WORCESTER, Mass – The Assumption University men's basketball team used a hot shooting day to open up their conference play with an 83-63 victory over Southern Connecticut State University on Saturday afternoon at Laska Gymnasium. 
 
THE BASICS
Score: Assumption University 83, Southern Connecticut State University 63
Records: Greyhounds (2-1, 1-0 NE10), Owls (3-1, 0-1 NE10)
 
HOW IT HAPPENED
 
Assumption came out of the gates aggressive at home, as Kani Glover knocked down a step-back three to give Assumption an early 9-2 lead. Glover answered with another, followed by a driving layup, putting the Hounds up 18-9 early. Kazell Stewart was working down low to keep the Owls within range, converting a dunk 10 minutes in to get the Owls back within six. Glover dropped his third three of the half with 6:57 remaining, adding his total up to 11 points and forcing a timeout from the Owls. The Owls would not go away without a fight, as Sean James got going with his third three to cut the lead to four. Assumption continued to add buckets that were responded to by the visitors, with a Marty Silvera step back cashing to make it 34-31 Hounds. Right before halftime, Assumption got two buckets from Tayeshawn Cunningham-Pemberton and Kyle Hicks to extend the lead to six, 40-34 at the break. 
 
The Greyhounds came out the second half on fire, and they had Daouda Dembele to thank. Dembele converted on four streak buckets in a big run from the Hounds out the gate, putting Assumption up 53-38 as they started to pull away from their opponents. Kasey Draper also got going, knocking down a three at 13:41, followed by two Cooper Creek threes within a minute's span. Draper converted on another three at 10:40 to get the lead up to 20 at 67-47, as Assumption played quickly. The Owls didn't let it extend much further from that, as they got to the line often with the Hounds in foul trouble. The Hounds starting five guided the side to victory, as four of the five starters finished in double figures. Assumption opened up conference play with an 83-63 win. 
 
 INSIDE THE NUMBERS

• The Hounds shot 53.2 percent from the field and 45.8 percent from beyond the arc, shooting 60.0 percent overall in the second half
• Draper used a hot second half to lead the Hounds, dropping 22 on 8-16 shooting and 4-6 from beyond the arc.
• Dembele had 18 on 8-9 from the field, while Hicks and Glover each contributed 14 as well.
• The Owls shot 33.9 percent from the field and 30.8 percent from beyond the arc.
• Assumption is now 14-17 all-time against Southern Connecticut State

 
UP NEXT

• AU at The College of Saint Rose, Tuesday, November 21, 7:30 pm
• SCSU vs. Adelphi University, Tuesday, November 21, 7:30 pm

 
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