HICKORY, N.C. — Attempting to start 4-0 for the first time in program history, the Catawba Valley Community College men's basketball team came up just short against rival Caldwell CC&TI on Wednesday in a 68-63 loss at the Tarlton Complex.

The Red Hawks, who suffered their first loss of the season, were plagued by missed free throws in Wednesday's non-conference contest. CVCC made just 14 of its 39 attempts at the charity stripe, including connecting on just 7-of-20 attempts during the second half.

Despite making just 7-of-19 free throw attempts in the first half, Catawba Valley (3-1) was tied 34-34 at halftime with Caldwell (1-2). Isayah Johnson powered the Red Hawks with 16 first-half points — his largest scoring output in a single half this season.

While CVCC struggled at the free throw line, the Cobras were able to make the most of their free chances on Wednesday, including hitting 12-of-19 free throws in the second half and 22-of-39 overall in the game, which as marred by 58 total fouls (31 on Caldwell, 27 on CVCC).

Johnson finished Wednesday's game with a double-double — 15 rebounds and a season-high 22 points, which was four points shy of his career-high in scoring set in last season's finale (26).

Victor Tshiona and Brandon Reeves also reached double figures in scoring for the Red Hawks on Wednesday with 10 points apiece.

Josue Kamba paced the Cobras with 16 points, and CCC&TI teammates Jonathan Warren and Anderson Keller added 12 and 11 points, respectively.

The Red Hawks have a lengthy break before returning to the court on Friday, Nov. 16 in their first road game against Lees-McRae. Game time in Banner Elk, N.C. is set for 7 p.m.