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The number-22-ranked Judges won the first game of the season by defeating the Lasell College Lasers on Tuesday night. After falling to the local rivals by just three points in last year’s season opener, the Judges were pleased to take this matchup by 11.

Brandeis led by as much as 22 at multiple points during the game. The Judges still held that lead with just under six-and- a -half minutes left in the game when Lasell made an offensive push, drawing within eight points at the 0:42 mark. The pressure by Lasell forced mistakes and turnovers from Brandeis, resulting in the Lasers outscoring the Judges 16-2 in the second half off turnovers. Brandeis held on, however, and, thanks to out-rebounding the visitors 37-22 as well as a 24-7 advantage from the line, defeated Lasell 90-79.

Despite the small size of the Brandeis bench, four players got into double digits. Forward/center Vytas Kriskus ’12 led the Judges with a career-high 23 points. Kriskus, who came in off the bench, was five three-pointers off 11 attempts and all four free throws as well as going seven for 16 overall.

Guard Andre Roberson ’10 was close behind Kriskus with 20 points in the game, the fourth time in his career he has reached that mark, and a career-high of his own with eight rebounds. Roberson also had seven assists while connecting on five-of-nine from the floor and nine-of-11 from the line with one trifecta.

Guard Kenny Small ’10 and classmate forward Terrell Hollins also contributed to the Brandeis victory. Small had 17 points and four steals in the game while Hollins had his ninth career double-double with 16 points and 10 rebounds.

While Lasell had five players reach double figures, they weren’t able to overcome the Brandeis squad. Rookie guard lance Theard led the Lasers with 18 points, 16 of which came in the second half in the team’s attempted comeback.

The Judges will play their second game, as well as second home game, of the season on Saturday night at 5 p.m. They’ll face off against Emerson College.