SASKATOON - The Saskatchewan Huskies raised their CIS Championship banner on Friday night before defeating the UVic Vikes men's basketball team 95-81.

BOXSCORE

Saskatchewan's roster has been overhauled for their title defence, but newcomers Rejean Chabot and Jamelle Barrett carried the scoring load with 24 and 22 points respectively. Huskies' holdover Michael Lieffers also added 22 points, shooting a perfect 11-for-11 from the field.

Marco Dolcetti matched his career high with 20 points, shooting 6-for-10 from the field. Wendell Thomas and Ryan MacKinnon both chipped in nine points apiece. Zac Andrus scored 10 points, helping the Vikes bench out-score Saskatchewan's 30-8.

The Vikes led briefly early, but Saskatchewan opened a 10-0 run at the onset of the second half to cruise into halftime ahead 54-43. The Huskies shot 70 percent in the opening half, and finished the game at 62 percent. The Vikes shot 50 percent.

The two sides will rematch Saturday to wrap up the weekend set. The Vikes will be looking to salvage the weekend split, while the Huskies are looking to build a three-game win streak.