OTTAWA, Kan. – The University of Saint Mary men's basketball team had no trouble getting past Kansas Christian College Friday evening in the first day of the Ottawa Tip-Off Classic, defeating the Falcons 83-58.

The Spires improved to 2-0 overall on the season.

The Spires held Kansas Christian to just 7-for-27 from the field in the first half and grabbed an extensive lead late in the period. Raylon Howard and Donnie Flowers connected on a couple buckets to break a 23-23 tie. Jesse Moss would hit a three-pointer before time expired to complete the 13-0 run as Saint Mary led 36-23 at the break.

Saint Mary continued to keep their foot on the gas pedal, building their lead to up to 27 with 15:28 left, after Christian Carmichael hit a basket. Kansas Christian slowly chipped away at the lead, but the Spires were too much for the Falcons to handle. Donovan Sinegal and Lavar McCullough ballooned the lead to over 30 points with one basket apiece, as USM ran away with the win.

Howard scored a team high 22 points, while Moss had 11 and McCullough scored 10. Brad Hailey led the Spires with nine rebounds and Carmichael had five assists.

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The Spires continue play in the Classic tomorrow against Calvary University at 12 p.m.