HAMPDEN-SYDNEY, Va. – Fifth-year Jake Hahn (Ruckersville) posted his 13th career double-double with 18 points and a game-high 10 rebounds, and sophomore Alex Elliott (Marietta, GA) scored a career-high 18 points, to lead Hampden-Sydney College to an 86-72 season-opening basketball home win past Greensboro (NC) College on Friday evening at S. Douglas Fleet Gymnasium in Kirby Field House. Sophomores Josiah Hardy (Ashburn) and Adam Brazil (Mooresville, NC) finished with 13 points and 11 points, respectively, for the host Tigers (1-0). Greyson Collins scored a game-high 23 points for the visiting Pride (0-1).

"What a great feeling to play in Kirby Field House in front of our home fans," said third-year head coach Caleb Kimbrough. "Loved our guys' energy tonight, this will be a fun team to watch!"

Playing at home for the first time in 618 days, H-SC took an early 6-2 advantage at 16:44 behind four quick points from sophomore Davidson Hubbard (Charlotte, NC) and a basket off the bench by Hahn. GC used an 8-3 run to take its only lead of the contest at 10-9 with 14:47 on the first-half clock. The Tigers responded with a quick 9-2 run to lead 18-12 at 11:51, getting points from Hardy, sophomore DJ Wright (Greensboro, GA), Elliott off the bench and junior Ryan Clements (Conyers, GA)—Clements scoring on a steal and slam dunk. Elliott later scored on consecutive possessions, including a three-point field at 8:07, to give the hosts their largest lead of the half at 26-16. A three-pointer by Hahn had the Garnet and Grey ahead 31-22 at 6:59, but the Pride rallied to within 35-34 with just 1:26 left until the break. H-SC, however, outscored the visitors 6-2 over the final minute-plus to lead 41-36 at the intermission.

The Tigers continued their late first-half momentum to start the second half and extended their lead to 55-42 at 15:30, following a three-pointer by Brazil. Hardy had five points during the early spurt, and Elliott added another three-pointer, as well. H-SC would continue its second-half run, pushing it to 28-13 for its largest lead of the contest at 69-49 with 10:24 remaining. Elliott sparked the outburst with eight points, including a pair of three-pointers. The hosts still led 78-61 at 6:06, after an offensive rebound basket by Hardy, and a three-pointer from Wright made it 81-65 with 4:13 on the clock. GC closed to within 82-72 at 1:28, but the Tigers closed the game with a pair of free throws by Brazil and another basket inside from Hardy to provide for the final margin.

Hahn and Elliott led H-SC with their respective 18 points, with Hahn (3-4 3FGs) adding his 10 rebounds for the double-double, while Elliott finished his collegiate-best game with 4-7 three-pointers, along with six rebounds and a game-high five steals. Hardy had 13 points and five rebounds for the Tigers, and Brazil contributed 11 points, five rebounds and three assists. Wright had seven points and seven rebounds, senior Jack Wyatt (Richmond) added seven points and five rebounds, and Clements contributed six points and a game-high eight assists. H-SC shot 44% (29-66) from the field, including 39% (10-26) on three-pointers, and 72% (18-25) at the free throw line. The Tigers outrebounded the Pride 53-39, taking a 21-8 edge in second chance points, and a commanding 45-16 advantage in bench points.

Collins led GC with his game-high 23 points. Matthew Brown added 12 points and eight rebounds for the Pride. GC shot 37% (28-75) from the field, including 29% (7-24) on three-pointers, and 69% (9-13) at the line.

H-SC will next play on the road at non-conference opponent Averett University on Wednesday night, November 10, at 7 p.m. in Danville.