Wheaton, Ill. – The Wheaton Thunder men's basketball program opened the Wheaton Thunder Holiday Tournament on Monday night. Wheaton defeated Saint Mary's (Minn.), 77-67 in the second game of the evening. The Thunder never trailed tonight and led by as many as 21 points.

Hanover College defeated Dubuque 65-57 in tonight's opening game. Wheaton will host Hanover on Tuesday at 4:00 p.m. in the championship game of the tournament. The tournament's consolation game tips off tomorrow at 2:00 p.m. as Dubuque takes on Saint Mary's (Minn.).

Four Thunder players scored in double digits in tonight's win against Saint Mary's. Nyameye Adom led Wheaton with 16 points, and he added six rebounds. Adom was a perfect 3-for-3 from behind the three-point arc. Cade Alioth registered a "double-double" with 15 points and 13 rebounds, adding two assists. The junior shot 87.5% (7-of-8) from the field.

Tyson Cruickshank added 15 points with seven rebounds and two assists. Luke Anthony came off the Thunder bench to score 12 points with two assists. Anajuwon Spencer scored eight points, with four rebounds and two blocked shots. Collin Uveges distributed a career-high seven assists, and grabbed four rebounds.

Wheaton shot 45.6% (26-of-57) from the field, including 52.2% (12-of-23) from three-point range. The Cardinals posted a 39.1% (26-of-64) field goal percentage, including 26.9% (7-of-26) from behind the three-point arc. The Thunder shot 65% (13-of-20) at the free throw line and the Cardinals had a 58.8% (10-of-17) effort at the charity stripe. Wheaton held a 40-39 edge in rebounding, however, the Cardinals had a 13-10 advantage on the offensive glass.

Wheaton jumped out to an early 17-point lead at 19-2 with 8:40 remaining in the first half. Cruickshank scored 10 of Wheaton's 19 points in the opening run of the game. The Thunder led by as many as 20 points in the first half. The hosts held a 44-27 lead at the halftime intermission.

Wheaton continued to maintain its double-digit lead into the second half. Spencer made a basket with 15:53 remaining in the game to give Wheaton a 56-35 lead, the 21-point bulge was Wheaton's largest of the night.

Eli Cave led the Cardinals with 20 points, four rebounds and five assists. Greg Martin tallied 12 points. Kareem Anthony Bello grabbed eight rebounds and Brady Stevens collected six boards.