KENNESAW, Ga. -- Nick Masterson scored 24 points, Yonel Brown had 21, and Kennesaw State built an early double-digit lead and cruised to a 102-86 victory over Lipscomb in an Atlantic Sun Conference opener on Saturday.

Masterson was 10 of 14 from the floor with four 3-pointers. Brown made 8 of 14 shots and 3 of 6 from long range. Kendrick Ray had 16 points, Kyle Clarke 14 and Nigel Pruitt chipped in 12 for Kennesaw State (5-12, 1-0).

Eli Pepper had career-highs with 22 points and 17 rebounds to lead Lipscomb (4-14, 0-1).

The Owls had an 18-point lead midway through the first half and led 39-28 at halftime.

Pepper scored 10 points as part of a 13-6 spurt to pull the Bisons to 82-74 with five minutes left. Pruitt answered with a 3-pointer, sparking a 14-4 surge to push the Owls' lead to 96-78 with 2:28 remaining.