AUGUSTA, Ga. – Lander's Jareal Smith scored a game-high 24 points and grabbed six rebounds Sunday afternoon to lead the Lander men's basketball team to an 84-78 non-conference victory at the PBC/SAC Challenge at GRU Augusta's Christenberry Fieldhouse.

Lander improves to 1-1 overall, while Tusculum sinks to 0-2.

Smith connected on 4-of-12 field goals, including 3-of-5 threes, and nailed 13-of-16 free throws. Dermaine Smith added 14 points, Michael Panaggio 13 and Mike Lee 12. Darius Carrier had six rebounds.

Tusculum placed five players in double figures led by Zach Davis' 18 points. Matt Shown netted 14 points, Darius Carter 13, Addison Flynn 11 and BJ Fisher 10. Neal Spinks led the Pioneers in rebounds with a game-high 10.

Lander connected on 26-of-62 field goals for 41.9 percent, including 8-of-18 threes for 44.4 percent. Lander made 24-of-40 free throws for 60 percent.

Tusculum was 28-of-52 from the field for 52.8 percent, including 4-of-15 threes for 26.7 percent. The Pioneers sank 18-of-29 foul shots for 62.1 percent.

Lander, which led 38-35 at halftime, outrebounded Tusculum, 40-38.

The Bearcats will next host Limestone College in a non-conference game at 7:30 p.m., Wednesday, Nov. 13 in Horne Arena.