UPLAND, Ind. — Taylor University hit 16 shots in the first half, including a pair of 3-pointers, and finished shooting 64 percent from the field in the opening 20 minutes leading to a 17-point lead at the break. The Peregrines were unable to overcome the deficit in the second half leading to the 71-50 nonconference loss Tuesday.

Trojan freshman guard Luke Bennett had the hottest hand in the contest hitting 73 percent from the field to lead all scorers with 24 points. He led the Trojan charge in the first half giving his squad a 39-22 lead heading into the second half.

Peregrine junior forward Charles Cruz (Gavit) got his first taste of action on the season and took full advantage. Cruz led the Peregrines (1-9) with 15 points and eight rebounds in 34 minutes of action.

Off the bench, freshman Justin Latimore (Indianapolis North Central) scored a dozen points and grabbed six rebounds. Freshmen Joey Elabed (Morton) and Delriko Curtis (Benton Harbor, Mich.) scored nine and seven, respectively. Elabed connected on three 3-pointers and Curtis finished with three assists and a pair of steals.