The No. 1-ranked Cardinals held Kilgore College to 18 points in the first half of Wednesday night's Region XIV Conference opener at Masters Gymnasium on their way to an 83-52 win.

Building a 40-18 halftime advantage, the unbeaten Cardinals cruised through a no-stress second half to raise their record to 9-0. Kilgore fell to 5-3.

The Cardinals are scheduled to return to action at home Saturday against Tyler. Tyler is 6-2 going into its conference opener at home tonight against Navarro. Saturday's tipoff at Cardinal Gym is set for 4 p.m.

Tyler Smith led the Cardinals against Kilgore with 18 points. He hit three three-pointers.

Garrett Nuckolls also drilled three three-pointers in a 13-point performance.

Also scoring in double figures was Mouhamed Mbaye with 10.

All 13 Cardinals participating in the game scored.

The Cardinals outrebounded the Rangers 41-28, lead by Kalen White with seven. Mbaye had six.

With a win against Tyler, the Cardinals would match their best start in the last 15 seasons. The 2010-11 Cardinals also started 10-0.

Here is the Cardinals' remaining scheduled before the holiday break:

Saturday, Dec. 7 – vs. Tyler, 4 p.m.

Wednesday, Dec. 12 – vs. Angelina, 7 p.m.

Saturday, Dec. 14 – at Panola, 4 p.m.