HOUSTON – The Celts of the University of St. Thomas opened the home portion of their Southern Collegiate Athletic Conference schedule Sunday with an 80-65 win over Johnson & Wales (Colo.).

Four UST players scored in double-figures Sunday as the Celts (7-3) improved to 2-1 in SCAC play. Sheridan Hopkins (SR/Galveston, Texas) led the way with 20 points and eight rebounds for UST.

UST freshman Hayden Morin (FR/Humble, Texas) came off the bench to score 14 points for the Celts on 5-of-6 shooting. Bresha Orange (SR/Longview, Texas) added 12 points and Olivia Anga (SO/Rosharon, Texas) chipped in 10 points for the Celts.

Johnson & Wales (0-8, 0-3 SCAC) suited up only seven players, but proved to be a pesky opponent for the Celts. UST's 23-11 first quarter set the tone for the game, though the Wildcats never let the game get out of hand.

UST jumped out to an 8-2 lead and never trailed during the contest.

The Celts outscored Johnson & Wales 16-0 in fast-break points and held a 12-2 advantage in second-chance points.

UST returns to action Monday when the Celts host Colorado College. Tipoff is scheduled for 2 p.m. at UST's Jerabeck Center.