ST. LOUIS, Mo. -- After months and months of waiting, practicing, and conditioning, the 2021-22 UMSL men's basketball season has finally arrived.

The 2021 Crossover Tournament once again kick-started the campaign, and the Tritons did not disappoint.

While the early going epitomized a season opener, the Tritons settled in for the long haul.

UMSL found itself down by double digits early, but rebounded down the stretch of the opening half, closing in and trailing Walsh by just one point, 34-33.

Shooting 67 percent from the charity stripe not only pulled the Tritons into striking distance, but it stopped the clock.

Head coach Bob Sundvold preaches individual and collective defensive efforts, and the Tritons forced 20 turnovers in the game.

Walsh led by as many as 15 points, and the game included seven lead changes and 10 ties.

The Tritons finished with 44 points in the paint.

In the second half, UMSL found its rhythm, again taking advantage of the charity stripe, shooting 78 percent.

Offensively, five players finished with double digits, as Marty Jackson led the way with 24.

Jose Grubbs added 14, Isaiah Fuller had 13, Yaakema Rose tossed in 10, and newcomer Atavian Butler added 10.

Marquis Collins had six, Steve Webb had two, and Shane Wissink had one.

UMSL is the late game Sunday as they host Tiffin at 5 p.m.

Walsh battles Maryville at 3 p.m.