JOLIET, Ill. --- A 54-point opening-half sprung the University of St. Francis men's basketball team to a 93-75 season-opening victory over East-West University at the Sullivan Center on Monday night. 

Head coach Ryan Marks' club shot 60.5 percent from the field  in the opening half, converting on 23 of its 38 shots in the first 20 minutes and finished at just over 50 percent (50.7, 35-of-69) for the game. The Saints used a trio of runs to build a comfortable 54-32 advantage at the break. 

The first run of 7-0 turned a 20-18 edge into a 27-18 lead. That was followed shortly thereafter by a 9-2 push to provide the first double-digit margin of difference at 36-24. USF then went on a 16-4 surge over the last four minutes of the first half to take the 22-point lead into the break. East-West (0-7) would never threaten the rest of the way.

Carlos Tovias was of the Saints to boast a hot hand. He shot 7-of-11 from the field with three treys en route to a game-high 17 points. Joey Buggemi was one point behind with one more three-pointer (four total).

EJ Charles had a big opening night, as well, totaling 15 points on 6-of-10 accuracy, 12 rebounds and three blocks. Lewis Holey just missed joining him in the double-double club with nine points and nine rebounds. He also converted all four of his field goal attempts.

Charles and Holey helped the Saints gain a big 52-30 advantage on the boards.

Ball distribution was another big key to the victory for the Saints with no less than seven players recording assists. Russell Tillery topped the list with five, while Buggemi and Reihana Maxwell-Topia each added four.

East-West's De'Quani Jackson led all scorers with 32 points.

Up Next
The Saints continue their busy week on Wednesday when they head to Whiting, Ind. to open the Chicagoland Collegiate Athletic Conference season at Calumet College of St. Joseph. Tip off is 7 pm.
 

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