SALT LAKE CITY - Westminster men's basketball opened its season with two wins in the Conference Challenge, finishing the opening weekend with an 88-77 victory over Texas A&M-Commerce Saturday night at Behnken Field House. 

Brandon Warr poured in 22 points, shooting 5-6 from beyond the arc, and pulled down 10 rebounds to lead the Griffins. Alec Monson filled up the stat sheet, scoring 21 points, recording eight assists and grabbing six rebounds. Jake Connor added 17 points and Jai Jai Ely had 12. Joonas Tahvanainen added nine points and 10 rebounds.

Westminster shot 60 percent from the field to Texas A&M-Commerce's 38 percent, but the Lions hung around thanks to 12 offensive rebounds and 22 Westminster turnovers. The Lions had five players in doble figures, led by Deon Barrett's 15 points. 

Warr scored 19 of his 22 points in the second half to help the Griffins stretch a one-point halftime lead to a 10-point victory. Westminster stretched its lead to as much as 13 in the second half. Jake Connor went 5-6 from the free-throw line down the stretch to preserve the win. 

Westminster will play in the Dixie State Classic next weekend in St. George, Utah. The Griffins will take on Saint Martin's University on Friday, Nov. 15, and Providence University on Saturday, Nov. 16.