Nov. 21, 2007

Box Score

DeLand, Fla. - A.J. Smith scored 21 points to help lead Stetson University over visiting Bethune-Cookman University, 62-51 on Wednesday night at the Edmunds Center in nearby DeLand, Fla.

B-CU (0-4) was unable to break into the win column on Wednesday night as they held their own with their Volusia County rival for 25 minutes. That's when a strong second half from Garfield Blair and A.J. Smith pushed Stetson (2-4) out to an insurmountable lead in double-digits.

The Wildcats of Bethune-Cookman led 23-21 at the half, thanks mainly to Dewayne Pettus and Jimmy Hudson who combined for 13 of the `Cats first half points.

After trailing 13-4 just seven minutes into the contest, B-CU made a huge 15-6 run behind the efforts of Pettus and Hudson to tie the game at 19-19. A jumper from junior guard Josh Cummings--playing in his first game of the season after serving an academic suspension on a rule imposed by head coach Clifford Reed, Jr., gave the Wildcats their 23-21 advantage at the break.

The `Cats pushed that lead out to as many as four (27-23) on two free throws from Hudson before the homestanding Hatters made a run.

After four (4) more ties in a matter of two minutes on both teams swapping free throws, an A.J. Smith three-point basket from the right elbow allowed the Hatters to go out in at 34-31. Cummings matched that with a three-point basket of his own, but Garfield Blair collected nine of his 11 points in the game during the second half to keep the `Cats at bay.

Missed free throws really hurt the Wildcats of B-CU as they went just 14-for-22 at the foul line. But, the good news is that B-CU committed a season-low seven turnovers in a slower-paced offensive set employed by Coach Reed.

The Hatters also commanded the battle of the board with a 41-20 margin in rebounds. There was one series for Stetson in which they took just under three minutes off the clock with four (4) offensive rebounds. The play was eventually ended with a Sheldon Oliver lay-up.

Stetson led the `Cats by a count of 17-6 in second chance points on the night.

The Hatters were paced by Smith's 21-point outburst, as well as Blair with 11 of his own. Oliver added 11 rebounds in a game-high effort in that category.

B-CU was charged by Hudson's 12 points. He was backed up nicely by Cummings and Pettus with 10 points each, respectively. Hudson added a team-high six rebounds as well.

Bethune-Cookman will look once again to break into the scoring column when they host Edward Waters on Nov. 29 at 7 p.m. inside Moore Gymnasium. For ticket information, please call the B-CU Ticket Office at (386) 481-2292.