NASHVILLE, Tenn. - The Trevecca Nazarene University men's basketball team (1-0) defeated Maryville University-St. Louis (0-1) 72-65 in the first game of their season opener at the Fifth Annual Don Callan Classic at Cedarville (Ohio) University and the Callan Athletic Center.

Trevecca freshman Devin Whitfield (FR/Lipscomb, AL) scored 17 first half points to pace the Trojans to a 30-29 halftime lead.

Trevecca fell behind 13-3 early and trailed 27-16 with 4:55 left in the first half. The Trojans closed the half with a a 14-2 run to take the lead 30-29 at the half.

The Saints rallied early in the second half and led by as many as five on a couple of occasions. Maryville led 46-41 with 10:27 left in the game. Trevecca got on another roll and built a eight point (63-55) lead with 2:49 left. The Saints cut the TNU lead to just two (65-63), but Trevecca closed the game with a 5-2 run to secure the 70-65 win.

Trevecca 2-3 versus Maryville all-time and are 2-1 over the last three meetings.

Trevecca faces Truman State University at Cedarville on Saturday at 2PM.

Whitfield finished with 23 in his collegiate debut and grabbed seven rebounds. Donovan Donaldson (SO/Nashville, TN) led the Trojans with 24 points and equaled Whitfield with a team-high seven rebounds. Whitfield and Donaldson each hit nine field goals and combined to go 9-9at the foul line, hitting five and four respectively. Donaldson had three assists and two steals and Whitfield had two steals.

Nick Anyang (SO/Nairobi, Kenya) added eight points, six rebounds, and four blocks in his Trojan debut. Donavon Henry (FR/Nashville, TN) led the team with four assists and added five points and six rebounds.

The team shot 43% (26-60) from the field, 23% (3-13) from three-point range, and 89% (17-19) from the foul line. Trevecca out rebounded the Saints 42-37.

Trevecca outscored Maryville 42-36 in the second half.