Brown beats Johnson & Wales (RI) 86-66 in opener
Sean McGonagill had a double-double with 20 points and 10 assists as Brown defeated Johnson & Wales (R.I.) 86-66 Friday in the season opener for both teams.
McGonagill, a unanimous selection as the Ivy League's Rookie of the Year in 2011, also grabbed six rebounds - all defensive - and had three steals. Tyler Ponticelli added a career-high 17 points for the Bears, who will play a school-record 15 home games this season.
Lamonte Thomas led the Division III Wildcats with 26 points, shooting 6 of 20 from the field and 12 of 12 from the free-throw line.
In the first meeting between the cross-city schools, Brown led 46-31 at halftime. For the game, the Bears outshot Johnson & Wales from the field 41.3 percent (31 of 67) to 35.5 percent (22 of 62).
Brown, which was 11-17 last year, will next face Albany (N.Y.) in the NIT Season Tip-Off.