BOX SCORE: USI 84, HSSU 61

EVANSVILLE, Ind. — The University of Southern Indiana opened the year with an 84-61 win over Harris-Stowe State University Saturday evening at the Physical Activities Center. USI, which has won 24-straight season openers, goes 1-0, while HSSU goes to 3-4 on the season.

The Screaming Eagles were led by its senior duo of guard Jamar Smith (Peoria, Illinois) and forward/center Jeron Lewis (Ft. Wayne, Indiana). Smith dropped in a game-high 27 points by hitting 11-of-21 from the field, including five long-range bombs.

Lewis posted a double-double to start the season with career-high 23 points and 11 rebounds. The senior post player, who scored 15 of his 23 points in the second half, also had a game-high and career-best four blocks.

Smith and Lewis were joined in double-figure scoring by junior forward Nick Duncheon (Montgomery, Indiana), who also reached a career-high with 15 points. All 15 of Duncheon's points came on five three-point field goals.

The game started with the Eagles spotting the Hornets a 7-0 lead before going on a 26-7 run to take control in the first half. USI would go on to lead by as many as 14 points in the opening half, 32-18, before settling for the 41-29 advantage at the intermission.

In the second half, USI hit the gas offensively and methodically put the game out of reach. The Eagles would increase the margin to as many as 25 points, 84-59, before HSSU got the final bucket for the 84-61 final.

The Eagles resume the six-game homestand Monday when they host Midwest Region foe, Tiffin University, at 7:30 p.m. Following the Thanksgiving holiday, USI hosts the Bill Joergens Memorial Tournament November 27-28 and will feature USI and Bellarmine University from the GLVC; Michigan Tech University from the Great Lakes Intercollegiate Conference; and the University of Minnesota Duluth from the Northern Sun Conference.