OSHAWA, Ont. - The Durham Lords men's basketball team improved to 2-0 on the season with a wire-to-wire 82–80 victory over the Fleming Phoenix on Friday night at the Campus Recreation & Wellness Centre in Oshawa.

Durham came out blazing, putting up 33 points in the opening quarter and leading by 21 by halftime.

The Lords connected on six triples in the first frame and shot 13-for-18 overall, building a cushion that ultimately proved crucial down the stretch. 

Caleb Carter led that early surge, drilling five threes on the night and finishing with 17 points, while Rudy Fakih added 15 points, nine rebounds, and five assists.

The Lords' dominance inside also made a difference as Rahsaan Chambers recorded 10 points, eight rebounds, and a block, and Desson Spencer produced a double-double with 13 points and 13 boards to go with four steals and a block. 

Jasean Elliott provided steady all-around play with seven points, five assists, and three steals, and John Dayo chipped in nine points and five assists.

Durham shot 42.5 percent from the field, including 10-for-28 from beyond the arc, and turned 22 Fleming turnovers into 20 points. The Lords' bench also provided a lift, contributing 26 points.

Though Fleming made a late push with a 30-point fourth quarter, the Lords held on defensively in the final seconds to secure the two-point win and stay unbeaten in conference play. 

The Lords head to the nation's capital next weekend to take on the Algonquin Wolves on October 31 and the La Cité Coyotes on November 1.

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