Jason Walker, UP Sports Information Director 

Great Falls, Mont. - A new season always brings nerves and excitement to any sports team and for the University of Providence men's basketball team the nerves did not show in a 100-29 season-opening win Friday afternoon over Portland Bible College. The Argos started out hot from the field turning a 3-2 lead into a 25-2 lead less than eight minutes into the game. Providence shot nearly 53% from the field in the first 20 minutes making 19-36 shots including 6-13 from the three-point line. The second half saw more of the same with the Argos hitting 22-38 from the floor and making 9-15 threes. For the game, the Argos were 41-74 (55.3%) hitting on 15-28 triples while holding the Arrows to just 22% (11-50).  

Argos Head Coach Steve Keller liked the first performance of his team in 2022, "All 13 guys scored, first time that we have had all those that suited up score. I thought we shared the ball well, (22 assists), made some good passes and shot it pretty well from three. That is the way we are going to have to play, fast and push it and make open threes." 

Sam Vining led the way with 17 points, including five three pointers with seven rebounds while Jake Olsen added 11 points and eight rebounds. Kenny Curtis also scored 11 as the Argos start the year 1-0. UP outrebounded PBC 45-18 pulling down 13 offensive boards leading to 18 second chance points. Exactly half of the Argo points came in the paint as the team showed good ball movement and took advantage of 24 Arrow turnovers.  

Providence wraps up the weekend Saturday hosting SAIT Polytechnic from Canada. The game tips off at 7 PM at the McLaughlin Center. For live streaming and stats, visit www.upargos.com.