NEWPORT, Ark. — The Three Rivers College men's basketball team used a strong defense to take a 58-48 win over the Arkansas State University-Newport Aviators on Tuesday at the Greyhound Field House.

With the win, the Raiders improve to 3-0 on the season, their best start in eight years. Three Rivers started the 2016-17 season 10-0 on the way to a 25-8 record and a Region XVI championship, the team's last region title.

The Raiders dominated on defense, holding ASU-Newport to just 29% shooting (15-for-51) from the field and to just 14 first-half points. Three Rivers led 27-14 at halftime and led by double digits the entire second half.

Freshman Antonio Williams came off the bench to score a game-high 15 points and also led the Raiders with five rebounds. Demetris "Meechie" White added 10 points, while Robert "Deuce" Alexander had eight and Matt Hampton finished with seven points and four steals.

Nehemiah Reedus paced the Aviators with 15 points and a game-high 10 rebounds.

Three Rivers is back in action Friday at the Midwest JUCO Challenge at Moberly when they face off with Highland (Illinois) at 5 p.m.

The Raiders then take on Southeastern (Iowa) at 2 p.m. Saturday at Moberly before continuing their road swing on Tuesday at Lincoln Trail in Robinson, Illinois.

Daily American Republic