Alliance, Ohio - On Monday, men's basketball opened play at a post-Christmas tournament (M Club Classic) in Alliance, Ohio with a 107–77 loss to nationally ranked Mount Union (12-0) at the McPherson Academic and Athletic Complex. The M Club Classic also features Wilmington and Calvin, with the Purple Raiders serving as the host.

The Mounties stayed competitive early but faced a tough challenge against the unbeaten Mount Union squad. Mount Union used an efficient offensive first half to build a 56-34 lead at the break, capitalizing on transition opportunities and second-chance points.

The Mounties continued to compete in the second half, scoring 43 points after the break and shooting 40 percent from the field over the final 20 minutes. The Mounties connected on seven three-pointers in the second half and showed improved offensive balance, but Mount Union maintained control throughout.

Transfers Senique Jenkins (Columbus, Ohio, Imani Christian ) and Donovan Bass-Briscoe (Alexandria, Va., Hayfield) paced the Mounties with 13 points each. Jenkins also pulled down a career-high 18 rebounds, while Bass-Briscoe shot 6-of-11 from the field. Fin Hutchison (Murrysville, Pa., Franklin Regional) provided a spark off the bench, scoring a career-high 11 points and knocking down three three-pointers, as Mount Aloysius received 40 points from its bench.

Stats Update:

• Through nine games, Jenkins leads the AMCC in rebounds (8.9 RPG)
• Bass-Briscoe sits third in field goal % (58.1) and fourth in assists (3.7 APG)
• Brandon Waters (Clear Brook, Va., James Wood) is third in the AMCC in 3PT % (45.8)