St. Ambrose got everything it wanted out of its season opener Tuesday night in Dubuque, Iowa.

The Bees shot 58 percent from the floor, 12 different players scored at least six points and the defense forced 26 turnovers in a 118-53 win at Emmaus Bible College.

SAU took control early, opening up a 68-35 halftime lead.

Jake Meeske scored a game-high 20 points on 7-of-12 shooting and added six assists to lead St. Ambrose. He was one of five Bees to score in double figures.

John Kerr finished with 14 points and six rebounds; Dylan Kaczmarek added 11 points, seven rebounds and seven assists;Blake Buls contributed 10 points and seven boards; and Greg Wagner was a perfect 4-of-4 from the floor in scoring 10 points off the bench. John Payan just missed double digits, netting nine points.

On those 26 turnovers, SAU came up with 16 steals. The team also held Emmaus Bible to 34.4 percent shooting, including a 22.6 percent mark (7-of-31) in the second half. The Bees shot nearly 63 percent in the second half and didn't miss from the line, going 11-for-11.

Tom Kazanecki grabbed a game-best eight rebounds to help St. Ambrose to a commanding 51-25 edge on the glass. He also scored eight points, a number matched by Lee Hardrick and Alex Portwood.

Nate Terveer and Michael Williams each contributed seven points and Tyler Hilby added six points, five boards and four assists.

The Bees will next compete in the Holiday Inn Express Tip Off Classic hosted by Clarke. SAU will face Clarke Friday at 7:30 p.m. before battling No. 9 Indiana East Saturday at 4 p.m.