JACKSON, Miss. |  Despite trailing by double-digits at the break, No. 22 Florida Memorial University exploded to the tune of 61 second-half points, defeating Rust College 95-81 at Kroger Gymnasium in game two at the Tougaloo College Classic.

The Lions were led by center Mohamad Diallo who generated 18 points to go along with 14 boards while teammate Latavious Mitchell produced a team-high 19 points and grabbed five rebounds before fouling out of the contest. Sharpshooter Calvin Payton tied a game-high with 19 points, shooting 5-of-13 from downtown. The senior guard also grabbed seven boards and dished out two assists in the victory, which lifts FMU to 2-0 on the year.

Newcomers Terrin Hamilton and Jason Danso both chipped in with 10 points apiece, with Danso adding seven dimes for the Lions.

As a team, FMU out-rebounded the Bearcats 50-24 while shooting nearly 50 percent from the field. The Lions bench dominated, outscoring the Bearcats' bench 55-8.

The Lions return to action on Tuesday, October 29 as they host Florida National in the home opener. Tip-off is slated for 6 p.m. in the FMU Wellness Center. A special ring ceremony honoring the 2023 Black College World Series champions, the FMU Lions men's baseball team, will take place at halftime.