Wilmington, NC (January 2nd, 2024) - Before the Sea Devils capped off the holiday season, Cape Fear Men's Basketball competed in the Brunswick Holiday Classic tournament that ran Friday, December 15th through Sunday, December 17th. The Sea Devils finished off the weekend with a 2-1 record and ended their December run with an overall record of 8-3. Cape Fear earned 8 consecutive wins since the start of their season - with their only loss in December being to Harcum at the end of the Brunswick Holiday Classic.

Men's Basketball closed out a tight win against Chattanooga State CC on Friday night not only with high energy, but also with a unique balance of poise and patience. The Sea Devils consistently looked to draw fouls and grind through hard drives in the paint to shoot for 2. Cape Fear ended the matchup with almost a complete 60% for free throws made as 22 total points came from the Sea Devils at the line.

Knoah Carver led the charge against Chattanooga with 22 points and 6 rebounds - going 7 for 11 at the free throw line. Truman Claytor follows closely with a stellar 20 points to push the Sea Devils over the edge to win the game. Jalen Jefferson also made a solid impact with 19 points, 4 steals, and 5 assists.

Moving into Saturday's matchup against East Georgia State College, the Sea Devils were neck and neck with the Bobcast for most of the first half, but managed to turn their engines on in the second to close out their eventual 11-point lead. Cape Fear focused on high-pressure defense and forcing turnovers during settled Bobcats' offensive plays. Knoah Carver continues his streak with 20 points and 9 rebounds, while Korey Richardson enjoyed a well-rounded game with 13 points, 6 assists, 4 rebounds, and 2 blocks. Avion Pinner showed out with 9 rebounds under the basket, while Khalil Marshall earned 4 steals for the Sea Devils and secured 9 points.

Cape Fear finished off the weekend against Harcum, whom they previously lost a hard-fought 81-75 to in the Statesmen Tip-Off Showcase hosted by Richard Bland in November in Glen Allen, VA. While Cape Fear continued to push the tempo on defense and draw fouls from the Bears, the Sea Devils struggled to put baskets away behind the 2-point line. The Bears managed to find the gaps in the Sea Devils' defense to make a few good attacking plays and, unfortunately for the Sea Devils, were able to keep Cape Fear at bay inside the paint - forcing them to shoot more 3-pointers throughout the game. Daniel Lubamba stepped up for the Sea Devils with 16 points and 10 rebounds. Overall, Cape Fear put up a good fight against Harcum and walked away with a newfound drive to start the new year off strong as they near Region 10 Conference play.

"Throughout the weekend, we played with toughness and we played together," says Head Coach Mark Lane. "Playing 3 games in 3 days is always tough, but that prepares you for what it's like in March tournament play down the line. We're very happy with where we are at moving from the break into January ball."

Cape Fear Men's Basketball will return to action in the Schwartz Center versus Cleveland CC on Saturday, January 6th at 3:00 PM.