HELENA, Mont. -- The Kurt Paulson era opened with a bang, a flirtation with a school record and unselfish basketball.

The Carroll College men's basketball team used 35 assists to defeat Stone Child College 135-63 in an exhibition on Thursday evening in the PE Center. It was the first game of the season for the Saints. 

"I know the players were very excited to play, get out and play against somebody not on their own team," Paulson said afterward. "That was exciting for them."

The Saints scheduled Stone Child College late in the week after their original opponent bailed. 

The Saints had four 20-point scorers, led by Matt Wyman's 28. 

Freshman guard Shamrock Campbell led the team in rebounding with nine. 

Senior guard Alex Santos finished with 20 points, 10 assists, five rebounds, two blocks and two steals. 

The Saints as a team only turned the ball over seven times and shot 26 of 28 from the free throw line. 

"It was fun to watch the guys play," Paulson said. "They shared the ball. We had 35 assists. That was very exciting to watch and I was very pleased with 35 assists and seven turnovers. That's what I told them after the game. It was great watch them share the ball and have fun doing it."

Carroll's 135 points were just five shy of the 140 points the Saints set as the record just two seasons ago.  

 From a coaching standpoint, it's nice to get the first game behind you. A lot of anticipation, a little nervousness. 

The Saints have little time for pause, though, as they host the Lethbridge Pronghorns on Friday back in the PE Center at 7:30 p.m.