The Pitt-Bradford men's basketball team got off to a fast start en route to defeating Westminster 84-71 on the road Wednesday night. The Panthers carried a 43-28 advantage into halftime.

Two players recorded double-doubles, while a total of four players scored in double digits.

Senior Brandon McClester finished the night with 15 points, 10 rebounds and two assists. Junior Lucas Pichette tallied 13 points, 12 rebounds and one assist.

Sophomore Eric Matheson led all Panthers with 18 points and nine rebounds, missing the double-double by one rebound. He also added five assists. Junior Keith Burgess totaled 11 points, two rebounds and one assist.

Pitt-Bradford (2-1, 0-0) raced out to an early lead with the help of a strong attack offensively, while spending much of its time in the first half at the free throw line.

The Panthers finished the first period shooting 41 percent from the floor, including 68 percent (13-of-19) from the free throw line.

Westminster (0-3, 0-0) struggled to produce any positives offensively in the first half. The Titans headed to the locker room shooting just 31 percent from the floor.

The Panthers opened the second half with the same energy and momentum they had in the first. Strong offensive possessions and key finishes at the boards propelled Pitt-Bradford to a large lead.

Westminster did their best to rally after halftime, but it wasn't enough as the Panthers maintained control of the ball and the clock late in the game to defeat the Titans.

"We were in the same scenario as our first game of the year, being up 15 at the half," said head coach Britt Moore. "This time we came out with good energy in the second half to secure the win. We still need to work on a lot defensively."

The Panthers are back on the road this Saturday, Nov. 23, as they travel to Huntingdon, Pa., to take on Juniata College at 2 p.m.