ALBION, MICH. – The sophomore duo of guard Grant Newlin (Muncie, Ind.) and forward Jon Thompson (Rushville, Ind.) each hit double figures on the scoring chart to guide Manchester University in its 2012-13 season opener Friday, Nov. 16.

Thompson came off the bench for a 14-point night which included a pair of three-point buckets. Newlin ended with 10 points and five assists. However, the host Britons took advantage of a late first half run to develop a 39-21 halftime lead that led to a 78-63 win.

Coach Brad Nadborne's squad made it tough on their hosts early. A three-point basket from sophomore guard Caleb Jackson (New Castle, Ind.) tied at it at 9-9 six minutes in, and the Spartans stayed as close as five with just over nine minutes to go in the half. An 18-5 stretch for Albion at that point gave the home team its 18-point halftime advantage at the break which blossomed to as much as 25 in the second stanza.

Sophomore forward Silas Sims (Hope, Ind.) and sophomore guard Greg Flores each managed nine-point games for the Black and Gold. Sims added a team-high five rebounds and blocked a Briton shot attempt. Flores dished out two assists, picked up a steal and went seven-of-eight at the charity stripe.

MU continues play in the Mike Turner Tipoff Classic presented by the Rotary Club of Albion by opposing Wabash at 3 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 17.