Boxscore

With three newcomers scoring in double figures, the University of Evansville overpowered Division III Hanover College 77-50 in the Purple Aces’ opening exhibition game Saturday in front of a crowd of 4,011 at Roberts Stadium.

Freshman Colt Ryan scored 16 points, connected on 3-of-4 from behind the arc and pulled down seven rebounds. Sophomore Bryan Bouchie, playing for the first time since transferring from Valparaiso after the 2008 season, also scored 16 points while collecting eight boards. Freshman Troy Taylor recorded 10 points, five assists and three of the Aces’ 10 steals.  Junior Kavon Lacey added eight points in 26 minutes, in his first game since undergoing knee surgery in May.

"I saw some good things," said UE coach Marty Simmons.  "Colt made some shots.  Bouchie gave us a presence inside, and the guards were up tempo.  But we need to sustain better play for a longer time, and we need to pressure the ball more often.  We gave up a lot of good looks."

UE was able to score a majority of its points in the paint, as the bigger Aces outscored Hanover 40-14 close to the basket. The Aces shot 46.7 percent for the game, hitting 28 of 60 shots.  The Panthers were 15-for-59 for 25.4 percent.

In the first half, a Ryan three-pointer started an 11-0 scoring run to pull the Aces ahead early 18-6. After the halftime break, UE made 4-of-7 three-point baskets to increase the lead to 31 points late in the game, at 77-46 in the final three minutes.

The Aces return to Roberts Stadium next Saturday on Homecoming at 7:05 p.m. to take on Kentucky Wesleyan in UE’s last exhibition game.  The regular season begins November 14 against Oakland City.