Bears blitz Bulldogs in return to Shuford

HICKORY, N.C. – The Lenoir-Rhyne men’s basketball team decisively defeated Wingate 92-59 on Wednesday, February 4, 2026, at Shuford Arena. The victory snapped a losing streak for the Bears and was fueled by a dominant performance on the boards and balanced scoring.

A Dominating Performance

Junior Hodnett and Akili Evans each led the Bears with 18 points. Julian Dozier contributed 12 points, while Amarion Savage and Conrad Luczynski added 11 and 10 points, respectively. Lenoir-Rhyne controlled the game from the start, taking the lead with a three-pointer from Julian Dozier at the 15:41 mark of the first half.

Did You Know? Lenoir-Rhyne now leads the all-time series against Wingate 49-33, having won the last five matchups.

Rebounding and Efficiency

The Bears’ victory was built on a significant rebounding advantage, outboarding Wingate 42-22, with a 29-10 edge in the second half. Lenoir-Rhyne shot 57.6% from the field, 47.8% from three-point range, and 81.3% from the free throw line. Wingate struggled with their shooting, managing only 36.7% from the field.

Expert Insight: Lenoir-Rhyne’s strong rebounding performance and efficient shooting suggest a well-rounded team capable of controlling the pace of the game and capitalizing on scoring opportunities. This level of performance positions them favorably within the South Atlantic Conference.

Looking Ahead

Lenoir-Rhyne (17-6 11-4 in the South Atlantic Conference) will return to Shuford Arena on Saturday, February 7, 2026, to face the UVA Wise Cavaliers at 4:00 p.m. The Cavaliers (17-6, 10-5 SAC) previously defeated the Bears 76-67 in Virginia in December, and lost to Carson-Newman earlier on February 4, 2026. This upcoming game carries significant implications for both the SAC standings and potential NCAA Tournament bids.

Frequently Asked Questions

What was the final score of the game between Lenoir-Rhyne and Wingate?

The final score was Lenoir-Rhyne 92, Wingate 59.

Who led Lenoir-Rhyne in scoring against Wingate?

Junior Hodnett and Akili Evans each scored 18 points to lead Lenoir-Rhyne.

When is Lenoir-Rhyne’s next game?

Lenoir-Rhyne’s next game is on Saturday, February 7, 2026, at 4:00 p.m. Against UVA Wise.

With a recent win and a crucial matchup against UVA Wise on the horizon, what impact will this game have on the Bears’ season trajectory?