GREENSBORO, N.C. -- Backed by 57 percent shooting in the opening half, Greensboro took a commanding 52-21 lead and went on to defeat the Covenant men's basketball team 82-51 on Saturday afternoon inside Hanes Gymansium.

Covenant fall to 2-11 overall and 1-3 in league play, while Greensboro goes to 9-5 overall and 2-1 in the USA South.

Greensboro started the game on a 19-0 run in the first six minutes of the contest and never looked back. Covenant finally broke into the scoring column with a pair of free throws from Chris Boyd with 13:26 left in the period. The Scots would cut the deficit to 34-19 on a Robby Bell 3-pointer followed by a Ben Phelps layup with 5:57 before halftime. But the host Pride stormed back ahead and took the 31-point lead into the break.

Covenant, playing without leading scorer Colton McGriff due to an injury, was led by Daniel Garrett's eight points and three rebounds. Will Portlock and Matt den Dulk each had six points in the defeat. The Scots shot 35 percent (21-of-60) for the contest and distributed 14 assists on those field goals. 

Simeon Howard scored 17 first half points for the Pride and led all scorers with 20 points. Parris Scales added 10 points and five rebounds. Greensboro finished the game shooting 46.5 percent (33-of-71).

Covenant will be back home on Friday, Jan. 16 against USA South foe North Carolina Wesleyan. Tip-off inside Barnes PE Center is set for 5:30 p.m.

Be sure to follow the Scots all season long on athletics.covenant.edu and on social media at Facebook, Twitter and Instagram for up-to-date scores, news and other information.