CHADRON, Neb. -- December 1, 2019 -- A dozen Chadron State College players reached the scoring column Sunday afternoon when the Eagles defeated the Presentation College Saints 83-53 in a men's basketball game in the Chicoine Center.

It was the first victory for the Eagles whose previous five games were on the road, where they were outscored by an average of only 6.6 points a game.   

Chadron State was ahead all the way Sunday, posting a 14-3 margin in the first five minutes and owning a 43-13 lead after 13:30 had been played.  The Eagles sank six three-pointers while building that 30-point margin.

The hosts shot exactly 50 percent from the field for the game, connecting on 34 of 68 shots.    

But it wasn't just the offense that pleased CSC Coach Houston Reed.

"I was proud of the way we started with a great defensive mindset," Reed said. "We played really well at times. We're a pretty capable group. We just need to become more consistent and make the most of every possession.  Our guys are working hard to get everything put together. We're excited to be starting conference play this weekend."

Reed allowed all 14 players who suited up to play at least five minutes and only one Eagle was on the floor more than 20 minutes.

Brian Rodriguez, a 6-4 senior who transferred from San Jose State this fall, led the Eagles with 15 points and eight rebounds.  He was five of eight from the field, including three of five from behind the arc, and made both of his free throws.

Rodriguez was the team's only double-figure scorer, but off-guard Dominic Coleman tallied nine points and two inside players, Walker Andrew and Kenan Gray, along with versatile Stephon Bell, all contributed eight. That foursome made 17 of their 25 field goal attempts.

Prior to a statistical correction which will net him double digit assists, point guard Colby Jackson handed out nine helpers and had just one turnover.

Presentation, which is struggling this season, is now 2-10 for the season, but continued to hustle throughout the contest.  The Saints' leading scorer was 6-2 junior Nate Seyoum with 10 points. Elijah Coleman, a 6-4 senior, added eight.   

Located at Aberdeen, S.D., Presentation shot 31 percent from the field and outscored the Eagles 13-4 from the free throw line.

Chadron State opens Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference play this weekend by hosting two Denver teams--Colorado Christian on Friday night and Regis on Saturday night. The Eagles will then become road warriors again, playing their next five games in foreign gyms prior to their next home date on Jan. 10.

                Presentation--Nate Seyoum 10, Elijah Coleman 8, Ange-Michel Kuo 7, Jackson Becker 6, Alex Sumption 6, Andrew Woodward 6, Lawrence Chery 3, Aaron Havis 3, Cameron Kees 2, Damien Luna 2. Totals: 17-55 (6-18) 13-18 53 points, 36 rebounds, 22 turnovers.
                Chadron State--Brian Rodriguez 15, Dominic Coleman 9, Walker Andrew 8, Kenan Gray 8, Stephon Bell 8, Colby Jackson 6, Brady Delimont 6, Kevin DiMarco 6, Andre Sepeda 6, Jacob Jefferson 4, Kayden Sund 4, Ernesto Cordova 3. Totals: 34-68 (11-31) 4-9 83 points, 40 rebounds, 14 turnovers.

                Presentation                25                   28          ----53
                Chadron State             47                   36          ----83

                3-pointers: Presentation--Seyoum 3, Woodward 2, Havis 1. Chadron State--Rodriguez 3, Jackson 2, Delimont 2, Bell 2, Coleman 1, Cordova 1.