MELBOURNE, FLA. - For its opening game of the Winter Classic, Florida Tech took on Johnson University for the second time this season. As they did in the first matchup, the Panthers defeated the Suns convincingly, 111-63.  

 
INSIDE THE MATCHUP:  
Final: Florida Tech 111, Johnson 63 
Records: Florida Tech (9-2, 3-1 SSC), Johnson (1-12) 
Location: Clemente Center | Melbourne, Fla.  

 
FIRST HALF:  

• Tech jumped out to a 12-5 lead, utilizing Mekhi Noble's size advantage inside with six quick points in the paint.  
• Johnson battled with the Panthers and hit three triples to keep the Tech lead at 20-15 at the second media timeout.  
• Coming off the bench, back-to-back baskets made from Sam Grant and Can Kaan Turgut then a triple from Darragh O'Sullivan pushed the Panthers lead to 31-19.  
• Johnson continued to be efficient from the 3-point line drilling one to cut the Florida Tech lead to 40-32.  
• The Panthers ended the half strong with a 10-0 run to go up 55-34 at the break.  
• Tech shot 58.3% from the field and eight different players got on the score sheet.  

SECOND HALF:  

• A 7-0 run that included a breakaway lay in from Konstantinos Lagos pushed the Tech lead to 71-41.  
• Lagos got inside for another lay in to give the Panthers a 80-47 lead at the under-12 media timeout. 
• An 8-0 run after the timeout gave the Panthers a 88-47 lead. 
• The Panthers reached triple-digits on a corner 3-pointer from Sesan Russell. 
• The big win was capped off on a open floor dunk from George Nehma. 

NOTABLE PANTHERS:  

• Russell led the Panthers with 30 points on 10-of-17 shooting and six made 3-pointers. He also had eight assists. 
• Scoring 16 points and grabbing eight rebounds was Noble. He was efficent from the field making 8-of-10 shots.  
• Sean Houpt was in double figures with 12 points on 4-of-6 shooting.  
• The last Florida Tech player in double-figures was Grant with 11 rebounds and six rebounds.  

INSIDE THE BOX SCORE: 

• The Panthers shot 59.2% (42-71) from the field and 52.2% (12-23) from three. The Suns were 35.5% (22-62) shooting and 29% (9-31) from behind the arc.  
• Tech was 71.4% (15-21) from the free throw line while Johnson was 76.9% (10-13). 
• The Panthers owned the glass all night, out-rebounding the Suns 46-22. 
• Florida Tech had 44 points from its bench. 
• Tech had 29 assists and just eight turnovers while Johnson 18 assists and 14 turnovers.  
• The Panthers move to 4-0 all-time against the Suns.  

Coach Billy Mims postgame show presented by Long Doggers 

UP NEXT: Florida Tech will be back in action tomorrow for day two of the Winter Classic. The Panthers are taking on Clayton State at 6 p.m. at the Clemente Center.  

For the latest news, updates and information on the Florida Tech men's basketball team, visit FloridaTechSports.com. Fans can also stay up-to-date on the latest Panthers news by following Florida Tech Athletics on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and YouTube.