The Raven Men opened the home portion of the 2018-19 season in a big way Saturday, beating the University of Science and Arts of Oklahoma Drovers 82-54.

The Ravens were strong in several facets of the game, recording a better overall shooting percentage and three-point shooting percentage, more rebounds and more points in the paint.

A fast start helped get things going in the right direction as the Ravens sprinted to a 9-0 lead in the game's early minutes. The Ravens never trailed in the game and held a 41-25 advantage at halftime.

The Drovers closed the gap to single-digits in the second half, but the Ravens closed the game much like they started the game, taking complete control. The Ravens outscored the Drovers 41-29 in the second half to come away with the 28-point win.

The Ravens shot 47.6 percent from the field and 36.7 percent from behind the arc. The Drovers were held to 26.9 percent shooting and 22.2 percent from three-point land. The Ravens outrebounded the Drovers 50-34 and scored 20 more points in the paint, 36-16. The Ravens also recorded seven blocks on defense.

Thomas O'Connor led all scorers with 19 points and also pulled down six rebounds. Colby Nickels added 14 points and seven boards while Adam Kutney scored 13 points and Jaiden Bristol filled up the stat sheet with 12 points, 10 rebounds and five assists.

The win improves the Ravens record to 1-1 on the season.

Men's Basketball will hit the road for its next three games.

The Ravens will play at Park University on Nov. 5, then will take part in the Baker Classic in Baldwin City, Kan., with games against Avila University and Kansas Christian College on Nov. 9 and Nov. 10, respectively.

The Ravens return home at 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 14 to take on Missouri Valley College to open this season's Heart of America Conference play.