SAN JUAN, P.R.--The Hood College men's basketball team (5-4) snapped a three-game losing skid by defeating the University of Metropolitan, 53-40, in the first of two matchups in San Juan, Puerto Rico.

Hood never trailed in the contest and allowed the fewest points in a contest since surrendering 38 to Eastern University on Dec. 28, 2009. The Blazers led by as many as 16 and owned a 31-19 advantage at halftime.

Lavar Rich led all scorers with 12 points while Cameron Cook chipped in with 11. Rich and Jordan Diggs grabbed a team-high seven rebounds apiece while Trey Quinn and Ramon Smith hauled in six boards each. Smith fished four assists and Quinn contributed three.

Metropolitan's J. Cruz finished with nine points while J. Motta had eight in defeat.

The Blazers will take on the Randolph College Wildcats at 5 p.m. Tuesday in San Juan to round out their holiday trip.