WATERVILLE, Maine -- Guard Matt Thompson '11 (Plymouth, N.H.) scored 18 of his game-high 20 points in the first half as the University of New England opened up a 58-16 lead on its way to an easy 102-35 win over Unity College in the Charlie Ryan Classic hosted by Thomas College.

Thompson was on fire in the first frame, connecting on six of his seven field goal attempts, including all four of his 3-point tries.  As a team the Nor'easters shot an astounding 77.4 percent (24 of 31) from the floor over the opening 20 minutes.

Thompson cooled in the final half, scoring just two points, but finishing with 20 in his first collegiate game.  He added three steals and three assists.

Transfer guard/forward Johnnie Jefferson '09 (Dallas, Texas) scored 17 points on 7-for-9 shooting and grabbed six rebounds.  Guard Jaykyri Simpson '09 (East Cleburne, Texas) came just shy of posting a triple-double with 10 points, nine boards and nine assists in just 21 minutes of floor time.

UNE had three other players in double figures.  Chas Rentrope '11 (Peoria, Ariz.) scored 14 points, Isaac Stickney '08 (Rumford, Maine) had 12, and Matt VanDeusen '09 (Oneonta, N.Y.) added a career-high 10.

The Nor'easters held a commanding 42-12 advantage on the glass and also forced 26 Unity turnovers.

UNE (1-0) will play Fisher College tomorrow at noon.  Unity (0-7) faces host Thomas College at 2:00 p.m.

Box Score

(posted Nov. 16, 2007 | 22:16 ET)