MARIETTA, Ga. -- The Life University men's basketball team earned a commanding 95-58 victory over Blue Mountain Christian to pick up the team's first SSAC win of the season. The team took control early and maintained their lead throughout the game, controlling the entire contest in the Eagles' Nest. .

Elias Ramirez got things going with the team's first basket, and Tyreke Johnson followed with a three-pointer as the Running Eagles took no time pulling ahead 9-5. Srdjan Popovich turned in his best performance of the season so far, hitting an early three-pointer to kickstart his 18-point performance. Headed to the break, Life U was more than in control with a 43-26 lead.

The Running Eagles then extended their advantage in the second half as Tyreke Johnson and Deandre Cowan kept things going for Life U. Cowan came off the bench to score 11 points as the team continued to increase the lead as they outscored Blue Mountain 52-32 in the second half.

Life University shot 50.8% from the field and 40.6% from three-point range. Popovich led all scorers with 18 points, including four three-pointers. Cortez Johnson added 16 points and six rebounds, while Tyreke Johnson contributed 12 points and seven rebounds.

The team recorded 19 assists and 8 steals, compared to Blue Mountain's 8 assists and 9 steals. Life forced 15 turnovers, converting them into 19 points, and narrowly out-rebounded Blue Mountain 39-38. The team's largest lead came in the final moments, stretching to 37 points.

The win improves Life U to 6-2 overall and 2-1 in SSAC play. The Running Eagles will have a quick break before traveling to compete in a pair of non-conference contest in Kingsport, TN after Thanksgiving.