Spurgeon opened the new season in style on Saturday in Joplin, pulling away for a 111-90 win over Ozark Christian. The Knights shot 52.3 percent from the field and stacked up 66 points in the paint while out-rebounding the Ambassadors 47-35.

Fast start and a 60-49 halftime edge

Spurgeon's offense clicked early and often. The Knights poured in 60 first-half points, sparked by Raven Ortiz's downhill attacks and inside finishes from the frontcourt. A late surge pushed the lead to double digits at the break.

Second-half separation

Out of halftime, the Knights landed the first punch with a pair of DJ Middleton threes and never looked back. Spurgeon's defense turned stops into efficient half-court offense, and the bench kept the pace high to close out a complete road performance.

Knights leaders

Raven Ortiz led all scorers with 29 points on 12-for-18 shooting and 4-for-7 from three. He added 6 rebounds and 4 steals.
Keenan Joseph delivered a powerful boost off the bench with 20 points and 10 rebounds for a double-double.
Joseph Allen added 19 points and 5 assists, attacking the rim and setting up teammates.
DJ Middleton scored 16 points, including two momentum threes to start the second half.
Jack Chamberlin chipped in 10 points with timely buckets in the lane.

Additional contributions came from Tyler Hicks, who hit a key first-half three and Mason Alexander who provided energy minutes.

Team numbers

Shooting: 45-86 FG (52.3 percent), 7-26 3PT (26.9 percent), 14-17 FT (82.4 percent)
Rebounding: 47 total (13 offensive)
Ball movement: 28 assists to 9 turnovers
Points in the paint: 66
Points off turnovers: 21
Bench points: 30

Quarter by quarter

First half: Spurgeon 60, Ozark Christian 49
Second half: Spurgeon 51, Ozark Christian 41
Final: Spurgeon 111, Ozark Christian 90