SARANAC LAKE — The North Country Community College men's basketball team opened its season Sunday, defeating Fort Drum 95-71 at home.

"I thought our energy and our pressure on defense was good early on, which led to some transition opportunities," Saints' coach Chad LaDue said. "For the first time out, I was pleased. We were able to get everyone in the game, so it was a good start to the season."

The Saints (1-0) took charge early and were able to head into halftime with a 49-33 lead.

From there, it was much of the same as North Country increased its lead to 24 points by the end of the game.

Sophomore guard Frane Larose led the way in the victory, tallying 20 points and seven assists.

Meanwhile, sophomore Brian Donaire and freshman Peyton McLaurin also had solid outings for North Country, with Donaire racking up 18 points and 21 rebounds, and McLaurin adding 14 points and 11 assists.

The Saints hit the road Wednesday to take on their North Country rival, Clinton Community College, at 7 p.m. in Plattsburgh.