Staff report

NEWBERRY, S.C. — Newberry’s struggling men’s basketball team received an early Christmas present on Wednesday.

Catawba had a season-worst outing at Eleazer Arena in front of 185 fans, and the Wolves took a 68-54 South Atlantic Conference victory.

The Indians suffered through a 20-point first half.

Newberry (5-6, 2-5) climbed up to 10th in the standings in the 13-team SAC with the unexpected triumph.

Catawba (7-5, 5-4) didn’t help itself in its efforts to move up from the middle of the pack. The Indians shot 30 percent from the field, including 3-for-21 from 3-point range, on a forgettable evening.

Newberry didn’t exactly light it up, but managed 41.2-percent shooting and got 21 points at the free-throw line.

Montraivis White scored 11 for Catawba. Ibra Athie had 10.

Catawba    20    34   — 54

Newberry  26   42    — 68

CATAWBA scoring — White 11, Athie 10, Jones 9, Tucker 9, Banks 6, Hilliard 4, Chase Daniel 3, Robinson 2.