Evansville, IN -- (Sports Network) - Nate Garner tallied 20 points to lead the Evansville Purple Aces to a 64-49 victory over the Buffalo Bulls in a non- conference clash.

Shy Ely added 14 points for Evansville (3-0), which has won its first three games to open a season for the first time since 1999. James Haarsma pitched in 13 points and 12 rebounds for the Purple Aces.

Greg Gamble netted 15 points in the loss for Buffalo (2-1), which got 10 points from Rodney Pierce.

Evansville led 32-21 at intermission after limiting Buffalo to 32.1 percent shooting from the floor in the first half.

The Purples Aces connected on 55 percent of their own field goal attempts in the second half and cruised to victory.

A 16-8 edge in points from the foul line helped Evansville overcome 20 turnovers.