Quincy, MA - The Suffolk Univeristy Men's Basketball team opened up the 2009-2010 campaign with a 71-58 victory over Eastern Nazarene College on Tuesday evening. Freshman Matt Pepdjonovic (Quincy, MA) led the Rams with 17 rebounds and 13 points as the Rams overcame a 7-point deficit at the half to top the Lions. The Rams outscored the Lions 40-21 in the second-half, which included the Rams going on a 13-0 run late in the game to break it open.
Junior Allan Ray (Lynn, MA) had a team-high 15 points on 6-for-11 shooting from the field and pitched in with 8 rebounds. Pepdjonovic proved the be the difference as the 6'6 freshman grabbed 14 defensive rebounds in the game, giving the Rams an inside presence off the glass they've missed the past few seasons.
Freshman Karl Busch (Smithfield, RI) also helped chip in with 12 points and 6 boards in his first collegiate game as the Rams outrebounded the Lions 46-34 in the game.
The Rams finished the game with four players reaching double digits in points as sophomore Mike Gibbons (Ringwood, NJ) also had 10 points.
"We are pleased with results to start the season off on the right foot, but we still have a lot to work to do if we want to be where we want to be and play at the level I think we're capable of," Head Coach Adam Nelson said after the game.
The Rams will be back in action this weekend as they play in the New England College Invitational. The Rams tip off the tournament on Saturday as they take on University of Maine-Presque Isle at 1:00pm.