Box Score Belmont, N.C.----The Wingate University Bulldogs shot 61 percent from the field in the second half, outscoring Limestone College 53-36 over the final 20 minutes en route to a 90-69 victory in NCAA Division II men's basketball action at the Hampton Inn by Hilton Tip-Off Classic. Wingate starts the season 1-0, while the Saints fall to 0-1 overall.

THOUGHTS FROM BRIAN GOOD

"I thought we struggled to find some offensive rhythm in the first half. Luckily we defended well, so we were able to maintain the lead. In the second half, we got a couple of easy baskets to start and really got it rolling."

KEY STATS

- Wingate shot 46 percent from the field on the night
- The Bulldogs hit 12-of-30 threes (40 percent)
- WU converted on 18-of-19 free throws
- Limestone shot 45 percent from the field, hitting nine-of-20 from beyond the arc
- The Saints turned it over 22 times; the 'Dogs had 12 turnovers on the night
- Wingate converted those 22 turnovers into 29 points
- The 'Dogs held a 36-30 edge in points in the paint and 18-6 fast-break advantage
- The WU bench outscored the LC bench 37-17
- The Bulldogs had 17 assists on 30 field goals
- Limestone held a 35-33 rebounding advantage and 13-9 edge in second-chance points
- The Bulldogs led by as many as 28 on the night and never trailed
- Wingate led for 39 minutes Friday night
- WU opened the second half on a 23-6 run after leading by four at halftime

KEY BULLDOGS

- Jakob Dawkins had 18 points, four assists, three rebounds and three steals
- Jarren Cottingham added 13 points, four assists, two rebounds and a steal
- Rashaard Pringle contributed 13 points, four rebounds and a blocked shot
- Miguel Priest had 11 points, hitting three-of-four shots from three-point range
- Shaman Alston chipped in with nine points off the bench
- Frankie Johnson led Wingate with seven rebounds, adding two steals and two assists

UP NEXT

- Wingate will face Belmont Abbey Saturday at 7:30 p.m.
- The Bulldogs have their home opener Wednesday night, hosting Virginia State at 7:30 p.m.
- That begins a five-game home stand, including SAC contests against LMU and Coker