The SVC men's basketball team earned its first victory of the season -- and the 999th in program history -- by defeating La Roche College by a score of 82-61 in the Carey Center.  

Both teams started slow offensively, with La Roche eventually gaining an early 8-0 lead.  Senior Sean Kett scored the first two points for SVC, with a hook shot from under the basket, at the 15:45 mark.  Sophomore Austin Ford would nearly replicate Kett's basket with a post move of his own on the next possession making the score 8-4 La Roche.
 
Junior guard Pat Jones eventually tied the game at 11-11 with a floater at the 17:06 mark.  Jones' hot hand continued with 7:43 left in the first half as he stole the ball and took it all the way to the hoop, finishing with a monstrous dunk; giving SVC their first lead of the contest.  La Roche would gain back an 18-17 lead on the next possession, but SVC regained the lead off two Kett free throws.
 
SVC would maintain a healthy lead the rest of the first half, highlighted by a Ben Klimchock three at the 3:11 mark and a Jones crossover drive to the hoop layup.  The Bearcats entered the locker room leading 35-26 at the half, lead by Junior Jaylon Bell's team-high 11 points.
 
SVC started right where it left off in the second half, scoring 9 straight points, highlighted by a Bell three pointer off of a JC Howard assist.  The Bearcats continued to push the pace, showcased by a 7-0 run capped by a Jones jumper in the lane.
 
With 3:56 left in the game, Howard drained a three, which was followed by Kett getting fouled while shooting a three.  Kett sank all three free throws and SVC sealed the win with a final score of 82-61.
 
Saint Vincent had four players score in double figures, with Jones having a game-high 19 points.  Bell scored 16 while Kett netted 14.  Bobby Swartwout hauled in a team-high seven rebounds and Ford went 5-6 shooting with 10 points. 
 
La Roche was led by Andres Abreu with 15 points.
 
Saint Vincent (1-2) will return to action Saturday at The College of Wooster.  Game time is 6:00.