VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. --- Roanoke fell to #12 Virginia Wesleyan, 77-63 at the Batten Center on Saturday afternoon. The Maroons slipped to 6-12 overall, 3-6 in the ODAC. The Marlins improved to 16-2, 7-2 in conference play.

The Maroons, now 1-3 against top-25 teams this season, shot 42.6% from the floor to the Marlins 41.4%. Virginia Wesleyan out-rebounded Roanoke, 42-38 and controlled the ball well, dishing out 14 assists to only nine turnovers.

Down 12 with three minutes elapsed in the second half, Matt Crizer (Covington, VA, Alleghany)sparked a 12-2 Roanoke run to cut it to, 52-48, with 12:46 remaining. The Maroons traded baskets with the Marlins over the ensuing five minutes to stay within a two possession game.

The Marlins kept Roanoke out of reach the rest of the way, scoring 18 of the final 25 points en route to their 10^th win in the last 11 meetings. Missed free throws by the Maroons down the stretch helped VWC pull away late. Roanoke was 12-for-21 on the afternoon from the line.

Crizer led the Maroons with 16 points, including 4-of-6 from beyond the arc. Parrish Walker (Greensboro, NC, Dudley)had 13 points off the bench along with nine rebounds, four assists and two steals. Kendrick Chittock (Auburn, OH, University School)added seven points and five rebounds. Adam Kessler (Norfolk, VA, Maury)scored a season-best eight points with two rebounds and his second block of the season.

Stephen Fields had 18 points, 15 in the second half to lead Virginia Wesleyan. Donald Vaughn had a double-double with 16 points and 10 rebounds. Chris Astorga added 16 points and six boards.

The men will host #2 Guilford this Wednesday, Jan. 27 at the Bast Center. Tip-off is scheduled for 7 p.m.

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