DALLAS, Pa. – The College of New Jersey men's basketball team defeated Misericordia University in the season opener on Tuesday by a final score of 93-51.

In the first half, the Lions built a 25-12 lead with just under 12 minutes to play. Mike Walley converted on a lay-up to make it a 14-7 lead. Randall Walko hit from in close, then sank a jumper to put TCNJ ahead 18-9. A three-pointer from Sterling White extended the advantage to 23-12, then a Ryan Jensen lay-up put TCNJ ahead by 13.

The Lions went on a 17-10 stretch in the end the first half to take a 47-27 lead into the break. Walko hit a lay-up, then knocked down a three-pointer to put TCNJ up 42-21. Free throws from Travis Jocelyn and Jensen put TCNJ out in front by 20 at the end of the first period.

TCNJ carried over that momentum into the second half, and took control of the game with a 12-0 run out of the break. Two consecutive Walko buckets were followed up by a Walley three-pointer. Jocelyn and Walko both hit lay-ups, then Danny Bodine threw down a dunk. A trifecta from Tommy Egan gave the Lions a 64-33 lead with 15:25 to play.

The remainder of the game was controlled by TCNJ as the Lions cruised to victory. Walko led TCNJ with 31 points, and was very efficient from the field. He shot a scorching 13-of-16 from the floor, also added seven rebounds. Jensen racked up 14 points on an effective 5-of-8 from the field. Jocelyn tallied 13 points and grabbed eight rebounds. Walley was the fourth Lion in double figures with 11.

As a team, TCNJ shot 51.4 percent from the field (34-of-64), and added 21 assists. TCNJ has a sizable advantage down low, as it scored 40 points in the paint compared to the Cougars' 16.

The Lions return to the hardwood on Nov. 16. TCNJ will take on Hamilton College as part of the Drew Rose City Tip-Off Classic at 7:30 p.m.