Columbia, Mo. - The Cougar men's basketball team opened the 2015-16 season with a 78-54 home victory over Cumberland University tonight in the 2015 Cougars vs. Cancer Tip-Off Classic, presented by Cost Cutters. Columbia, ranked No. 16 in the NAIA Preseason Top 25 Poll, improves to 1-0 with their ninth straight season-opening win dating back to 2007-08.

With the Cougars trailing 16-14 midway through the frame, Nic Reynolds sparked a run as he made three shots from behind the arc, allowing Columbia to take a 25-19 lead over the Bulldogs. The Cougars maintained the lead from there and carried the 37-31 advantage into the halftime break. Columbia shot 40 percent while holding Cumberland to a 30 percent clip in the half. Reynolds sunk five-of-seven three pointers to end with 18 first half points.

After a slow start to begin the second half, the Cougars used a 9-0 run to extend their lead to 15 and gained a 56-38 advantage with ten minutes remaining in the game. Columbia maintained a double-digit lead over the Bulldogs for the remainder of the game as they ran away with the 78-54 season opening victory.

The Cougars shot 38 percent on the night, while holding Cumberland to 27 percent for the game. Columbia also finished with a 48-45 edge on the boards. Reynolds led all players with a career-high 23 points while Zach Rockers also finished in double figures with 17 points to go along with a game-high 13 rebounds. Chantel Stanciel and Jackson Dubinski handed out a game-high five assists apiece.

Columbia will continue action tomorrow in the Cougars vs. Cancer Classic presented by Cost Cutters as they take on Culver-Stockton College. Tip-off is set for 7:00 p.m. in the Arena of Southwell Complex.