FULTON, Mo. - Westminster men's basketball recorded a 72-57 conference win over Blackburn to remain a perfect 5-0 at home and 5-1 in the SLIAC. 

"This was a great team win today," said Westminster Head Coach Matt Mitchell. "Our defense was consistent all night long." 

Westminster approached the game with a balanced attack, with three players scoring in double figures and 11 players tallying a basket. 

The Blue Jays took a quick early lead. After being tied at six with the Beavers, Westminster went on a 12-0 run spanning over three minutes, ending with back-to-back-to-back three-pointers from Jimmy Villalobos. 

"Jimmy getting hot in the first half really got us going," said Mitchell.

A three-pointer from Cody Shaw made the score 29-12 at the 9:59 mark of the first half. 

Despite the Beavers going on a small 6-0 run, a three-pointer from Villalobos and a layup from Romo Tabb to end the half put Westminster up 42-27 at the half. 

Five minutes into the second half, two freethrows from Sean O'Brien gave the Blue Jays a 20-point lead for the first time in the game. 

Strong bench play in the second half earned the Blue Jays the victory, including six points and seven rebounds from Stu Hollandsworth. 

"Our bench had a great game," said Mitchell. "Twice they extended the lead when they came in the game." 

Villalobos had 13 points on being 4-6 from behind the three-point line. Carter Wands also tallied 13 points, including three assists and five rebounds. 

"Carter was the best player on the floor tonight," said Mitchell. "He handled all of their pressure and did a fantastic job guarding their two-time player of the week." 

Westminster continues SLIAC play at home Wednesday, Jan. 11 with an 8 p.m. game against Iowa Wesleyan.