Wilmington, Del. - On a night where both squads presented a pair of very contrasting halves, it would be Goldey-Beacom College that would pocket the win Wednesday night as the Lightning landed an 88-75 home win in the Central Atlantic Collegiate Conference season-opener for both teams.

The Lions (1-5 , 0-1 CACC) dominated the first half, developing a game-high, 18-point surplus (32-14) just 12:25 into the contest. GBC (3-4, 1-0 CACC) battled back to cut the deficit in half with 1:16 left before intermission (44-35) before the Lions closed the stanza with a seemingly-comfortable 49-38 lead heading into the break.

A pair of three-pointers from Jelani Jackson and Clint Wright Jr. to open the second half pushed the Lions' lead to 17 points (55-38) with 17:47 to go in regulation before the Lightning fired off a stunning 26-0 surge to take over the lead, 64-55, with 11:28 left. The GBC offense would never relent as the home squad padded its cushion to 17 points on two separate occasions over the remaining time en route to the divisional victory.

Nazim Derry (So.-Atlantic City, N.J.) shined for the victors with his game-high 35 points and nine three-pointers over 38 minutes of action. Malcom Weathers (Jr.-Virginia Beach, Va.) hit for 15 points (four three-pointers) in 24 minutes while Mekhi Collins (So.-Medford, Mass.) collected 11 points and eight assists in the triumph.

Despite the result, Wright Jr. enjoyed a career night for the Lions by shooting a scalding 9-for-14 from the floor (including eight three-pointers), good enough for 28 points. Jackson collected 17 points and distributed six assists for the royal-and-gold. Andreas Vonfricke (four three-pointers) and Shane Williams added 16 and 10 points, respectively, in 39 minutes for each.

GCU returns to campus to host University of the Sciences Saturday at 2:00 p.m. in another CACC divisional showdown.