WINONA — The No. 8 Carthage opened its 2025-26 men's basketball season with an emphatic 98-75 road win over Saint Mary's (Minn.) on Saturday at David R. Thies Arena.
- Final Score: Carthage 98 – Saint Mary's (MN) 75
- Location: Winona, Minnesota — David R. Thies Arena
- Records: Carthage 1-0, Saint Mary's (MN) 0-1
- Carthage exploded out of the gate, racing to an 11-0 lead fueled by two early three-pointers from AJ Johnson and baskets by Antuan Nesbitt and Nate Montgomery.
- The Firebirds kept their foot on the gas, shooting 62.5 percent in the first half and connecting on nine threes to build a commanding 61-31 halftime lead.
- Johnson hit five three-pointers in the half, while Brooks and Jabe Haith combined for 21 points before the break.
- Saint Mary's regrouped in the second half behind trimming the deficit to 25 midway through the frame, but Carthage's offense proved too steady. The Firebirds continued to control the paint, scoring 52 points inside and holding a 40-34 rebounding edge.
- Carthage sealed the win with efficient shooting and ball movement, finishing with 21 assists to just seven turnovers.
"Really good effort tonight, said head coach
Steve Djurickovic. "I thought our defensive effort and consistency were very good for the first game of the year. We shared the ball nicely today with 21 Assists to just seven Turnovers.
AJ Johnson and Riley Brooks got us going early, combining for eight three-pointers. It was great to have Antuan Nesbitt back on the floor. Thought it was one of his best floor games and was great on the defensive end. Nate Montgomery and Chris Schlesinger really stepped up with Ryan out today. Jabe Haith also had an excellent first outing with 13 points.
We need to get back to work on Monday and continue to improve with another long road trip to Alma College in Michigan next week."
- Carthage heads to Alma for an 11 a.m. EST tipoff on Saturday, November 15.
