RIVER FOREST, Ill. – Marian opened the first half on a 10-2 run and never looked back as the Sabres demolished Concordia Chicago 91-66 Saturday afternoon.

MU shot lights out in the opening stanza and was 55.9 percent (19-of-34) from the field.

The Sabres went to sophomore Alex Manhardt early and often. The 6-foot-6 West Bend, Wis. product was 5-of-7 from the field and drained a pair of free throws to lead the way with 12 first-half points.

The Sabre defense gave the Cougars fits and forced nine turnovers, while MU only turned the ball over three times.

Connor Morovits hit a 3-pointer as time expired at the end of the half and the Sabres went into the break with a 49-31 advantage.

MU continued to roll in the second half and led by 25 points late in the contest.

Manhardt scored a game-high 22 points and secured 13 boards and posted his second double-double of the season. The 13 rebounds was also a career high.

Morovits scored a season-high 18 points and Josh Creed chipped in 12 to pace the Sabres.

As a team the Sabres shot 50 percent (33-of-66) from the floor, while holding the Cougars to 34.7 percent (25-of-72).

MU cleaned up well in front of the basket and outrebounded CUC 50-33. The Sabres also outscored the Cougars 42-28 in the paint.  

Mile Walmer scored 18 points to lead CUC (5-16, 4-12 NACC).

MU (10-11, 7-9 NACC) returns to the hardwood Tuesday and play host to Edgewood at 7 p.m.