Caleb McFerren

Denison captured their third victory of the season on Tuesday afternoon in Salem, Mass. by defeating Nichols College (Mass.), 74-59 in the second game of the Salem State Christmas Tournament.

The Big Red went on an 8-0 run to close out the second half thanks to a pair of jumpers by Jim Leffew (Vero Beach, Fla./Vero Beach) and back-to-back layups by Chris Luther (Dayton, Ohio/Oakwood) and Pat Sullivan (Loveland, Ohio/Loveland).

Denison led 43-30 at the intermission and would push their lead to as many as 15 points in the second half.  With 6:55 remaining in the game, Nichols cut the lead to six points after a pair of free throws by Bryan Riley.  DU would answer with a 6-0 run over the next two and a half minutes to secure the victory.

Luther and Caleb McFerren (Zanesville, Ohio/Zanesville) led DU with 14 points.  Eight of McFerren's 14 would come during that pivotal four minute period in the second half, stifling the Bison run.  Sullivan would add 13 points off 5-of-10 shooting from the field.

The Big Red (3-7) shot 49 percent from the field (29-for-59) but were outrebounded 44-35.  Denison's next game will be on Monday (Jan. 5) when they travel to Bethany College (W.Va.) for a 7 p.m. game tip-off.