NORTH MANCHESTER, IND. – Josh Dzurick didn't need long to pick a word that characterized Manchester University's 64-61 win over the University of Chicago Saturday, Nov. 22.

"Team," the MU head coach said with a smile after watching his 2014-15 squad move to 2-0. "Everyone got involved today. I continue to be very impressed with what the seniors have brought (to the season). They've taken it upon themselves to make sure we reach success. It's been all about team first with them.

"We needed that kind of leadership (today)," he added. "This Chicago team is very good … creating mismatches around the floor."

Fueled by a spirited home crowd inside Stauffer-Wolfe Arena, the Spartans bolted out to a 19-7 lead just over eight minutes in. They managed to maintain it at double figures at halftime (36-26) before the visiting Maroons (1-2) whittled away throughout the second half. UC closed the deficit to as little as two (60-58) in the waning moments, but senior guard Jocelyn Hamilton (Columbus, Ind.) drained a pair of clutch free throws, and junior guard Justine Kruger (Francesville, Ind.) worked a steal from a visitors' possession to drive in for a lay-up that helped seal the decision.

Senior forward Abby Lang (Indianapolis, Ind.) scored 13 points and grabbed four rebounds to help highlight the afternoon. Junior guard Katie Arterburn (Indianapolis, Ind.) tallied 12 points off the bench, using her long-range shooting towards success by hitting on four-of-six three-point attempts, and senior center Alyssa Hammond (Osgood, Ind.) rounded out the double-figure scoring with 10 points to go with two blocked shots. Hamilton dished out a team and game-high seven assists, while Kruger joined senior guard Alyssa Smith (Bluffton, Ind.) for the steals lead (two). Smith also grabbed five rebounds to add to her numbers.

Lang, named tournament MVP due to scoring 21 points, pulling down seven rebounds and picking up four assists and four steals over the two games, and Hammond represented the champions on the all-tournament team. "We're very aware of the impact Abby can make," Dzurick noted about the MVP honor for the senior forward. "It's part of why she is so important (to this team)."

MU takes to the road for the first time in 2014-15 Tuesday, Nov. 25. They face off with Calvin College of Michigan at 6 p.m.