Hagedorn, Simpson, Umude lead season-opening sweep in Hawaii

USD men’s basketball opened its season in Honolulu, Hawaii, defeating Pacific on Saturday, Hawaii on Sunday and Florida A&M on Monday to win the Rainbow Classic and a 3-0 start.

USD vs. Pacific

USD tipped off its season against Pacific (2-2) in the Stan Sheriff Center Friday night. Senior forward Tyler Hagedorn, returning from a leg injury that sidelined him during the 2018-2019 season, led the team with 24 points to pair with three assists and three rebounds. Sophomore guard Stanley Umude scored 17 points, leading to a 72-62 win against the Tigers.

The Coyotes secured the win by shooting 47.6% (10-21) from the three-point line and 18-20 on free throws. 

USD vs. Hawaii

On the second day of the Rainbow Classic, the Coyotes held off host Hawaii (2-1) 81-75 to secure their second win.

Junior guard Triston Simpson led the team with 22 points, followed by Umude with 21 points. Both reached 20 points in a game for the eighth time in their careers. Simpson, who shot 8-of-11 from the court, finished two points shy of his career-high.

Freshman forward Hunter Goodrick secured 15 points, as well as seven rebounds.

USD secured points at the stripe when Hawaii could not, shooting 82.8% from the free-throw line to the Rainbow Warriors’ 68.8%.

USD vs. Florida A&M

The Coyotes continued their winning streak into Monday night, downing Florida A&M (1-4) 85-82.

A combined 63 points came from Hagedorn, Simpson and Umude. Hagedorn again led the offensive attack with 23 points while Simpson and Umude followed suit with 22 and 18 points, respectively. 

Umude led the team in rebounds, pulling down eight, while senior guard Tyler Peterson dished out a team-leading four assists.

The Coyotes shot 59% from the court (26-of-44), and sunk 22-of-28 free throws against the Rattlers.

The Coyotes open up in the Sanford Coyote Sports Center against Texas Southern Nov. 15 at 7 p.m.