Jake Ross made an entrance.
The Springfield College men’s basketball freshman, a Williston Northampton grad and Northampton native, scored 29 points in his college debut Tuesday, an 80-69 win at Western New England.
He made 11 of 20 field goals and hit 7 of 9 free throws to go along with 11 rebounds and three blocks.
Ross started the game and scored 15 points in the first half.
Luis Agrait (South Hadley) had four points, five rebounds and three assists for the Golden Bears.
Smith 84, Pine Manor 56 — Kennedy Guest-Pritchett led four Pioneers in double figures with 18 points in a season-opening win.
She also had 10 rebounds for Smith (1-0).
Mandy Castro scored 13, while Paige Marquez and Erin Hanley both added 10.
Castro and Marquez dished out seven assists each.
Worcester State 63, Mount Holyoke 24 — Xajaah Williams-Flores led the Lyons with nine points in a loss to open the season.