The Westminster men's basketball team starts conference with a 1-0 record after defeating Spalding University on Wednesday evening, 71-67. The Westminster Blue Jays are now 1-2 on the season.

The Blue Jays ran into a 7-2 deficit after five minutes of play, but three consecutive baskets by senior Aaron Jackson Jr., sophomore Jimmy Villalobos and sophomore Tanner Cochran gave them a 8-7 lead. The team fell behind and trailed by 10 with 5:21 left in the first half. In the final minute of the half, Cochran and senior Brandon Drum each drained a pair of free throws and Jackson Jr. made a jumper to bring them within four heading into halftime, 26-22.

The Blue Jays scored eight quick points to start the second half and knot up the game, 30-30. A three-pointer by Cochran gave the Blue Jays the 33-30 lead with 16:50 to play. Possession changed eight times throughout the next 14 minutes, but with just under three minutes to play, freshman Carter Wands put in a layup to take the 62-60 lead. Sophomore Romo Tabb knocked down a three to take a five point lead, but Spalding brought it back within two with just over a minute to play. 

With :08 on the clock, Spalding put down two free throws to bring the game within one, 67-66 Westminster. Spalding fouled to stop the clock, sending Cochran to the line for two. He made both, securing a three point lead, 69-66. Spalding went 1-2 from the foul line with four seconds on the clock, while Cochran knocked down two more free throws to take the 71-67 win. 

Cochran went 7-8 from the foul line to score 14 points in the game. Tabb also posted 14 points while Villalobos recorded seven rebounds.

The Blue Jays host Greenville College on Saturday, December 5, for their home-opener. Tip-off is at 3:00 pm.