DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. – Alex Smith double-doubled for the second straight game, but Bethune-Cookman dropped a 67-51 decision to Youngstown State Friday night in historic Moore Gym.

The Penguins (7-5) used a 30-11 rebounding advantage in the opening 20 minutes to build an early 31-16 lead. The Wildcats closed to 33-21 at halftime.

In the second half, Bethune-Cookman (5-9) got within 48-43 on a Malik Jackson lay-up with 9:50 remaining but could pull no closer.

Smith finished with 13 points and 10 rebounds for his third double-double of the year. Adrien Coleman was the only other Wildcat in double-figures with a game-high 17.

Kendrick Perry led four Youngstown State players in double figures with 15. Bobby Hain added 14, while Damian Eargle (13 points, 11 rebounds) and Blake Allen (12 points, 10 rebounds) each posted a double-double.

Bethune-Cookman returns to action January 7 at LSU.

HEAD COACH GRAVELLE CRAIG

"We played soft. Changes need to be made. We're not competing at a high level. I'm not going to sugar coat it ... [YSU] kicked our butts on the glass."

"Alex Smith is getting better. "

"We have to keep pushing forward."

NOTES: Ricky Johnson hit B-CU's only three-pointers, both of which helped the Wildcats close to eight points … Paul Scotland added seven points Smith matched his season-high of four blocks … The Wildcats' free throw percentage (.385) was a season-low. Youngstown State finished with a 50-32 advantage on the boards … The Penguins were the second Horizon League team the Wildcats have met this season; B-CU played Valparaiso last month… B-CU finished December 3-4.