MADISON, N.J. – Senior guard Pat Higgins scored a game-high 24 points and the Drew University men's basketball team opened the 2024-25 season with a bang, downing FDU-Florham 100-70 in the first round of the FDU Tournament Friday evening.
 
Senior guard Josh Kline contributed 17 points and nine rebounds while sophomore forward Matthew Zenker added 15 points for Drew, which moves on to the championship to game face The College of New Jersey on Saturday at 7 p.m.
 
The Rangers posted their highest point total in a season opener since their 110-77 win over Berkely College on Nov. 15, 2010.
 
Higgins knocked down 5-of-7 shots from 3-point range, setting a career-high for 3-pointers made as a Ranger. He also knocked down five triples in his final game at TCNJ during the 2022-23 season.
 
The Rangers broke open a close game toward the end of the first half, when they outscored the Devils 14-4 to end the period and assume a 48-29 halftime advantage. Drew knocked down four 3-pointers during the key stretch, with two coming from Zenker.
 
FDU was unable to get closer than 16 in the second half, and the Blue and Green put it out of reach with an 11-0 surge midway through the second half that gave the hosts a 30-point lead (79-49). Drew led by as much as 37 down the stretch.
 
Thirteen different Rangers found the scoring column for the night, including sophomore guard Eli Yusavage, who chipped in with eight points.