SALEM, Va--- Roanoke cruised by Hiwassee, 87-71 Monday afternoon in the 2011 Morris Cregger New Year's Classic at the Bast Center. The Maroons improved to 5-5 on the year, while the Tigers fell to 2-15.

The Maroons outrebounded Hiwassee 60-40 and held the Tigers to just 35% shooting for the day. Roanoke is 4-0 on the season when holding their opponent under 40% shooting from the floor.

Both teams traded baskets to start play, with Hiwassee jumping out to an early 14-9 lead six minutes into the action. Roanoke responded, going on a 22-6 run to take a 31-20 lead with under five minutes remaining.

The Tigers fought back, cutting the deficit to within four before the Maroons mounted a 16-1 run to close the half with a 47-32 lead. Matt Crizer (Covington, VA, Alleghany) and Andrew Daniels (Oakton, VA, Fairfax) each scored four points during the decisive run.

The Maroons continued to pull away at the start of the second half as they built a 21-point lead with 14:45 remaining. Hiwassee cut Roanoke's advantage to 12, 74-62, with 5:19 left, but Melvin Felix (Caguas, Puerto Rico, Salem) led an 11-0 run over the next three minutes, pouring in seven-straight points to seal the contest.

Felix paced three Maroons in double-figures with 24 points, three steals and three assists on the afternoon. Crizer recorded his first career double-double, finishing the game with 12 points, and career-highs of 10 rebounds to go along with a season-best six assists.

Logan Singleton (Roanoke, VA, Hidden Valley) barely missed his own first career double-double, as he added 13 points, eight boards, and three blocked shots. Daniels finished with a season-high eight points while Jack Hamilton (Arlington, VA, St, Stephen's St. Agnes) chipped added eight rebounds to pace the Maroons.

Zack Williams led the way for the Tigers, finishing with 18 points and nine rebounds. Demario Hill contributed 14 points and five steals and Stefan McClellan added 13 points and seven caroms.

Felix was the only Maroon to earn all-tournament honors, as he finished the tournament with 36 points (14-of-26 shooting), six rebounds, five steals, and five assists. He was joined on the all-tournament team by tournament Most Valuable Player Amauris Quezada of Tufts with teammate Alex Orchowski; Terrance Griggs and Jorel Terrell of Emory & Henry and Hiwassee's Williams.

Roanoke returns to action Saturday, Jan. 8th as they travel to Hampden-Sydney College to take on the Tigers in conference play. Tip-off is scheduled for 2:00 p.m.