The Hillsdale College men's basketball team showcased its explosive offensive potential to pull away from visiting Saginaw Valley State in an 81-69 win to open the 2024-25 season on Friday afternoon.

Leading 44-35 at the half, the Chargers outscored the Cardinals 14-3 in the first four minutes after the break to turn a single-digit lead into a 20-point advantage. From there, Hillsdale would keep Saginaw Valley State at bay with a tough defensive effort, never letting SVSU close to within single digits the rest of the way. Only a 6-0 run by the Cardinals in the final minute against Hillsdale's deep bench allowed SVSU to make any real headway.

Throughout the contest, Hillsdale made the Cardinals pay from deep, knocking down 14 3-pointers, seven in each half, on scorching 50% shooting from beyond the arc. In his first official game in a Charger uniform, redshirt freshman Logan Beaston led the shooting barrage, hitting six 3-pointers at a 60% clip to lead Hillsdale with 18 points. 

Three other Chargers hit multiple treys, including senior Charles Woodhams, who was 2 for 3 beyond the arc to go with several tough finishes at the rim to finish with an impressive 16 point, seven rebound, five assist night. Junior Cole McWhinnie and sophomore Mikey McCollum each hit two 3-pointers as well.

Key to Hillsdale's success from beyond the arc was great sharing of the basketball, as 20 of Hillsdale's 27 made baskets were assisted. Junior point guard Ashton Janowski led the way with a great night distributing the basketball, with six assists to go with eight points.

In the paint, Joe Reuter started his senior season with another efficient effort, shooting 5 of 7 from the floor and finishing with a 13 point, 10 rebound double-double to go with two assists and two blocks. 

While Hillsdale's offensive effort stayed consistent throughout, it was improved play defensively in the second half that allowed the Chargers to seize control. SVSU shot 46% from the floor and 44% from 3-point range in the first half, but just 38% from the floor and 15% from deep in the second half as the Chargers dug in. 

Hillsdale is now 1-0 overall, and next faces an immediate rematch against SVSU with a trip to University Center, Michigan on Sunday to face the Cardinals again. After splitting with SVSU in two meeting last season, Hillsdale should be motivated to complete the sweep and build off an impressive start on Friday.