The Ohio Northern men's basketball team opened its 108th season of varsity basketball on Monday with a 99-61 victory over against area-rival Defiance at the ONU Sports Center.

The Polar Bears (1-0 overall) got 20 points and nine rebounds from senior Ryan Bruns to lead five players in double figures in scoring. Freshman Daniel Unruh (Elida) scored 14 points, senior Daniel Donner and junior Austin Allemeier (Elida) added 11 points each.

The Yellow Jackets fall to 0-2 and were led by Malachi McClain with 16 points off the bench.

Ohio Northern raced to an 13-0 lead, holding the Yellow Jackets scoreless for 5:31, and did not trail in the contest.

The Polar Bears will return to action on Saturday when they host Denison in a 2 p.m. contest at the ONU Sports Center.