SUMTER, S.C.- The Ave Maria University men's basketball team ran their record to 2-0 on Saturday night, earning an 83-70 victory over Morris College on the road. The Gyrenes led by seven points at halftime, and maintained their lead throughout in a 13-point victory.

Reigning First Team All-Sun Conference selection Jack Watkins led all scorers with 20 points, and narrowly missed a double-double with nine rebounds. Two Gyrenes did record double-doubles, with Michael Klekas finishing with 17 points and 10 rebounds, and newcomer Alex Sherwood ending the night with 14 points and 12 rebounds. 

Marlon Bennett rounded out an Ave Maria quartet in double figures with 15 points. Jaylen White added nine points, with Ave Maria's starters accounting for 75 of the team's 83 points. Six points from Bradley Alcime and two from Daniele Russo were the lone bench points scored by the Gyrenes in the win.

The Gyrenes dominated the glass against the Hornets, pulling down 49 rebounds to just 35 for the home team. Ave Maria also outscored the Hornets by a 27-15 margin from long distance, knocking down nine three-pointers.

It will be a busy weekend for the Gyrenes, who will play three games in the span of four days. AMU will battle Thomas University in a neutral site game in Lakeland, then head up to Waleska, Georgia for a Saturday game with Reinhardt and a Sunday matchup with Johnson University, who was receiving votes in the first NAIA Coaches' Poll.