HICKORY, N.C. — The Catawba Valley Community College men's basketball team opened its season Wednesday at home with a 70-59 victory against the Brevard College JV squad.

Sophomores Caleb Bryson and Steve Ruszala powered the Red Hawks (1-0) in their victory, scoring 11 points apiece in the contest.

CVCC gained a 21-8 advantage near the midpoint of the first half, but the Tornados (0-1) were able to cut their deficit to 40-31 by halftime.

Leading 50-43 in the early stages of the second half, the Red Hawks used a 20-6 late in the half, including six points from Matthew Gray and five points from Bryson, to close out its first win of the season.

The CVCC men's basketball team is back in action on Saturday with a non-conference home game against Spartanburg Methodist at 3 p.m.