SALT LAKE CITY – Westminster Men's basketball defeated Dickinson State 81-65 on the opening night of the Westminster Thanksgiving Invitational Tournament.  Westminster improves their record to 3-0 on the season.
 
In the first half of play the Griffins shot 56.0% on 14-25 and 61.5% (8-13) from the three-point arc while holding their opponent to 41.7% on 10-24 shooting.  The first half would end with Westminster up 42-28 .
 
In the second half, the visitors from North Dakota would improve their shooting percentage and scoring output hitting 13 of 24 for 54.2% and 4 of 12 from beyond the arc to score 37 points in the half.  The Griffins connected on 48.3% of their shots going 14 of 29 and 12 of 20 from beyond the arc (57.1%) tallying up 39 points in the second half.  Dickinson State would make a late second-half run to narrow the margin to under 10 points with a couple three-balls.  After a timeout, the Griffins would regroup and go on a run of their own to put the game out of reach and seal the 81-65 victory.
 
Westminster's Dayon Goodman led all scorers with 24 points, six boards and seven assists.  Jarred Laws added 14 points, four rebounds and two steals, while teammates Quincy Bair and Sam Orchard each contributed 13 points apiece.

The Bluehawks we're led by Devon Loy with 15 points and seven rebounds.  
 
The Westminster Thanksgiving Invitational Tournament concludes with two-games on Saturday at 5:00 p.m. and 7:00 p.m..  The host Griffins face Seattle Pacific University at 7:00 p.m. in the Behnken Field House.  The SPU Falcons defeated Dixie State in a come-from-behind victory in the early game by a score of 79-70.  The 5:00 p.m. matchup includes Dixie State verses Dickinson State.   

Tickets can be purchased online in advance or at the door prior to the game.  Both games will include live websteam along with live stats.