BANNER ELK, N.C. — Behind 22 points from Zach De La Cruz and 20 points from Isayah Johnson, the Catawba Valley Community College men's basketball team rallied for a 94-81 victory against host Lees-McRae on Friday night.

CVCC (4-1) trailed 46-44 in the first half against Lees-McRaem and Johnson led the first-half charge for the Red Hawks with 13 points.

Despite trailing at halftime, Catawba Valley rallied behind the play of De La Cruz and guard Dezure Moulden, who scored 13 and 12 second-half points, helping the Red Hawks outscore the Bobcats 50-35 during the half en route to its victory.

Catawba Valley was aided in Friday's non-conference game by strong performances at the free throw line. The Red Hawks made 31 of their 36 attempts at the charity stripe, including De La Cruz making nine of his 10 free chances.

Off to its best start since the 2015-16 season, the Catawba Valley men's basketball team returns to action next Sunday for the second of three-straight road contests.

The Red Hawks travel to Gaffney, S.C. for a 6:30 p.m. contest against the Limestone JV squad.