NEWBERG, Ore. — Hardin-Simmons' men's basketball team opened its season with a 73-66 win over Pacific (Ore.) in the Bon Appetit / Northwest Conference Men's Basketball Tip-Off Classic at George Fox University in Newberg, Ore.

Senior guard John Derr hit a 3-pointer in the first half to become the HSU all-time leader in 3-pointers made with 190. He finished the night with three 3-pointers and tied with Eric Taylor for the team lead with 17 points.

HSU had five players in double figures. George Nelson had a double-double with 13 points and 10 rebounds, Darius Singletary had 10 points, six assists and five rebounds and Titus Mims had 10 points in his HSU debut.

The Cowboys jumped out to a 12-4 lead in the first 3:41 of the game and maintained the lead throughout the first half. Leading by as many as 14 at 29-15 with 9:14 to play in the first half. Pacific closed the gap with a 17-5 run to make it 34-33 with 3:20 to play in the half. The Cowboys pushed it back to 42-36 at halftime.

The Boxers took their first lead of the game at 16:18 to play at 46-44 and the teams exchanged baskets for the next five minutes. Derr's 3-pointer gave HSU a 56-52 lead with 10:38 to play and Pacific never led again. They did tie the game at 64 with 4:46 to play, but HSU scored the next eight points to take control. In the run George Nelson had six points, including a monster dunk.  

Colin Wester led Pacific with 19 points and Budweiser Hawkins had nine points and 12 rebounds off the bench.

The Cowboys will play at Willamette on Saturday at 9:30 CST.

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