KENOSHA, Wis. - The Carthage College men's basketball team finished a perfect weekend to open the season with a sweep of the field at the Carthage College Classic, defeating Robert Morris University-Peoria Sunday afternoon at Tarble Arena, 80-66.
 
Junior Brad Kruse finished with a game-high 19 points as the Red Men improved to 2-0 on the young season, while RMU-Peoria drops to 1-4 in 2016. 

"It is nice being 2-0 for the first time in six years," opened head coach Bosko Djurickovic following the win.  "Even though there is a lot of work to be done, I am fairly pleased with where we are at right now.  I thought today was kind of a tough game and that is because [RMU-Peoria] made it so.  They are a little bit difficult to guard for a team that is a traditional team like ours, meaning size-wise and assignment-wise. So give Robert Morris-Peoria credit.  They did a fine job.  Made the game interesting until the end.  But now we have to move forward and play better Tuesday night." 
 
Kruse, who went 6-of-8 from the field and 2-3 from deep, added five boards and a pair of steals in his 32 minutes on the floor as well.
 
Following a teeter-totter opening few minutes, the Red Men took control of the game with a 12-2 run over 3:19 with the game tied 9-9 to take their first double-digit lead of the day at 21-11, courtesy of five points from both Kevin Kozil and Kruse.  With the Eagles battling back midway through the half, Carthage used a 9-2 on a quartet of two-point field goals and a Reggie Banks and-one free throw.
 
The Red Men took an 11-point lead into the half, 44-33, as Carthage turned 12 turnovers into 19 points.
 
Following an opening three by the Eagles, RMU-P never got within single digits the remainder of the game as Carthage eventually opened up their largest lead of the game of 16 as a layup by Mike Stevenson started an 8-0 run that was capped by six straight from Kruse.

On Kruse's play Djurickovic said, "Brad Kruse has worked so hard to get back from the injury, which was a blessing in disguise.  He was able to sit back and work on his shot with his dad who was a great player for me at North Park.  They worked on his shot because they were both unhappy last year with the way he shot the ball.  So far this year, he is shooting the ball better and is doing all the intangibles that he brings to the floor.  He and Kozil have been very stellar the first two games.  We just need more consistent production from the rest of the squad and that will happen."
 
Despite a poor shooting second half, 12-of-31 from the field and 1-of-7 from three point land, the Red Men were able get to the free throw line 16 times in the second half, knocking down 11. 
 
Joining Kruse in double-figures were freshman Kienan Baltimore with 15 points and Kevin Kozil with 13.  Kozil dished out a game-high seven assists and Brad Perry had team-highs with six boards and a pair of blocks.
 
Jamor Stewart led the Eagles in scoring with 16 points, all coming in the second half.
 
The Red Men will play their third game in five days to open the season on Tuesday, November 22nd as Carthage hosts the University of Wisconsin-River Falls in the third of a six game home stand.  Tip is slated for 7:00 p.m.