GLASSBORO, NJ- The Highlanders opened up their season against the high-powered Rowan University Profs Monday night.
 
Cairn comes into the season with the highest of expectations, setting their sights firmly on the CSAC title after a loss in the championship just one year ago. The Highlanders got a great opportunity to size themselves up against top competition in their first game of the season as Rowan won two games in the NCAA Tournament just one year ago.
 
The Highlanders started off hot from long range in the first half, canning seven threes thanks to four from senior Eric Jacobs and two from Malachi Hall. The Cairn leaders Malachi Hall and Preseason All-American Julian Collazo picked up right where they left off last season, impacting the game in a myriad of ways offensively and defensively. Cairn led for much of the first half until the Profs got hot from long range and took a narrow two point lead into the half. Cairn and Rowan traded buckets in the second half, but the Profs oversized front-line was simply too much for the Highlanders to overcome. Every time the Highlanders got within a basket, Rowan came up clutch with a three, dunk, or put back to remain just in front. Despite Cairn's excellent play, Rowan held on and won the free throw battle, eking out a victory in the first game of the season.
 
Collazo finished with 22 points, 9 rebounds, and 5 assists, Hall notched 20 points, 9 rebounds, and 2 assists, and Eric Jacobs cashed in five threes for 15 points.
 
The Highlanders will play an exhibition against Lehigh University tonight before playing their first home game Friday night at 8:00 PM.