FORT WAYNE, IND. – Rebounding from a difficult first 20 minutes in which they shot just over 25 percent from the field, Manchester University pieced together a strong second half to highlight their season opener Monday, Nov. 16.

Beginning a stretch of four games in eight days, Coach Gerad Good's 2015-16 squad battled NCAA Division I Summit League for Indiana University – Purdue University – Fort Wayne tough early on, trailing by only eight points (21-13) midway through the opening frame inside Gates Sports Center. However, the Mastadons, still smarting from a narrow loss to in-state Division I rival Valparaiso University last weekend, limited their guests to only eight points down the stretch to stretch the margin to 17 (38-21) at the break.

Despite seeing the opposition continue to build the advantage at each turn in the second half, Good was pleased with a 32-point, 40 percent field goal shooting total the Black and Gold put together in the frame. "We did a better job of creating opportunities to get to the free throw line," he said. "We were also able to attack (IPFW) a little more despite the size disadvantage. It all comes down to us to being disciplined in what we do … we'll keep working towards that and stressing the positives we had tonight."

In the wake of the 85-53 defeat, freshman guard Adrian Johnson (Indianapolis, Ind.) impressed the MU fans in attendance, pouring in 15 points to go with four steals and a pair of assists. Senior forward Matt Brown (Hobart, Ind.) was also in double figures with 10 points. Other top numbers went to junior guard Blake Brouwer (Elkhart, Ind.) who ripped down eight rebounds and fellow junior guard Chase Casteel (Monrovia, Ind.) who ended with nine points, five rebounds, two assists and a blocked shot.

Manchester University returns to action Wednesday, Nov. 18. Olivet College of Michigan visits Stauffer-Wolfe Arena for a 7:30 p.m. tip-off.