LAKE WALES, Fla. – The #19 Warner University Royals Men's Basketball team started the season 1-0 for the 13^th straight year. They toppled a tough fighting Florida National team to do so. Trae Graham scored 26 points in his debut and four other Royals reach double digits in the point column.

The Royals led off the 2018-19 season with a 91-90 victory over Florida National.

Warner's Head Coach Sean Hanrahan said, "I think Coach Thatcher and Florida National did a great job tonight. A very notable performance was #11 Antonio Sims, he put up 39 points and was perfect from the three-point line hitting 18-18."


The Royals closed a gap in the first half battling back to lead 52-50 at the half. They shot 49% from the field in the first half and that was a big key to their success. Only taking 6 total three-point shots on the night, the Royals made 3 of 3 in the first half. They also shot 82% from the free-throw line.

The second half was more of a defensive battle as the Royals only put up 39 points but fought off the Conquistadors for a 91-90 victory.

Trae Graham finished the night 11-16 from the field, 7 defensive rebounds with 3 blocks and 1 steal. Graham said, "We felt good coming into the game. We've had a couple scrimmages, so coach made sure we were prepared for tonight."


Khalil Ozuna was the lone double-double for the Royals as he had 14 points with 14 rebounds, 11 of them defensively and added 2 blocks. Austin Walker narrowly missed his double-double falling 1 rebound shy finishing with 13 points and 9 rebounds. Jaylan Shelton finished the night with 14 points and Jarred Anderson put up 13 points.


The Royals will hit the road traveling to Florida College to take on the Falcons November 1^st, at 7:00 p.m.