DC Men claim first win of ‘05

ANDERSON, Ind.—The Defiance College men’s basketball team took care of business on Saturday night, downing Thomas More College, 81-63, in the second day of the Anderson University Tip-off Tournament.

Defiance’s C.J. Johnson led all scorers with 23 points with a perfect 9-for-9 clip from the free-throw line, also hitting two triples. Curt Croy and Matt Muratori were next for DC with 13 points apiece. Muratori secured his first career double-double with 10 boards, two on the offensive end. The Jackets controlled the ball against the Saints’ full-court press, committing just nine turnovers, while forcing 16 by Thomas More.

The Jackets jumped on the Saints early and took a 44-24 lead into the halftime break. They held on to the lead on the strength of 29-39 shooting from the charity stripe, 18-27 in the second stanza. Defiance won the battle of the boards, 42-40.

Thomas More was led by E.J. Haynes’ 14 points on 6-of-9 shooting.

The Jackets even their record at 1-1 and will next host Heidelberg College on Tuesday at 7:30 p.m., following the Lady Jackets’ contest against the ‘Berg at 6:00.