WORCESTER, Mass.- Caldwell University men's basketball senior Ruud Lutterman (Dalem, Netherlands) dropped in a career-high 24 points in the Cougars season opening 114-88 loss to Saint Michael's College at the CACC/NE10 Conference Challenge hosted at Assumption College.
 
The Cougars open their season at 0-1, while the Purple Knights improve to 1-0.
 
The Purple Knights took a double-digit lead over the first seven minutes of the game. Caldwell battled back late in the half as they trailed 50-32 with under five minutes left. The Cougars closed out the half with a 15-5 run. Lutterman netted 11 points in the run to help Caldwell close the gap to 55-47 at halftime.
 
Saint Michael's scored the first seven points to start the second half and maintained their lead throughout the half.
 
Lutterman led the way with 24 points and four rebounds, while sophomore Anthony Cooper (Ashburn, Va.) added 12 points and three assists. Senior Vaughn Covington (Sicklerville, N.J.). chipped in 12 points and two assists, while senior AJ Kittles (Glassboro, N.J.) totaled eight points and five rebounds. Senior Eric Johnson Alford (Clifton, N.J.) recorded 15 points and two boards, while freshman Gabe Johnson (Bloomfield, N.J.) finished with eight points in his collegiate debut.
 
The Cougars conclude play at the CACC/NE10 Conference Challenge hosted at Assumption College as they face the host Greyhounds on Saturday, November 9 at 6:30 pm.