Box Score

Post-Game Interview With Coach McCallum on Titan Youtube

Behind a suffocating team defense and an explosive offensive performance by a pair of newcomers, the UDM men's basketball team got its season off on the right foot with a convincing 92-51 victory over Ohio Dominican in an exhibition contest on Friday night in Calihan Hall.

“This was a real good start for us,” said head coach Ray McCallum. “I think with Xavier (Keeling) and Eli (Holman) and Chase (Simon), they haven't played a lot of basketball so it was good to get them out on the court. They are in the transition right now, finding their rhythm and it was good for them to be out there playing again.”

Detroit was led by newcomers in sophomores Eli Holman and Chase Simon, who each netted a game-high 24 points, with Simon adding six rebounds and three steals, while Holman grabbed eight boards and had four blocks.

“Eli is not a proven scorer, but he is a strong rebounder and I think he can block a lot of shots,” said McCallum. “But when it comes to scoring, he has the potential to be a great. He has great hands as he showed that tonight.”

Junior college transfer Curtis Eatmon netted 13 points, three assists and two steals, while senior Thomas Kennedy posted the game's only double-double with 13 points and 11 rebounds. Freshman John Hoskins also made his presence felt on the night with four points and 11 caroms.

UDM held ODU to just 23 percent shooting (15-of-63), while forcing 19 turnovers and blocking seven shots.

The Titans took control right from the start opening the game on a 13-2 run. The newcomers fueled the run scoring all 13 points, with Holman scoring the first five, Simon hitting a three and Eatmon chipping in five.

Detroit opened as much as a 15-point advantage in the first half and took a 35-21 lead at the intermission.

The red, white and blue put the game away in the second half on the strength of 25-6 run to go out in front by 30, 62-32, with 11:28 left in the game. The Titans never let up after that extending their lead to as many as 43, before settling for the 41-point victory.

UDM shot 46 percent from the field, including 51 percent in the second half, and dominated the boards with 56 rebounds, 22 on the offensive glass. Every Titan except Simon on the night recorded an assist, while junior Lamar Lee was the only player that did not come away with a steal.

Detroit will have one more exhibition contest before the official start of the season when the Titans host Adrian next Friday in Calihan Hall. Tip-off is slated for 7:05 p.m.