DEFIANCE, Ohio — A fast start and a smothering defensive effort fueled Lourdes University to an 81–64 victory over Defiance College on Wednesday evening, marking the Gray Wolves' third straight win and moving them to 8–1 overall. Lourdes put up 50 points in the opening half, building a 22-point halftime lead and never looking back.

The Gray Wolves shot 50 percent from the floor and buried seven threes, while forcing 18 turnovers that led to 28 points—a key difference in a game they controlled wire to wire.

Sophomore guard Derek Fairley finished with 18 points on 9-of-14 shooting, adding three assists and a steal in 26 minutes. Fourteen of his points came in the first half as Lourdes surged to a 50–28 lead.

Freshman Jayden Jones provided one of his best all-around performances of the season, scoring 13 points, grabbing six rebounds, and swiping two steals, while going 2-for-2 from beyond the arc.

Senior Stephen Coleman anchored the Gray Wolves inside with 13 points, seven rebounds, and two steals, converting five of his seven shot attempts.

Senior Adonus Abrams filled the box score with nine points, four steals, four assists, and two rebounds, including a highlight-reel transition dunk during a 23–5 first-half run that blew the game open.

Lourdes' bench provided a major lift, scoring 40 points—nearly half the team's total. J'Siah Jefferson added five points, four rebounds, and a block, while Cole Biedenharn scored six and grabbed four boards. Karter Koester chipped in eight points, including a first-half three that pushed the lead to 40–17.

Defiance (5–3) was led by Carder Orr with 13 points and seven rebounds, while Logan Horton added 11 points and five offensive boards. The Yellow Jackets held a 46–38 edge on the glass but shot just 35.7 percent and 22.2 percent from three.

Lourdes' largest lead reached 33 points early in the second half at 71–38 before the Gray Wolves emptied the bench.

Lourdes is back in action Saturday, Dec. 6, returning home to face UM Dearborn inside the Russell J. Ebeid Recreation Center. Tipoff is scheduled for 3 p.m.