MIAMI SHORES, Fla. -- Bucky's Crew was in full force with the dissipating powder into the air. It was almost symbolic of what soon unfolded.
Barry vanished any thoughts of Florida Memorial stealing the Buccaneers' thunder in the home opener as part of the university's Founder's Week, winning 82-51 Tuesday in front of 1,273 fans at Health & Sports Center.
"That was one of the goals, to fill the stands up this year," Barry junior forward Savad Garner said after scoring 15 points and pulling down six rebounds, while shooting seven of nine from the floor.
In an academic year where Bucky is back so is this basketball team.
The Bucs (2-0) hit 53 percent of their shots in the first half in building a 19-point lead at the break. Garner and Juan Ferrales were both five of six from the floor in the opening half, and combined to pull down seven of Barry's 25 rebounds. The Lions (0-2) had just nine boards in the first half.
Barry outrebounded Florida Memorial, 53-26.
"Wow," Garner said, astonished as to the discrepancy in the board battle. "Our coaches just tell us to be relentless on the boards, and at the end of the day just get the ball."
The Bucs never trailed, and outscored the Lions, 46-18, in the paint. Barry outscored Florida Memorial, 23-5, in second chance points.
"Our intensity was a lot better tonight. I thought our effort was better," Estes said. "We still have a long way to go, but it was a great win."
Four Bucs scored in double figures -- the second time that's happened in as many games this year. Ferrales and Magne Fivelstad each had 13 points. Fivelstad also pulled down eight boards, and had three blocks. Freshman Adrian Gonzalez scored 11 points off the bench, and grabbed seven rebounds.
Barry junior point guard Deric Hill had seven assists and three steals.
Florida Memorial's Andre Corrales scored 12 points, and Malcolm Gilbert had nine points and five rebounds.
The Buccaneers struggled from the free throw line, going 24 of 37 for 64.9 percent. They also didn't knock down the three-ball with regularity, finishing four of 17 for 23.5 percent. But Barry all but made up for it with a couple big follow-up jams by Yunio Barrueta and Garrett Naughton, who combined for 10 points, 10 rebounds. Naughton was 4 of 4 from the free throw line.
"We're still learning," Estes said. "We're not in sync yet."
It'll be scary to think of what could happen when they are.