FRONT ROYAL, Va. -- Randolph earned an opening day win in convincing fashion, as a first-year set a program record in his debut.

The WildCats topped Christendom, 97-33, scoring the third-most points in program history as Joe Sands became the first WildCat with double-digit assists in a game.

The guard had 10 helpers to go with his 10 points, earning a double-double in the process and besting the previous record of nine assists.

Randolph scored the first six points of the game and only allowed one basket over the first 8:28, jumping out to a 26-2 lead.

The ODAC's top scoring and field goal percentage defense locked down defensively, allowing just three field goals in the first half on its way to a 54-12 advantage at the break.

Randolph continued to grow its lead in the second half as junior Seth Wimbish scored eight straight WildCat points, including an acrobatic tip-in while being fouled.

Perimeter defense continued to be strong out of intermission, as the WildCats forced 22 consecutive missed three pointers by the Crusaders over the game's first half hour.

The WildCats closed the game with a pair of threes from first-year Ryan Sherrod, including one off of Sands's 10th assist, surrounding the layup that gave Sands his double-double, earning the 97-33 win.

"The guys got open and they made their shots," Sands said of his record-setting day. "Winning on the road is always a plus and it's great to start with a win."

The 97 points ranks third-most ever for Randolph, just shy of the record of 102. The team shot 52.1% from the floor, while holding Christendom to 15.3%.

Wimbish led the way with 13 points, while Sherrod had 11 and Sands and first-year Reid Jacoby had 10.

For the second year in a row, 14 WildCats scored in the season's opening game. On the glass, 15 players had at least one rebound.

Randolph next heads to Frostburg St., for a Saturday contest. Last year, the WildCats won at home in overtime.