MORAGA, CALIF. -- Senior guard Leonard Houston scored a career-high 21 points to pace a balanced attack as the Drake earned a 81-63 victory past UC San Diego Friday to mark the successful head coaching debut of Keno Davis. It marked the seventh straight year the Bulldogs had won their season opener.

"I should retire right now, I would be undefeated " said Keno Davis, who succeeded his father -- legendary coach Tom Davis, as the 24th head coach at Drake March 21. "It was nice to get that first win."

The Bulldogs had five players score in double figures with 6-foot 8-inch junior forward Jonathan Cox coming off the bench to collect a double-double with 11 points and 10 rebounds.

"I definitely want to grab as many rebounds as I can, " said Cox. "But if I need to score to help the team, then I will do that."

Houston matched his career high with 12 points in the first half, while Cox tallied nine points as Drake enjoyed a 40-28 halftime lead.

Drake shot 52.9 percent from the floor, hitting 27 of 51 shots. The Bulldog pressure defense also caused havoc by forcing UC San Diego into 25 turnovers. Drake scored 25 points off those miscues.

The Bulldogs collected 15 steals with senior guard Adam Emmenecker tying a career high with five steals. Houston and sophomore guard Josh Young had three steals apiece.

"We just couldn't get away from them," added Davis. "That team (UC San Diego) would beat a lot of Division I teams. They got after it."

Consecutive three-point baskets by Houston powered the Bulldogs to their biggest lead of the first half at 33-19 with 4:24 left.

"I got going because someone had to take the initiative," Houston said. "As a senior I can't look at other guys. I had to step up."

Young finished with 13 points, while junior forwards Brent Heemskerk and Alex White each scored 11. White also grabbed seven rebounds for Drake which outrebounded UC San Diego, 34-26.

"We need to keep improving on effort," said Davis. "That is a staple of this team."

Midway through the second half junior reserve guard Jacob Baryenbruch hit two straight three-point baskets to trigger an 8-0 run allowing Drake to enjoy its first 18-point lead at 67-49 following a three-point basket at the top of the key by Cox.

"Jacob (Baryenbruch) made the most of his chance," Davis added. "When he is open we want him to shoot it."

The Bulldogs will face host Saint Mary's at 9:35 p.m. Central Time Saturday night. The Gaels, were picked to finish second in the West Coast Conference preseason coaches poll behind national power Gonzaga.

Saint Mary's has four starters back from last year's squad which posted a 17-15 record.