Davidson, NC (November 3, 2025) - The DeSales University men's basketball team dropped a 97-63 decision at Division I Davidson College on Monday evening in an exhibition game for the Bulldogs.

The Basics

• Final Score: Davidson - 97, DeSales - 63
• This game had special meaning for head coach Scott Coval, who got the chance to coach against and see his son, Nick Coval, start and play in his first collegiate game after red-shirting last season with the Wildcats.
• It was also special for sophomore Jayden Thomas, sophomore Robbie Ruisch, and senior Will Meeker, who were HS teammates with Coval at Parkland HS.

How it Happened

• Davidson scored the first six points of the game as the Bulldogs came out with some early jitters.
• DSU calmed down as sophomore Emanuel Domingo and Luke Keppel each hit 3's to get DeSales within three points early.
• Trailing 14-6, the Bulldogs rallied as senior Brendan Boyle ignited a 13-5 run as DSU tied the game at 19 eight minutes into the game.
• Boyle had eight points during the spurt, first-year Riley Buzby hit a 3, and Thomas tied the game at 19 with a floater in the lane.
• Leading 26-22, the Wildcats scored nine straight points to take a 35-22 lead and ended the half on a 12-2 spurt to take a 49-30 lead into the halftime locker room.
• DeSales showed some fight early in the second-half cutting a 21-point deficit down to 11 points after a 12-2 run capped off by a 3 from Ruisch.
• The Wildcats answered with a 14-2 run to take a 70-46 lead and never looked back from there.

Top Bulldog Performers

• Boyle was the lone Bulldog in double digits with 17 points off the bench.
• Sophomore Luke Keppel had eight points and sophomore Ty Mishock added seven points.

For the Foes

• Hunter Adam came off the bench to score a game-high 18 points, hitting 5 3's.
• Coval finished with seven points in his first collegiate game.

Inside the Box Score

• Davidson shot 50.8 percent from the field and dominated the paint scoring 36 points in the lane.
• The Wildcats also had 12 second chance points and held a 23-2 advantage in fast break points.

Up Next

• The Bulldogs will officially open the season this Friday taking on Neumann University in the University of Scranton Tip-off Tournament at 7:30 pm.