LOOKOUT MOUNTAIN -- Zack Allen had 14 points and the Covenant men's basketball team had 14 different players score in an 83-39 drubbing of Berea in USA South action on Saturday afternoon inside Barnes PE Center.

It was Covenant's home opener and the first time the Scots had played a game at home since Feb. 25, 2020 -- 333 days ago. Covenant (5-3, 1-0 USA South) has won two straight, while Berea (0-1, 0-1 USA South) was opening its season.

The 44-point win is the largest margin of victory for Covenant in a  USA South game. 

Allen was one of two players in double-figure scoring for the Scots as he went 7-of-14 from the field and added five rebounds and three assists. Daevon Platt came off the bench to score 13 points on 6-of-10 shooting.

Covenant jumped out to a 28-4 lead in the first 14-plus minutes of action and never looked back. The Scots hit 60.6 percent (20-of-33) in the first half and led 44-10 at the break.  Allen had 10 of his points in the opening half and the Scots' defense held Berea to 20 percent shooting and 11 turnovers.

The game was never in doubt over the final 20 minutes of play. 

Brady Palmer and Will Crumly had nine points each, with Crumly pulling down eight rebounds with three assists and two blocks. Palmer also added six rebounds and three steals. Chris Barnette tallied six points and a game-high six assists, while Jackson Fitzgerald had seven points and seven rebounds. Promise Igbanu registered four points, four assists, and six rebounds.

Will Apple and Michael St. Germain collected their first collegiate points in the win. Apple had four points, including a 3-pointer, while St. Germain drilled a 3-pointer late.

For the game, Covenant connected on 52.9 percent (36-of-68) from the field with eight 3-pointers. The Scots were all over the glass as the hosts outrebounded Berea, 53-21, with 17 offensive rebounds leading to 22 second-chance points.

Berea, playing with just seven available players, was led by MJ Embree's 11 points. The Mountaineers shot 27.8 percent (15-of-54) for the game.

UP NEXT

Covenant and Berea will complete their season series on Monday at 3 p.m. inside Barnes PE Center.

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