Monday provided the opportunity for early Christmas gifts for the UMSL men's basketball coaching staff and players.

The Tritons were in Kenosha, Wisc., for a pre-Christmas tilt, handing the Parkside Rangers the 75-68 loss on their court.

UMSL took control early, owning the 44-31 after 20 minutes of play.

While the lead extended throughout the second half, the Rangers remained in the thick of things.

The Tritons pushed the score to 71-57, before another Rangers run. Strong interior performances throughout by UMSL personnel triggered the non-conference win.

The win pushes the Tritons to 8-2 overall this season and 2-1 in GLVC play.

Jose Grubbs led the team with his 19-point performance. Marty Jackson added 18 and Atavian Butler tossed in 12.

Yaakenma Rose tallied 8 and Isaiah Fuller scored seven.

Steve Webb had four and Kellen King added four; Trever Moore had three.

UMSL returns to Chuck Smith Court at 1 p.m. on New Year's Eve to host Eureka (Ill.).