The Muhlenberg men's basketball team opened Centennial Conference play with a convincing 76-52 home win against Dickinson.

The Mules head into the Thanksgiving break with a 7-0 record, their best start since the 1955-56 team won its first eight.

Senior Matt Gnias (23 points) and sophomore Dan Gaines (20) both topped the 20-point mark for the first time as Muhlenberg teammates, complementing the team's best defensive effort of the season. The Mules, who came in allowing 73.8 points per game, held the Red Devils (0-4, 0-1) to 29.2-percent shooting in the second half. 

Muhlenberg also had a big 41-26 advantage on the boards, allowing only one offensive rebound.

Gnias (pictured above) scored the Mules' first seven points for a quick 7-2 lead three minutes into the game. The margin grew to 11 in the first half, but Dickinson closed to within three before Gnias drained a three with a minute on the clock. It was his 100th career three-pointer.

Muhlenberg turned the game into a runaway by scoring on 12 of 14 possessions early in the second half. Included in that span was a dunk by sophomore Noah Watson, who finished with 8 points.