CALGARY - Just like at the start of last year, the University of Calgary Dinos men's basketball team opened up their season with a victory over the Winnipeg Wesmen, by a score 87-67.
 
This time the win would come at home, as Calgary got off to a hot start and didn't look back en route to the 20-point victory.
 
Reigning Canada West Rookie of the Year Lars Schlueter showed his hot shooting touch early, knocking down four threes and scoring all 12 of his points in the first quarter. US transfer Thomas Cooper would carry the scoring load from there, finishing the night with 24 points and 12 rebounds.
 
"'I'm feeling pretty comfortable, moving around to different positions sometimes, based on the match ups or based on who's in the game for us," Cooper said. "I'm just learning every single day in practice and in games and just taking my opportunities when I can get them."
 
Along with Schlueter and Cooper, three other Dinos hit double digits, including David Kapinga with 12, as well as Jhony Verrone and Dallas Karch scoring 10 each.
 
The Dinos offense was able to keep Winnipeg's top scorer, Jelane Pryce, in check, holding him to 4-15 shooting for 10 points. Calgary also took advantage of Winnipeg's 22 turnovers, scoring 20 points off of them. For the Dinos who finished the preseason at 6-1, Cooper said it was important to get off to a good start.
 
"We have goals that we set and the first thing today was to make a good first impression, not just for this team, but all of Canada West to let them know we're here," Cooper said.
 
While holding Pryce to 10 points, the Wesmen were led in scoring by forward Jamar Farley with 20, while post Ryan Oirbans added 12.
 
The Dinos and Wesmen meet in game two of their series at 7 p.m. at the Jack Simpson Gymnasium Saturday night.