DALLAS – The season opener didn't go as hoped for.

The Colorado Christian men's basketball team started the season with a 71-47 setback against St. Edwards on Friday evening during the RMAC/Lone State Conference Challenge.

It was the Cougars first non-RMAC contest since November of 2019.

HOW IT HAPPENED: In the opening half both teams had a rough go from the field as both teams hovered around the 30 percent shooting mark. The biggest difference came at the foul line as St. Edwards knocked down 13-of-14 while the Cougars made two from the charity stripe. It was their only two free throw attempts in the opening 20 minutes. At the break St. Edwards held a 34-20 edge.

The Hilltoppers continued to pull away as the second half unfolded. The Lone Star Conference school shot just over 45 percent from the field in the final 20 minutes while Colorado Christian eight of their 28 field goal attempts (28.6 percent).

COUGAR LEADERS: Jason Gallant scored a team high 11 points in his first game in a Colorado Christian uniform. DJ McDonald added a nine-point effort with Andy Stafford chipping-in eight.

INSIDE THE BOXSCORE

• The Cougars went 5-for-20 from behind the arc and 11-for-35 from inside the three-point line
• St. Edwards missed just one of their 18 free throw attempts
• There were no leads changes or ties in the contest

UP NEXT: Tomorrow afternoon the Cougars complete their road swing their Texas with a mid-afternoon contest against nationally ranked DBU.