Mayville, N.D. - Mayville State Men's Basketball kicked off their 2024-25 season this past weekend, going 2-0.

The Comets hosted the Providence University College Pilots (Manitoba, Canada) on both Saturday and Sunday, reaching 100 points in both games.

Game 1 - W 106-53

Mayville State came out Saturday night fast paced and aggressive early.

The Comets scored 58 points in the paint, 20 fast break points and 29 second chance points. They had 57 points off the bench, 12 different Comets scored and their largest lead was by 57 points. 

Senior, John White, Jr., lead the Comets in five different categories. He had 22 points, 7 steals, 4 assists, was 3-8 behind the arc and 9-15 from the field. 

Transfer junior, Trey Swayzer, followed close behind White, racking up 21 points, 4 steals and 8 rebounds. He was 8-13 from the field and 5-6 at the line.

London Williams had a double double in his first collegiate start for the Comets. He had 15 points and 11 rebounds.

Overall, the Comets shot 43.8% from the field, 31.6% from behind the arc and 75.9% from the free throw line.

Game 2 - W 118-60

In Sunday's game, the Comets came out slower than the night before, but picked it up halfway through the first half. 

They scored a whopping 72 points in the paint and had 40 fast break points.

The Comets also scored 85 points off the bench with 3 of those players in double figures. 

"I was proud of our bench tonight, they were able to score us some points but not only that, they turned it up for us defensively," said head coach Brandon Mcgruder. "They bring us a different dynamic and we look forward to building on that."

2023-24 NSAA POY, Darren Jones, returned to the hardwood Sunday afternoon, taking a break from his duties on the Comets Football team. 

Jones put up 23 points, 9 rebounds and had 1 steal within just 13 minutes on the floor. He was 9-10 from the field and 5-6 from the line. 

"Jones is a big time athlete. There isn't very many Darren Jones floating around, especially at our level," said McGruder. "We are look forward to having him back full time once football season is over."

Leomar Castillo had 17 points off the bench, nailing 4 threes in a row late in the game. He also recorded 3 rebounds and a steal. 

Devin Griffin, in his new role as a starter for the Comets, had 6 points, 10 assists and 4 rebounds.

"Devin really studied under JC Canahuate last year, he got to guard him every single day in practice and I know he still picks his brain quite often," added McGruder. "Devin is a guy that's only going to get better. He is a very smart, high IQ point guard. He was voted as a captain this year as a sophomore and we are looking forward to him having a good year."

As a team, Mayville State shot 57% from the floor, 43.8% from the 3 point line and 55.3% from the free throw line. Their biggest lead of the night was 58.

Mayville State will hit the road Friday, November 1st taking on Mount Marty at 6:00pm. For full schedule details visit: https://msucomets.com/sports/mens-basketball/schedule