MORRISTOWN, N.J. - The College of Saint Elizabeth's men's basketball team (1-0, 0-0 NEAC) ran past FDU-Florham in the season opener, 73-65 on Thursday night.

Starting off like he finished last season, Jason Saldiveri scored the first seven points of the game for the Eagles to take an early 7-6 lead.  Leading 18-15, Ted Thelemaque knocked down his second three-pointer of the game to open up a six-point lead for the Eagles, its largest of the game.  

After FDU battled back to get within 27-26, CSE scored the next seven points to open up a 34-26 lead. The Devils scored the final three points of the half, however the Eagles took a 34-29 lead into the break.

The Devils started the second half strong, regaining the lead at 44-42 five minutes in.  The lead went back-and-forth over the next eight minutes as the game was tied at 58 with 6:08 remaining.  Over the next three minutes, the Eagles ripped off the next 10 points to take a 68-58 lead, its largest of the game.  FDU would not get closer than five points over the final three minutes as the Eagles were victorious in the season opener, 73-65.

Saldiveri lead the Eagles with 21 points on 8-10 from the floor.  Cam Tucker added 19 points, six rebounds and six assists while Jordan Simmons and Thelemaque added 12 points a piece.

This marks the second straight season the Eagles defeated FDU.  Last season, the Eagles won in Madison, 86-82.

CSE returns to action on Monday when it hosts Clarks Summit at 7 pm.