WORCESTER, Mass.—The Assumption University men's basketball team used a huge first half as the Greyhounds raced to their eighth-straight win following an 86-72 non-conference win over Wilmington University (Del.) Friday afternoon inside Laska Gymnasium. 

THE BASICS:
Score: Assumption University 86, Wilmington University 72
Records: Greyhounds (8-2, 4-0 NE10) | Wildcats (3-10, 1-1 CACC)

HOW IT HAPPENED: 
After the two teams traded the first few baskets of the contest, Jamal Barnes exploded for three straight three-pointers, forcing an early timeout by Wilmington as they trailed 13-6 at the 15:17 mark. The Assumption lead would continue to grow as they went on an 11-3 run to go up 24-9. The pace of play would speed up in the later portion of the opening frame, as the Greyhounds outscored the Wildcats 26-22 down the stretch, with Zee McCown pouring in eight points, leading the Hounds to a 50-31 lead into the intermission. 
 
The pace of play sped up in the second half as both teams started to push the ball. Daouda Dembele opened the frame with back-to-back hook shots, putting Assumption up 54-31. The Greyhounds' lead would hover around 18-20 points over the next few minutes, but Tayeshawn Cunningham-Pemberton hit a pair of free throws, extending the Blue and White advantage to a game-high 24 points (73-49) with 8:59 remaining in regulation. Wilmington closed the game on a 23-13 run to close the gap to 14 point, as Assumption would come away with a 86-72 home win. 

INSIDE THE NUMBERS:

• Jamal Barnes, Kyle Hicks, and Noah Payne led the Greyhounds in scoring, as they each had 13 points apiece. 
• Baril Mawo and Daouda Dembele combined to stuff the stat sheet, as they recorded 14 points, 10 rebounds, four assists, four steals, and two blocks. 
• Assumption outrebounded Wilmington 42-35 while also outscoring the Wildcats 25-10 on fast break points. 
• The Hounds pushed their winning streak to eight games, the longest since they rattled off nine from November 4, 2012 to December 5, 2012. 
• Assumption leads the all-time series 2-0

 
UP NEXT:

• Assumption vs. Caldwell University, Sunday, December 22, 12:00 pm. 
• Wilmington vs. Staten Island, Saturday, January 4, 3:00 pm. 

 
--
For continuing coverage of Assumption University Athletics, visit assumptiongreyhounds.com and follow the Greyhounds on Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook.