Four Wildcats scored in double figures and the Wildcats shot 53.8 percent from the floor as they won their home opener Tuesday with a Waldorf University 84-56 win Tuesday at Rice Auditorium.
Waldorf held a 10-8 lead on the Wildcats six minutes into the contest, but a 7-0 run by the Wildcats, highlighted by a Vance Janssen 3-pointer, a dunk by Kendall Jacks and a layup from Al’Tavius Jackson gave Wayne State a 15-10 lead with 12:36 to go in the first half.
The Warriors rallied and forced a pair of ties at 15-15 and 17-17, but Wayne State took the lead for good, scoring the next eight points and took their first double-digit lead on a Nate Mohr 3-pointer for a 30-19 advantage before finishing the first half with a 33-23 lead.
Waldorf was still within eight at 37-29 with 16:10 to play, but Wayne State put the game out of reach with a 19-7 run over the next 6:13 to take a commanding 56-36 lead and the Wildcats finished off the easy win.
Senior guard Vance Janssen led four Wildcat players in double figures with 14 points. Freshman Nick Ferrarini scored 13 followed by Jackson with 11 and Jacks with 10.
Wayne State held a 36-29 advantage in rebounding over the Warriors thanks to seven boards from Jordan Janssen. Vance Janssen had three of Wayne State’s six blocks and also led the Wildcats with three assists.
The Wildcats (2-1) are home Thursday for a 7 p.m. matchup with Nebraska Christian College.
