Colchester, Vt. - Making its 2021-22 debut with an appearance in the two-day Delta Hotel Doc Jacobs Tipoff Classic (hosted by Saint Michael's College), Georgian Court University endured an 84-59 non-conference defeat vs. Assumption College Saturday afternoon in the lid-lifter for both programs.

The Lions (0-1) jumped out to a quick start, building an early 7-2 cushion just 1:30 after the opening tip. The Greyhounds took over from there, outscoring GCU by a 50-22 margin  and providing AU a 23-point surplus (52-29) heading into intermission. Georgian Court would be unable to slice its deficit to less than 22 points in the second frame (2:57 left) as Assumption secured a win in the program's first competition since the 2019-20 campaign.

Matthew Kelly (Gr.-North Potomac, Md.) paced the victors with 20 points (four three-pointers), six assists, and three steals in the triumph. Omar El Shiekh (Gr.-Giza, Egypt) authored a double-double performance for the Greyhounds with his 15 points and 14 boards. Jordan White (Rs-Jr., Prince Frederick, Md.) matched his teammate with 15 points of his own. Isiah Gaiter (Jr.-Meriden, Conn.) reached double-digits with his contribution of 10 points.

Jelani Jackson and DJ Alicea topped the royal-and-gold with 13 points apiece. Clint Wright Jr. followed with 10 points in 18 minutes of action. Christian Armstrong-Thomas snared a team-high nine rebounds in the start (27 minutes).

GCU returns to action Sunday (3:00 p.m.) to face Saint Michael's on its home floor. The Purple Knights (1-0) defeated Wilmington University, 75-65, in the opening game of Saturday's twin-bill.