The Benedictine men’s basketball team opened the NAIA National Tournament in Kansas City Thursday with a 90-85 victory over Westmont (CA).

The Ravens advance to the Sweet 16 as they improve to 31-3 this season and Westmont ends its season 18-11.

Benedictine fell behind by as many as eight points in the first half before cutting the deficit to one, 38-37, at halftime. The Ravens then rolled in the second half as they eventually led by 14 points with about three minutes to go before hanging on for the five-point win.

BC was led by St. Joseph Central graduate Jaiden Bristol. The sophomore point guard scored a career-high 36 points, grabbed nine rebounds, had two assists and just one turnover. Adam Kutney added 17 points, Eric Krus scored 15 and Colby Nickels had 12.

Benedictine will play Pikeville (KY) in the second round Friday at 7:30 p.m. inside Municipal Auditorium in Kansas City. Pikesville defeated Talladega (AL) on Thursday 69-65.