Mayville, N.D. - The Comets Men's Basketball team looked to get the season off to a good start with a home contest against the Providence Pilots. Mayville State was able to wear down the Pilots on both ends and cruised to a 102-62 victory.

Head coach Brandon McGruder said, "I thought we came out a bit flat and I give Providence a ton of credit. They came out fearless and were the aggressor. We turned up the heat a bit and forced some turnovers that got our offense going."

The first eight minutes of the game were tight, as a Pilots three pointed sliced the Comet lead to 23-21. Mayville State then scored eight straight points with Juan Carlos Canahuate assisting on three of those baskets.

"I was a bit disappointed in our defensive performance. I'm a defensive minded coach and our performance was lack luster. We looked undisciplined and that's on me. I also give a ton of credit to Providence for executing, moving the ball and going at us," added McGruder.

The Pilots fought back to 29-33, then the Comets ripped off a 16-0 run, which included six points from Thomas Gieske. The Comets went into halftime leading 49-32. Gieske's 15 points and seven rebounds led the Comets attack.

Mayville State scored the first eight points of the half to boost their lead to 25 points at 57-32. The Comets then slowly strengthened their lead to as high as 44 points with just over four minutes remaining. A fast break layup by London Williams put the Comets at the century mark for points, and the buzzer sounded with the Comets winning handily 102-62.

McGruder added, "Overall I think when we ran the floor and found our bigs we looked good. I also think we have to come in mentally prepared, that's going to be huge. We'll adjust how we guard ball screens but we just have to come in with the right mindset."

Six Comets finished in double figures on the night, with Gieske's 20 leading the team. Jamison Kramer and John White Jr. each scored 14, Jesse Bergh went 6-8 from the field enroute to 13 points, Williams finished with 11 and Keyshaun Bolen hit 10 points. Gieske and Bolen each pulled down nine boards, Canahuate dished out nine assists and Bolen also collected four steals.
 
For full schedule and results visit: https://msucomets.com/sports/mens-basketball/schedule