BRISTOL, R.I. - Ryan O'Connell scored 20 points and the Bowdoin defense held Springfield to 34% shooting in the second half of a season-opening 66-54 win at the RWU/Courtyard by Marriott Tip-Off on Friday. The Polar Bears (1-0) will play the host Hawks, who defeated Medgar Evers, at 3:00 p.m. in the championship game.

O'Connell buried 4-of-6 from behind the arc to lead the Polar Bears while Will Hanley scored 16 points with seven rebounds. Maximillian Staiger  finished with two points, eight boards, and three blocks in his first collegiate start while Justin Nowell dropped 14 points with five assists. Springfield's Matt Cavalieri finished with 14 points and seven rebounds.

An early Bowdoin rally helped the Polar Bears jump out to a lead that the Pride just could not recover from, with Bowdoin hitting eight of its first 11 shots to take a 20-7 lead in the opening six minutes of the game. Springfield would pull within single digits numerous times throughout the game, but were unable to come close than three over the remainder of the game, as Bowdoin held on for the win.

The Polar Bears connected on 50.0% of their shots for the game and forced 16 Springfield turnovers.