LIBERTY, MO. – The Purdue University Northwest men's basketball team was defeated 103-73 by the Rockhurst Hawks Friday night in the season opener. Freshman Chase Rankin (Columbus, Ohio/Gahanna Lincoln) led the way for PNW with 14 points in 24 minutes off the bench in his collegiate debut.

After a Rankin layup cut the Rockhurst lead to 22-17, the Hawks went on a 7-0 run to force a timeout for the Black and Gold. The Pride were never able to climb back into contention as RU sophomore Chris Hamil put up 27 points, including six of nine shooting from three-point range.

Durante Lee (Gary, Indiana/IU Kokomo) stood out for PNW in his debut in the Black and Gold, making all five of his shots from the field and tallying 11 points and two rebounds. Frank Nunn (Anderson, Indiana/Liberty Christian) was able to maximize his time on the court, as he poured in ten points in just nine minutes of action.

Head coach Boomer Roberts made his official debut with the Pride after being hired last May, and he had this to say about his inaugural game leading Purdue Northwest:

“Obviously a difficult start to the season tonight, as we didn't play very well on either end. I liked our aggressiveness early, but we lost our edge near the end of the first half and into the second half, especially on D. Can't have those lapses and expect to beat a good team. We'll have to learn from it quickly, because we play another good team tomorrow night in Jewell.”

PNW will be back in action Saturday afternoon for the second half of the GLIAC/GLVC Challenge, matching up with host William Jewell University at 3:30 pm (CST) from the Mabee Center.