HICKORY, N.C. — For the third-straight home game, the Catawba Valley Community College men's basketball team reached the century mark on Monday night.

The Red Hawks defeated Johnston Community College 104-81 at the Tarlton Complex to improve to 5-3 overall and 2-1 in conference games.

This marks the first time in program history that the Catawba Valley men's basketball team has recorded three-straight 100-point games to start a single season.

Behind 13 first-half points from Shad Thomas, the Red Hawks took a 49-36 halftime lead. Nasir Gibbs also reached double figures in scoring during the half with 12 points.

CVCC erupted for 55 points in the second half and ran away with the 23-point Region 10 victory.

Thomas finished with a team-high 23 points to lead the Red Hawks. Gibbs added 19 points and both Braden Graham and Evan Presnell finished with 12 points.

The Catawba Valley Community College men's basketball team returns to action for its second of six-straight home games. The Red Hawks host Southwest Virginia for a 7 p.m. contest at the Tarlton Complex.