Staff report

HICKORY — Catawba’s men’s basketball team shot 33.3 percent against the 15th-ranked team in Division II, so the negative outcome on Wednesday was no surprise.

Lenoir-Rhyne jumped out 18-4, led 42-23 at halftime and mauled the Indians 82-67 in South Atlantic Conference action.

L-R led by as many as 25 in the second half.

Catawba’s all-time leader in 3-pointers Kris Robinson made four more and scored 17 for Catawba (16-11, 13-10), while Justin Banks and Montraivis White added 11 points each. Ibra Athie had eight boards.

Tay Smith pumped in 20 for the Bears (22-5, 19-4). Conrad Luczynski had 17 rebounds.

Catawba will look to bounce back Saturday on Senior Day at Goodman Arena. UVA Wise visits.

Catawba              23    44   — 67

Lenoir-Rhyne    42    40   — 82

CATAWBA scoring — Robinson 17, White 11, Banks 11, Jones 7, Hawkins 6, McDuffie 6, Walker 4, Athie 2, Tucker 2, Carson Daniel 1.