RICHMOND, Ind. -- The Kenyon College men's basketball squad began its season Wednesday on the winning side, taking down the Earlham College Quakers 95-81. Powered by the strength of a 52-point second half, the Lords were able to pull away and seal the victory.

Five different Lords finished in double figures as the Kenyon men won their first season-opener since the 2013-14 season. Additionally, the 95-point effort was the program's best season-opening total since the 1994-95 team kicked of its campaign with a 102-83 victory against Haverford College.

In the game's early stages, things did not go as planned for Kenyon. The Lords fell behind 14-3, as the Quakers were able to build a double-digit lead in the first 4:56. However, Kenyon got back on track and tied the game at 21-21 with 10:58 remaining.

Throughout the rest of the half, the lead changed hands four times and no team led by more than four points. Kenyon junior Matt Shifrin poured in 11 points in the first half, while the bench combined for 20 points. Phillip Crampton scored nine and Ryan O'Neil added seven to power the bench effort that evened up the score 43-43 at the break.

Continuing the theme from the end of the first half, the second half remained close in the early going. Kenyon took a team timeout with 12:07 remaining after two free throws from Crampton tied the game at 60 apiece.

O'Neil then scored 12 of the next 17 points, including a pair of three-point field goals. Crampton scored the other five points, knocking down a three-pointer as well. After the 17-4 run, Kenyon led 77-64 with 8:24 remaining. Earlham clawed back to within 11, but the game never got any closer as the Lords cruised to victory.

The two leading scorers were Crampton and O'Neil off the bench, scoring 23 and 22, respectively. Three starters finished in double figures, as well. Ben Stern led the way with 16. Shifrin finished with 13 while Alex Laub added in 12 points with nine rebounds, narrowly missing a double-double.

As a team, Kenyon shot 34-for-62 (54.8 percent) including a 6-for-16 (37.5 percent) effort from downtown. Alternatively, Earlham shot just 31-for-70 (44.3 percent). The Lords cleaned up the boards with a 46-to-31 advantage. Kenyon's bench outscored the Quakers 49-to-23.

Next up, Kenyon will open up its home schedule this weekend. The Lords will host Albion College on Friday at 7:30 pm and then Trine University on Saturday at 4:00 p.m. Ohio Wesleyan will also be in Gambier to play the same two opponents as part of a doubleheader on each day.