DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. – Malik Jackson scored a career-high 20
points, and Kevin Dukes had 19 points and nine assists as Bethune-Cookman
defeated North Carolina A&T 72-60 Saturday in historic Moore Gymnasium.
The Wildcats (6-11 overall, 1-1 Mid-Eastern Athletic
Conference) snapped a three-game losing streak while extending two streaks
involving the Aggies: This was the Wildcats fifth consecutive victory over
North Carolina A&T (7-10,0-2) and 16th straight in Daytona Beach
dating back to 1995.
The Aggies led 49-43 with 13:34 remaining, but B-CU came
back to take leads of 51-49 on a Dukes three-pointer, 53-52 on an Alex Smith dunk and 56-54 on a
Jackson three-pointer with 6:43 left.
Lamont Middleton tied it at 56-56 on a lay-up with 5:55
left, but Dukes scored the first five points of a 15-1 run that helped the
Wildcats pull awat.
Jackson, who had 14
first-half points, made six of his eight three-point attempts and also
contributed six rebounds.
Dukes continued his success against North Carolina A&T
with his season-high point total in addition to nine assists. The senior was 5-11
from three-point range. In the first half, he scored the final five points to
give the Wildcats a 39-34 halftime lead.
Javoris Bryant (11 rebounds) and Ricky Johnson each added
nine points for the Wildcats, while leading scorer Adrien Coleman was limited
to eight.
Middleton led the Aggies with 25 points, while Bruce
Beckford and Jean Louisme scored 13 and 12, respectively.
The Wildcats host North Carolina Central Monday at 7:30 p.m.
BETHUNE-COOKMAN HEAD COACH GRAVELLE CRAIG
“We made some shots. Twelve of 26 from three-point range is
a great percentage.
“People are going to key on Adrien Coleman, but he can help
us do other things. He's a good passer; he can drive and kick out.
“Malik's been coming along. He's adjusting to Division I
basketball. He's been working hard and he reaped the benefits tonight.
KEVIN DUKES
“We came out with intensity. In the last five minutes, we
came together and buckled down defensively.”
“I'm finding my rhythm again. This is my home floor.
“Why do I play so well against North Carolina A&T. I'm
not sure. It's just the way the game is going.
MALIK JACKSON
“I'm just running the game plan coach set up. You have to
come ready to play every time.”
NOTES: The starting line-up of Coleman,Smith,Johnson, Marc
Mack and Brandon Stewart was B-CU's different combo in as many games and the
fourth different quintet in the last five games. Jackson's six three-pointers matched Dukes'
outing at Kent State for most three-pointers in a game by a B-CU player … Dukes
is averaging 25 points a game in the last three outings against North Carolina
A&T. Bryant had a career-high 11 rebounds … B-CU enjoyed a 42-33 rebounding
advantage, the first time in four games
the Cats have won the board battle … Johnson went 6-6 from and finished with a
season-high nine.
