CHARLOTTE AMALIE — It didn’t take Abilene Christian University long to warm up to playing in St. Thomas.
In the first game for the reigning Southland Conference champions, ACU handily dispatched the British Virgin Islands national team 81-44.
Hayden Howell, of Midwest City, Oklahoma, led the Wildcats in scoring with 20 points as well as nine rebounds. Clay Gayman of Nevada, Missouri was the second leading scorer for the Abilene, Texas team, contributing 13 points off of the bench.
The combination of Howell and Gayman outscored all five starters 33-29, the two went a combined 14-of-17 from the floor.
Kolton Kohl of San Angelo, Texas led all starters in scoring with 10 points in addition to grabbing six rebounds, he also totaled two blocks and a steal for the night. The team totaled 20 assists on 33 field goals, shooting 47 percent from the field.
Outside of basketball, the Texas team has been enjoying everything St. Thomas has to offer.
Prior to yesterday’s game they were able to visit the national historic landmark, Fort Christian.
Thursday morning the team broke into four groups to compete in a tropical scavenger hunt.
The next game is scheduled for today at 5 p.m. when the Wildcats will take on U.S. Virgin Islands national team.