MONTGOMERY, Ala. — The Millsaps College men's basketball team used a gritty defensive performance and balanced attack to down Huntingdon College in the season opener, 96-88 at Roland Arena on Friday. Millsaps built an early 20-point lead in the first half, finishing with a 26-point advantage in the paint in the season opener.

Their defense recorded 10 steals, contributing to 21 points off turnovers. Despite a late surge by Huntingdon, which included 12 three-pointers, Millsaps maintained control to secure the win. The Majors also outshot the Hawks 48 percent (34-of-71) to 37 percent (28-of-75).

Millsaps starts the season with a 1-0 record following their victory over Huntingdon. Huntingdon now stands at 1-2 overall after the close defeat in the opener of the Hawks Classic.

Junior Cameron Lumar led with 17 points, hitting three 3-pointers and adding two steals as six Majors reached doube figures in scoring. Senior Caleb Kent scored 16 points and grabbed seven rebounds.

Junior Davion James finished with 15 points, converting two 3-point attempts, adding five assists and recording four steals. Classmate Jaxon Toney added 13 points, blocking two shots and pulling down three rebounds. Senior Dakota Gasca and junior Colt Donley both added 10 points each.

The game opened with Millsaps swiftly taking control, as a Lumar 3-pointer set the tone early at 19:24. Millsaps maintained pressure with consistent scoring from the paint. Gasca contributed a successful 3-pointer at 4:39, extending the lead to 20 points at 35-15.

Despite Huntingdon closing the gap with a 16-0 run off late free throws and a 3-pointer, Millsaps held a steady advantage, leading 39–34 at intermission.

Millsaps took control early in the second half with a pivotal sequence that included layups by Donley and Toney, each assisted by James and junior David Combest Jr. (nine rebounds), respectively, pushing the lead to 13 points. Millsaps maintained momentum through continued consistent scoring from the paint and effective assists, highlighted another Lumar's 3-pointer with 10:39 to play, contributing to a 17-point lead.

The Hawks had worked to close the gap to two points prior with 14:44 remaining, but that was as close at the hosts would get. A brief push late from Huntingdon was not enough as Millsaps sustained their lead with a balanced attack, ending the half ahead, 96–88.

The Majors will continue its stay in the Hawks Classic and face LaGrange College, beginning at 2:30 p.m. on Saturday. Live video and live stats will be available at gomajors.com.


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Founded in Jackson, Mississippi in 1890, Millsaps College is a national liberal arts college dedicated to academic excellence, open inquiry and free expression, the exploration of faith to inform vocation and the innovative shaping of the social, economic and cultural progress of our region. Consistently ranked as one of the best values in higher education, Millsaps has been praised by Colleges That Change Lives, The Princeton Review, Forbes Magazine, U.S. News & World Report, The John Templeton Foundation, and The Fiske Guide to Colleges.