CENTRAL — The Southern Wesleyan men's basketball team got its 2009-10 season off to a great start on Tuesday as it defeated Truett McConnell College 94-81 in Cleveland, Ga.

The Warriors' field goal shooting was on fire the entire game as they shot 61 percent from the floor in the first half and then 59 percent in the second half. The Bears had a good shooting night as well, finishing the game with a 51 percent field goal percentage.

Nick Lagroone shot 9-for-12 from the floor and 9-for-11 from the free throw line for a team high 28 points. Damel Wilson was the only other Southern Wesleyan (1-0) player to reach double figures in points as he added 12 points along with six rebounds and three blocked shots. Tae Roebuck led the Warriors on the glass as he collected seven rebounds.

Truett-McConnell (0-1), who will become a member of the Southern States Athletic Conference in 2010-11, was led by Tulio Yamasita who had 28 points.

The Warriors will take a break from their regular season schedule for two exhibition games on the road, beginning with USC Aiken on Thursday and Clark Atlanta University next Tuesday. The next regular season game for Southern Wesleyan will be at Voorhees College on Thursday, Nov. 12.

Tip-off is scheduled for 7:30 p.m.