SPRINGFIELD, Mass.--The Keene State College starting five combined for 68 points in an 87-78 non-conference win over Springfield College in men's basketball action on Tuesday night.

The Owls maintain their perfect start to their season (5-0), and return to action on December 5 to host UMass Dartmouth in the Little East Conference opener.  The Pride fall to 2-3.

Dizel Wright, playing in his hometown, led the way for the Owls with 17 points and 10 rebounds.  Matt Ozzella had 15 points and six rebounds, while Lucas Hammel and Nate Stitchell had 14 each, and Nate Howard had eight points, six boards, and four blocks.

Keene State raced out to an early 12-4 lead, with Hammel having six points during that stretch. The lead ballooned to 26-9 as Andrew Houde canned a three, Stitchell's fast break layup, and two free throws from Ozzella.

Stitchell, just as head did a season ago, knocked down a jumper just ahead of the halftime buzzer to send the Owls into the locker room up 46-29.  

KSC picked up where they left off in the second half, scoring the first 10 points of the period punctuated by Wright finding Howard for a dunk. Keene State led 63-39 on Jaquel Edwards' layup with 12:25 to go, but the Pride slowly chipped away, getting within 74-57 on Josh Downes basketb with 5:54 left in the game.

The Pride got the lead back within single digits at 84-76 on two free throws by Quinn McKenna, but one freebie from Stitchel and two from Hammel put the game out of reach.