STORM LAKE, Iowa (November 15, 2019) - Sophomore DJ McNeal turned in a career-high 23 points to lead three players in double figures, but it was a strong defensive effort that helped spark the Buena Vista men's basketball team to a convincing 87-54 victory over Westminster College (Mo.) on Friday in what was the team's home opener.

McNeal scored the final six points of the first half to push the Beaver lead to 47-36 at the break.  The Bluejays tried to stay within striking distance with a three-pointer less than three minutes into the second half which brought them as close as eight, but the Beaver defense would hold Westminster to only four points over the next eight minutes while seeing their lead double up to 19 following a made jumper by Dominic Sesma.  Senior Timothy Jeffries made it a 30-point advantage with a three-pointer at the 3:02 mark, and BVU was well on its way to its first 3-0 start to a season since 2008-09.

Despite an off shooting night from downtown, the Beavers still finished the game at 44 percent from the field and converted 14-of-16 free-throw attempts.  After making a combined 29 long range buckets over the first two contests, the Bluejays held BVU to 9-of-33 (.273).

McNeal was 8-of-20 from the field and 4-of-4 at the charity stripe while also grabbing six boards and dishing out three assists.  Jeffries followed with 16 points and six rebounds while Sesma chipped in with a season-high 14 points, seven rebounds and five assists.  

The Beavers held the Bluejays to just 20 percent shooting in the second half after Westminster was 50 percent from the field in the first.  Emil Spriggs was the only player to score in double figures as he finished with 15.

Buena Vista looks to remain perfect on the year when it plays Fontbonne on Saturday at 2 p.m.  The Griffins (0-2) dropped the early game of the day to Simpson College, 84-79.  The Bluejays and Storm will open play on Saturday by tipping-off at 12 p.m.