NASHVILLE, Tenn.— The Drury Panthers started their 2019-20 season with an 89-71 win over Lake Superior State in the Trevecca Classic in Nashville, Tennessee, on Friday.
 
Drury led by nine late in the first half, but a 6-0 run by the Lakers closed the gap to three giving the Panthers a 39-36 halftime lead. DU quickly built a double-digit lead in the first six minutes of the second half and led by as much as 25 before closing out the game to win by 18.
 
"After our exhibition game last week, we emphasized starting the second half better," said Drury head coach Steve Hesser. "I thought we did that, we played with more energy and effort, and did some good things offensively. We scored collectively, and that was good to see."
 
Sophomore forward Asa Hutchinson led the Panthers with 19 points and scored 16 of those in the second half.
 
"Asa has made real strides since last spring," said Hesser. "He fouled out in the exhibition game and didn't get many minutes last week, but he was able to do some things today. He just needs to get some mileage - some experience."
 
Four other Drury players scored in double-figures as Brandon Emmert, and Malek Davis both had 14 points, Cal Hartley added 13, and Conley Garrison put in 11.
 
KeMontrece Collins had 15 points to lead Lake Superior State.
 
The Panthers play Trevecca Nazarene on Saturday at 6:15 pm in their second game of the Trevecca Classic in Nashville.
 
 
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