SHELBURNE FALLS  -- A big halftime lead nearly slipped away, but the Drury boys' basketball team buckled down on defense late in the game to earn a 49-40 road win over Mohawk in the Blue Devils' first game of the season on Monday night. 

Jack Racette's squad led from start to finish against the Warriors, stretching its lead to 28-14 at the half. Senior forward Tyler Benoit scored 14 of Drury's 28 points in the first frame, setting the tone for his game-high 26 points and 10 rebounds. The Devils' offense went cold after the break, however, and Mohawk eventually cut the lead down to two in the final minutes before Drury got two crucial jumpers from junior Robert Jutras (eight points) and a big 3-pointer from Benoit. That pushed the lead to 43-37, and the Devils' defense clinched the win by forcing a shot clock violation with 15 seconds remaining. 

Drury point guard Cody Wemette played the entire game, finishing with six points, five rebounds and eight assists. Sophomores Alex Bush and Nolan Bird also gave Racette quality minutes, with Bush collecting four of his six rebounds on the offensive end. 

The Warriors were led by Doug Porter, who netted 14 points. 

The Blue Devils next host Pittsfield in the opening round of the Gene Wein Holiday Tournament on Thursday night. Tipoff is scheduled for 7:30 p.m.