The Riverland men’s basketball team’s starting backcourt combined for 49 points as they beat St. Cloud 82-71 on the road Friday.

The Blue Devils (7-6 overall) were shorthanded but Nicco Montgomery put op 26 points and DeAaron Hearn added 23 points to lift them.

“Our defense lacked intensity and our ball movement was slow and stagnant. It was a rough game and we didn’t attack their zone well at all,” RCC head coach Dan Swift said. “We did get out of there with a win prior to the break.

Austin grad Chris Jahr had 15 points for RCC, which returns to action Jan. 3.

Riverland Scoring: Nicco Montgomery, 26; DeAaron Hearn, 23; Chris Jahr, 15; Richard Burch, 8; Josh Davis, 6; Taylor, Oetken 4