St. George--The Red Lion Thanksgiving Classic, hosted by Dixie State, began with Westminster versus Western Oregon University.  The Wolves increased a three-point first half lead to nine, defeating the Griffins 68-59.

Senior Jai Jai Ely scored a three for the opening points of the game.  With four minutes remaining in the half the scored was tied 21-21 and neither team had led by more than four points.  A seven-point run gave the Wolves their largest lead of the half but Westminster answered with a 6-2 run to finish the half down by three, 31-28.

Westminster went 7-22 from the field in the second half allowing Western Oregon the chance to increase its lead to 14-points.  Going 17-21 from the free throw line helped the Griffins get back into the game but the lack of field goals proved too much to overcome.

Westminster finished 28-36 from the free throw line, 3-10 from three and 14-42 from the field.

Ely grabbed eight rebounds and led the team with a season high 18-points.  Sophomore Brandon Warr recorded a double-double with 10 rebounds and 10 points.  Senior Jacob McCord put 10-points on the board for the Griffins.

Westminster will be back in action tomorrow night against Academy of Art at 5 p.m.  Links to watch the game follow live stats are available on the men's basketball schedule at westminstergriffins.com.