The Northwest Christian University men's basketball team got their season off on the right foot Friday night, toppling Northwest Indian College 98-47 in what is believed to be the first collegiate basketball game played at any level for 2016-17.
 
Sophomore Austin Tyner (pictured) had an incredible day off the bench, shooting 10-for-11 from the field including a trio of three-pointers for a career-high 25 points.
 
The game was never in doubt as the Beacons built an early 14-4 lead and never looked back. NCU shot 59.7% from the field while holding the Eagles to 32.8% shooting. They dominated on the glass, collecting 51 rebounds while NWIC had just 22.
 
Behind Tyner, Senior Jay Mayernik made a statement to open his final campaign, scoring 13 points and a game-high 16 rebounds. Kenny Blackwell added 15 points and five assists and Michael Loomis returned after a season-long absence to score 12, hitting a pair of three-pointers. Jack Hackman scored just eight points but led all players with four steals.
 
Northwest Indian was led by Jalonie Pepper, scoring 11 points. Thomas Sylvester collected 10 and Charles Wilson came off the bench to add seven.
 
The two teams will do battle again on Saturday, with the opening tip scheduled for 1:00 pm.