JEFFERSON CITY, Tenn. - Charles Wimphrie's young squad put up a valiant fight against a talented Carson-Newman team to open the season but the Warriors fell just short, falling 83-69 on Friday night in the second game of opening night of the Carson Newman Classic. 

"Carson-Newman was very big and was experienced at all positions," said head coach Charles Wimphrie. "They had two players, both All-Americans, that really hurt us by stepping up when their team needed them. But, I'm very excited about how my young guys played tonight. The game was closer than the score indicated and we were in a position to win the game with three minutes to go. I'm proud of our effort and fight."

Freshman Zach Watson led the Warriors with 17 points in 33 minutes of action. Tyus Gaines and Justice McCullough also finished the night in double figures, scoring 11 and 10 points respectively. 12 players saw action for Southern Wesleyan.

The Warriors shot 46.9% from the field and 42.1% from behind the arc. The Warriors were 5-8 from the free throw line. 

Carson-Newman's Charles Clark led all players with 26 points while teammates Carson Brooks (18) and Sawyer Williams (15) both scored double digits as well. Brooks added 11 rebounds to earn a double double in the win with nine contributing in the points column. 

The Warriors take on Brevard in the team's second and final game of the tournament on Saturday, Nov. 14 at 5 p.m.