THE RUNDOWN
The DBU Men's Basketball team won its opening game Sunday evening in Honolulu, defeating No. 11 Southern Nazarene 79-78 at the Hoops in Hawaii DII Power Invitational Tournament. The Patriots led for the game's final 20 minutes, never trailing in the second half despite a furious comeback effort from the Crimson Storm.

DBU erased an early two-point deficit with 3:23 left to play in the first half and never looked back. The Patriots shot 47.5 percent, marking three of the last four games in which DBU has shot over 47 percent. DBU closed the game on four consecutive free-throws from junior Conner Lidiak to seal the win.

JT Harris and Carter Brown led DBU with 17 points each, adding seven rebounds and two assists. Jordan Manse added 16 points, and Zach Lord contributed eight points and two rebounds.

DBU HEAD COACH BLAKE FLICKNER ON THE WIN
"So proud of our guys for the way they battled and competed was big time. It was a really exciting win for us, we got to come back and play either Western Washington or Chaminade tomorrow, two nationally ranked teams, and it's really important that our guys get rest and respond well tomorrow. What an exciting venue and an exciting place, really proud of the way our guys battled today."

THREE THINGS YOU NEED TO KNOW
- DBU shot 62.5 percent from beyond the arc in the second half, the teams highest of the season.
- The Patriots handed Southern Nazarene just their second loss of the season, and their first since December 6th.
- The Crimson Storm's 78 points were their third-lowest total this year.
 
INSIDE THE NUMBERS
13 – The Patriots were a combined 13-16 from the free throw line, the second highest all season.
66- The Patriots shot a season high 66 percent from the field in the second half, the highest all season and most efficient since the Ouachita Baptist win November 17th.
47.5 - DBU shot 47.5 percent from the field, along with 10-21 from beyond the arc.
 
UP NEXT
The Patriots continue play as they face the winner of Chaminade versus Western Washington at 7:30 p.m. Monday evening in Honolulu.