CHICAGO -- Matt Johnson and Alex Pyper scored 18 points each as the University of Chicago men's basketball team opened its 2011-12 campaign with a 92-79 win over Dominican University Tuesday night at the Ratner Athletics Center.

Game Summary

Neither team led by more than five points during the game's first 10 minutes. A 17-1 Chicago run late in the first half put the Maroons on top 35-20 with 6:54 to play in the period.

Chicago (1-0) led 54-32 at the break and was up by more than 30 points for most of the first 10 minutes of the second half.

Statistical Highlights

Pyper connected on six of 11 3-point attempts en route to scoring 18 points in 19 minutes off the bench.

Johnson was 3-of-7 from behind the arc as the Maroons shot 50% (14-for-28) from 3-point range on the night.

Steve Stefanou added 14 points, while Tom Williams and Sam Gage each added 10.

Michael Sustarsic handed out five assists without committing a turnover.

Darius Nelson (15), Brandon Barkley (15), and Logan Harris (12) netted double figures for Dominican (0-1).

The Stars shot 62% from the field in the second half after connecting at a 41% clip in the first stanza.

Notables

Chicago improved to 9-4 in season openers under Head Coach Mike McGrath.

The Maroons avenged a 74-73 opening-night loss to Dominican a year ago in River Forest.

Up Next

The Maroons continue their season-opening five-game homestand Saturday night against Franklin College. Tip-off at the Ratner Center is set for 7 p.m.