THOMASVILLE, Ga. - Thomas erased an 18-point, first-half deficit and blew past from Virgin Islands, 86-65, in the Night Hawks' home opener. The Green and White improved to 6-0 all-time in the month of October following Monday evening's 21-point win inside TU Gymnasium.

Thomas (2-0) trailed 26-8 midway through the first half following a Chase Thomas steal and layup for Virgin Islands (0-4), but coach Brent Crews' squad closed the period outscoring the visitors 30-11 to lead 38-37 at the break.

Leading 50-47 in the second period, the Night Hawks went on a 10-0 run to open up the affair. 

"I thought the fans made the environment tough for the other team, and I am really happy with my team coming together when we got down and pushed back," Crews said. "They gave us extra energy and an extra push when we got down early. The energy in the gym was amazing and exciting. We will need the same support and energy Wednesday night."

Johnnel Ginnie finished with a game-high 19 points on 6-of-10 shooting and a 7-of-9 effort from the charity stripe to lead four double-figure scorers in the win. Keion Peoples added 13 points, while Javoris Cooks and Jerodd Blount had 11 and 10, respectively. Willie Holloway contributed nine rebounds, while Blount added seven.

"We noticed what we were doing wrong, and they came out hungrier than us early on," Ginnie said. "We had Keion come in and give us a spark, so that helped out a lot."

Jonathan Harley scored 14 points in the loss. Jake Fay had 11, while Latravian Glover recorded 10.

Thomas shot 47.5 percent (28-of-59) from the floor and 25-of-33 from the line.

The Buccaneers were 40 percent (24-of-60) from the field but just 4-of-14 from deep in the final 20 minutes.

The Night Hawks outscored Virgin Islands in the paint, 40-12, and won the battle on the boards, 49-31.

Thomas continues non-conference action at home Wednesday against Life (Ga.) at 7 p.m. ET.