Bethune-Cookman Wildcats vs. Akron Zips men's basketball recap: Zips cruise at home 81-60

Usually when a team shoots 43 percent from beyond the arc, they're going to win. That was the case Saturday night at James A. Rhodes Arena, where the Akron Zips connected on 15-35 shots from beyond the three-point line to coast to an 81-60 win over the visiting Bethune-Cookman Wildcats.

The game didn't start all that well for Akron, who fell behind 7-1 in the first three minutes of the game. But that malaise didn't last long as the Zips responded with a 13-2 run of their own, six of which coming from Josh Williams back-to-back threes.

Those threes would be the story of the game. 27 of Akron's 41 first-half points were from three-pointers and there was a point in the first half where the Zips hit four straight threes on four straight possessions - the first and last from Jake Kretzer and the middle two from Noah Robotham.

Akron was efficient from inside the arc as well, hitting 39 percent of field goals and 70 percent from the charity stripe. Defensively Akron played well forcing 13 turnovers but the Zips were outrebounded 47-41. Bethune-Cookman struggled from the floor, shooting 35 percent (25-72) and 4-24 from beyond the arc.

B-C's Ricky Johnson, a senior who attended high school just down the road from the JAR at St. Vincent-St. Mary, led the team in scoring in his return home. Forward Mario Moody had a strong game as well, posting a double double with 12 points and 14 rebounds (7 offensive).

Akron (7-2) returns to action on December 21st when they take on UC-Santa Barbara in the South Point Hoops Classic in Las Vegas. The Wildcats (4-5) get a home game with The Citadel on Wednesday before heading to Toledo a week from Saturday.

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