URBANA, Ohio - - Men's basketball opened up conference play on Saturday afternoon with a 71-64 road win over Urbana University (0-4, 0-1 MEC). Going into halftime down by a point, 29-28, UVa-Wise (1-3, 1-0 MEC) used a second half surge to close out the team's first conference game of the season.

UVa-Wise struggled from the field early, hitting only 10-of-32 (31.3 percent) shots in the first half. The Cavs improved shooting in the second half, going 12-for-23 (52.2 percent) from the field.

Senior forward Taiwo Badmus had an outstanding performance that was highlighted by his first double-double of the season as he recorded 29 points, off of 8-for-14 shooting, and grabbed 12 boards. Sophomore guard Chance Sheffey assisted the Cavs, posting 14 points in the win.

Senior guard DeMarcus Edwards hit two huge three pointers down the stretch that shifted momentum in favor of UVa-Wise. Freshman forward Jordan Pointer also added six points to extend the Cavs advantage. The Cavs finished the night shooting 22-of-55 from the floor (40 percent) with 43 rebounds and 22 points in the paint.

Urbana's senior guard Carlas Jackson led the Blue Knights in scoring with 16 points on 7-for-18 shooting. Urbana went 25-for-64 from the field in the loss, with 26 points in the paint.

Men's basketball will take on Notre Dame on Monday with game time scheduled for 7:30 p.m.