PORTSMOUTH, Ohio -- The Midway University men's basketball team was back in action on Friday night when they played the opener of the Sean Elliott Classic against Shawnee State (Ohio) in Portsmouth, Ohio.

The Eagles stayed close early in the first half, but the Bears took a 45-29 lead at halftime before outscoring the Eagles 38-28 in the second stanza en route to the 83-57 victory.

It was a tough outing for both offenses as neither shot over 40 percent. Midway (0-2) shot just 26 percent (19-73) from the floor, while the Bears (4-0) shot at a 39.7 percent clip. The Bears owned the glass holding a 47-25 edge, while their bench outscored Midway's reserves 33-8.

Midway stayed within single digits early in the first half, but never could find a way to take the lead. A pullup jumper by Rico Tate (Memphis, Tenn.) cut the deficit to three with about 13 minutes left in the first frame, but that would be as close as they would get.

Over the final 10 minutes and change of the first half, the Bears outscored the Eagles 24-12 to take a 45-29 lead at intermission.

The visitors rallied early in the second half cutting the deficit to 49-39 following a three-point play from Kwon Evans (Louisville, Ky.), but that's as close as they would get as Shawnee State cruised to the 83-57 victory.

Evans led the way for the Eagles scoring a game-high 23 points, while pulling down eight rebounds. DJ Lujan (Phoenix, Ariz.) added 11 points, while Luke Thorburg (St. Louis, Mo.) chipped in seven.

The Bears had five players score in double figures led by Justin Johnson who had 15 points to go with nine boards. Kyree Edler and Tim Biakapia added 14 points each in a winning effort.

Midway will wrap up their trip to Portsmouth, Ohio when they take on Berkeley (N.Y.) on Saturday at 1 p.m. ET to wrap up the Sean Elliott Classic.

Follow Midway Eagles Athletics