Wise, Va. (Nov. 3, 2010) --- The Milligan College men's basketball team came up short in their season opener against former AAC foe UVA-Wise on Wednesday night as they fell 97-81 in Greear Gym in Wise, Va.

Milligan kept in contact with the Cavaliers in the first half as they trailed 48-40 at the break. The Buffs continued to fight hard, but was unable to close the gap on UVA-Wise in the second half.

Hudson Fricke (Greeneville, SC) led the Buffs with 26 points. Former Dobyns-Bennett standout Justin Sylvester (Kingsport, TN) had a double-double with 21 points and 10 rebounds, while freshman Kyle Grisby (Charlotte, NC) scored 10 points and recorded four assists in his Milligan debut.

As a team, Milligan was 24-of-61 (39%) from the field, while they were 9-of-24 (37%) from behind the arc. UVA-Wise was 35-of-61 (57%) from the field, and 5-of-15 (40%) in 3-point territory.

The Buffs return to action on Tuesday, Nov. 9, when they travel to Central, S.C., for a nonconference tilt with Southern Wesleyan University. The game is scheduled for a 7:30 p.m. start.