HICKORY, N.C. — The Catawba Valley Community College men's basketball team won its home conference opener on Sunday, defeating Central Carolina 115-109 at the Tarlton Complex.

Benton Wofford paced the Red Hawks (3-2, 2-0 in Region 10) with a career-high 16 points.

Wofford was one of six Catawba Valley men's basketball players who reached double figures in scoring in Sunday's game, including Tre Hill (15 points), Evan Presnell (14), Nasim Fuller (13) and Jordan Strong-Byrd (13).

The Red Hawks pulled out to a 60-48 halftime lead against the Cougars (2-4, 2-4), but Central Carolina roared back early in the second half to take 74-73 lead with 13:23 remaining in the contest.

Despite only leading by as many as five points for most of the second half, Catawba Valley was able to withstand the pressure applied by Central Carolina and hold on to remain unbeaten in conference play so far this winter.

The Catawba Valley Community College men's basketball team has a lengthy break before returning to the court. The Red Hawks' next men's basketball game takes place on Wednesday, Nov. 29 on the road against Caldwell CCT&I. Tip off between the Red Hawks and Cobras is set fro 7 p.m. in Hudson.