon Winford with a shared team-best 15 points as Rose pulled down 11 rebounds, dished out four assists and two steals in the process. Point guard Alex Bradley posted 13 points, while Griffin Pittman and Wright added 11 points each with Wright notching 10 rebounds, three assists and a pair of blocks. 

Alexander Rivera tallied a game-high 23 points and 13 rebounds for UPR-Mayaguez who shot just 36.5 percent from the field. Jerome Caraballo knocked in 17 points and snatched eight boards and seven steals for the Tarzanes. 

"This was a good hard-fought win for the Braves," said UNCP head coach Ben Miller. "We kept our composure during a physical game and had a good balance in scoring with five guys in double figures. The guys did a great job in controlling the lead and holding onto it down the stretch. We need to get ready for tomorrow because the game will be even tougher with us facing the best team so far with great coaching."

The Braves shot better than 41 percent from the field and 71 percent from the charity stripe which bested UPR-Mayaguez who was 53.8 percent from the foul line. UNCP also out-rebounded the host team of the tournament by 10 boards as the Black and Gold finished the game with 53.

UNCP cut back on giveaways from Thursday's contest and suffered 16 turnovers which resulted in 21 points for the Tarzanes, but the Braves relied on the bench for 26 of their points in the outing. The Braves held tight to the 10-point lead at the half, 43-33, and controlled the lead for the remainder of the game.

UNCP will close out its stay at the Mayaguez Basketball Classic on Saturday with tipoff at 2 p.m. against Puerto Rico-Bayamon.