Seton Hill kicked off its 2017-18 season with a matchup with the University of Charleston (WV) in the PSAC/MEC Challenge hosted by West Liberty on Friday evening.  SHU shot over 60% in the first half and used that momentum in a game they never trailed in for an 85-77 season opening win.

The Griffins scored the first nine points of the game with Trevor Blondin scoring nine of those points.  SHU built their lead up to as many as ten points at two different points in the first half but settled for a 39-33 halftime lead.  Blondin paced the Griffins with 20 points in the half. 

SHU built their lead to as many as 13 points at two different spots in the second half.  The last being after four straight free throws from Tyler Bowling that gave SHU a 58-45 lead with just under thirteen minutes to play in the half.  Charleston cut the lead to eight before a three pointer from Anthony Karabotsos and a three point play from Bowling built the lead back to twelve with less than ten minutes to play.  Charleston responded with a 17-5 run to tie the contest at 69 with 3:21 to play.  The Griffins were able to put the game away going 12-14 from the free throw line down the stretch.

Blondin led the Griffins with a game high 26 points.  Nathan Davis added 13 points and Fernando Salsamendi also reached double figures with 10 points.  Spencer Casson and Bowling each added 9 points.

SHU will take on nationally ranked West Liberty on Saturday evening to wrap up the two day event.