The University of Tampa blistered the nets, shooting 83.3% from the field in the second half to lead the Pioneers to a 77-72 win over Texas A&M University-Commerce in the season opener for the men's basketball team.

The Lions (0-1) led for the entire first half and until the Pioneers' Rashad Callaway hit a three pointer that put Tampa in front 53-50 with 12:30 left in the game. The two teams exchanged leads until Chris Evans scored six-straight points to put Tampa in front 66-61 with 3:51 left. The Pioneers would not relinquish the lead down the stretch and A&M-Commerce would get as close as two.

All five starters for Tampa (1-0) were in double figures, including 17 points and 12 rebounds from Evans. He was joined in double figures by Rashad Callaway, who added 17, Jeremy Black and Johnathan Bell each added 16 apiece and Chris King chipped in 10.

Four Lions scored in double figures, including senior Scooby Johnson, who poured in a game-high 20 points. Senior Champ Sylvester added 16 points, seniors Kevin Widmeond and Lance Jackson each chipped in 14.

A&M-Commerce jumped out to an early 15-7 advantage on the strength of the senior tandem of Widemond and Johnson, who scored 12 of the 15 points. Widemond had 10 points, five rebounds and two assists; plus, Johnson scored nine points in his first 20 minutes as a Lion. The Lions went into the halftime break with a 36-32 lead, holding the Pioneers to 35.5% shooting from the field and 17.6% from beyond the three-point line.

The Lions will return to the court on Saturday at 6 pm in its final game of the Tarleton Tip-Off Classic against Palm Beach Atlantic.