Defending NIT champion Texas Christian tipped off the 2017-18 season on Friday night in Fort Worth with a 83-73 win over Louisiana-Monroe on Friday.

Five Horned Frogs scored in double-figures, led by Vladimir Brodziansky with 16 points.

Kenrich Williams posted 13 points and game-highs for rebounds (14) and assists (7).

Desmond Bane, J.D. Miller and freshman Kouat Noi each poured in 12 points apiece for Texas Christian (1-0). Noi pulled down eight rebounds in his collegiate debut.

Louisiana-Monroe's Sam McDaniel led all scorers with 21 points while Jordan Harris and Marvin Jean-Pierre added 16 and 12 points, respectively. Travis Munnings complimented his 13 points with nine rebounds to lead the Warhawks (0-1).

Texas Christian built on its 38-35 halftime lead by outscoring Louisiana-Monroe by seven in the second half. The Warhawks were within 78-73 on two free throws by McDaniel with 2:08 remaining but Brodziansky converted a dunk with 1:54 remaining.

The Horned Frogs shot 49.2 from the floor to the Warhawks' 39.1 percent.

Texas Christian dominated in the paint, outscoring Louisiana-Monroe 46-22 down low.

Louisiana-Monroe scored 30 points off its bench to Texas Christian?s 24 points by its reserves.

Despite the loss, Louisiana-Monroe still leads its all-time series with Texas Christian by a 3-2 margin.

Texas Christian (1-0) remains in Fort Worth to play host to Tennessee Tech on Nov. 13, while Louisiana-Monroe travels over to Dallas and a contest with Southern Methodist.