Bridgewater, Va.- The Bridgewater men’s basketball team placed in the win column Friday night as they welcomed Albright to face off in the Carlyle Whitelow Invitational. Sophomore Landon Hawes led the way for the Eagles, scoring 18 off the bench and grabbing eight rebounds.  

“I thought we came out ready to play at home and our defense was super solid, leading all the way up until the half,” said Hawes.  

The Eagles were eager to get out on the floor and back in front of their home crowd. Bouncing off of the energy in Nininger Hall, the Eagles jumped to a 15-7 lead early in the first half. 

“It was my brother’s first game at home as an Eagle, and it was great to see him on the court and in action for the first time in a couple of years,” said junior Hayden Hawes, the brother of Landon Hawes. 

Senior Andy Pack who had 17 points in the contest found junior Alec Topper down low for a big dunk towards the end of the first half, and the Eagles did not look back as they continued to extend their lead. Pack also added two assists and two boards on the night.  

Topper, who played a large role for the Eagles last season, scored 11 for the Eagles and was a steady option on the offensive end.  

Sophomore Shod Smith, who is set to have a breakout season, scored 14 points for Steve Enright’s squad. 

The 5’10 guard from North Carolina controlled the offense all night and was key to helping Bridgewater break Albright’s full-court pressure. Smith also had seven assists and added three steals in the contest.  

At the half, the Eagles held a 12-point lead, but the Lions would not go away quietly. Down the stretch, it was clutch free-throw shooting and Albright’s defense that propelled Bridgewater.  

“I thought we came out pretty slow in the second half,” said Hawes. “We managed to get some timely buckets and big stops to maintain our lead throughout the game.”

The Eagles were able to attack the offensive glass, adding up 16-second chance points, however Albright out-rebounded Bridgewater 43 to 37.  

Enright’s bench production was key for the Eagles as they totaled 32 points including the game’s leading scorer.  

The Eagles are set to hit the road on Saturday, Nov. 19 when they visit Penn State in Harrisburg.  Tip-off is set for 2 p.m.