AMHERST, N.Y. – The Roberts Wesleyan men's basketball team started off the 2018-2019 season with a 79-69 win over Nyack on Friday at the ECC-CACC Challenge presented by WNY Knee and Orthopedic Surgery PC, hosted by Daemen College.
 
All five starters for the Redhawks scored in the double digits with senior Justin Vaughan leading the way with 19 points. Vaughan connected on 50-percent of his shots including four three pointers. The Raleigh, N.C. native also pulled down six rebounds.
 
Senior Jean Toussaint posted his first double-double of the year with 17 points and 11 rebounds. The center also dished out three assists and had two steals.
 
Roberts took the early advantage in the game by grabbing a double digit lead in the first half. A three pointer by Peyton McLaurin at the 12:05 mark gave the Redhawks a 12 point lead. But with six minutes to go in the first half the Warriors began to climb back into the game, cutting the Redhawks' lead to under 10 points. Nyack tied the score up at 31 with three minutes remaining and then took a three point lead. Two free throws by McLaurin with under 30 seconds left in the half gave Roberts a one point lead at the half, 37-36.
 
In the second half the Redhawks again took a double digit lead following two successful free throws at the 10:52 mark by Vaughan. The senior then made it a 13 point lead on the next offensive possession with a made three pointer.
 
The Redhawks held on to the lead from there on out to pick up the first win of the season.
 
Joining Vaughan and Toussaint in the double digit scoring category was McLaurin with 16 points, Michael Bush with 12 and Isaiah Lewis with 11.
 
Roberts will take on Caldwell on Saturday for the second round of the ECC-CACC Challenge.